RagsReborn Gifts - Fall/Holiday Craft Show Schedule

 

Hello, all! 👋 I will be participating in a few craft shows this season. Yay! 🙌 Normally, I would encourage everyone to come out and say hello ... but I would rather everyone engage as their comfort level allows. 

If you want to shop in person, I'll be at four awesome local craft shows. 

If you would rather shop online, I am leaving my Etsy shop open during craft show season. My plan is to delete products as they are sold at shows and add new products as I sew them. Please be patient.

If you want to shop in person, but not with crowds, I plan to post product pictures on my social media pages and offer curbside pickup from my place of employment. I'm also debating on doing a Facebook Live type shopping event. Right now I'm leaning toward no, but I will let you know if I change my mind.

Anyway, here are the shows:

Piedmont Founders Day Saturday, September 11, 2021, 9am - 4pm First Baptist Church 15 Jackson Ave NW, Piedmont, OK 73078

This is a super fun family event. There will be a good variety of vendors but I think the main event is the activities for kids. This event is held in conjunction with Junklahoma outdoors.

Prairie Moon Market Saturday, October 2, 2021, 9am - 3pm Prairie Moon Primitives 13256 Lake Road Ave, Wayne, OK 73095

Wayne is only about an hour away from Oklahoma City and well worth the drive. Prairie Moon Primitives is a family-owned wool & embroidery shop. They have the cutest patterns, beautiful hand-dyed wool and also a small quilt shop. There will only be a small handful of vendors at this event but EVERYTHING is handmade... like really legitimately handmade. 😍 No boutiques, no basic candles or jewelry, no boring clothing.

The Santa Market Friday & Saturday, November 19 - 20, 2021, 9am - 4pm State Fair Park's Pavilion and Centennial Buildings 3212 Wichita Walk, Oklahoma City, OK 73107
The Santa Market continues to be the most prestigious show that I participate in. If you want a large variety of vendors including handmade crafts, boutiques and direct sales products, I would highly suggest attending this show. There will be pandemic precautions and social distancing regulations.

Jingle Jam Market Saturday, December 4, 2021, 9am - 3pm Piedmont Intermediate School 977 Washington Ave, Piedmont, OK 73078 This will be my first time participating in this show so I don't have any input. I have spoken with other vendors and they speak highly of it. This event will host handmade crafters, boutiques and direct sales.

As of today, the craft shows listed in the flyer above are all still happening. If any postponements or cancellations come up, I will post updates on my social media pages (Facebook and Instagram). Custom orders are always welcome, too, just email me at ragsreborngifts@gmail.com. Thanks a bunch!

Wes & Erica go to Tampa, FL, part 2

December was a trying month (but we don't need to talk about that..), regardless, I am determined to travel on my birthday no matter what, and I wanted to celebrate another completed craft show season, so off to Florida we went!! 🌞 I think we did a little less than we usually do when we travel but we both still enjoyed the trip. We only went to three activities -

Coppertail Brewing Night Market-
Coppertail is a local brewery in Ybor, FL. Every second Friday evening, the brewery opens its back parking lot to crafters and artisans for a night market. This was a really fun event with good customer turnout, Oklahoma breweries take note (and allow RagsReborn to be a vendor 😉). There was a good variety of vendors--about 30-40 of them--and they were all handmade. The weather was amazing - 70℉, cool with no wind. The only weird thing was that not many of the vendors were selling Florida themed stuff. I was surprised there wasn't any tshirts, stickers or any of the other usual crafty items with the state outline of Florida printed on them. There was a local rescue there with a litter of eight-week old boxer/German shepherd puppies. They were so cute in their Christmas bandannas! There was only one food truck at the market (they preferred that everyone eat in the taproom but it was PACKED and I was too hungry to wait in line). The food truck was a pizza one. They made our pizzas to order in a little portable brick oven. We ordered a margherita pizza but it didn't have basil. I instantly didn't like it for that reason, that and the crust was burnt. We also got beers (of course, we were at a brewery!). Wes ordered a Day Swim, a coffee & vanilla porter that was pretty good and tasted as expected. I got the Florida Special, which was just your average blonde beer. Nothing special about the beers but the night market was worth going to.

Tampa Art Museum-
The art museum was pretty good but also really small. It was only one floor and we went through it all in about an hour. The gift shop was bigger and had more interesting stuff than the museum did. LOL Wes really liked the Greek & Roman vessels and other statuettes (above). He liked the use of the color black in the artifacts. My favorite thing at the museum was the mummy. Well, it was only a sarcophagus. When the explorers found it, there was no mummy inside. I think if there is a mummy in a museum, it will always be my favorite part of the museum. The drawings on the sarcophagus were really detailed and told an intricate story but I've forgotten it now.

The special exhibit at the museum was a collection of Haitian voodoo flags. They were much more colorful and bejeweled than I thought they'd be (but I know literally nothing about Haitian culture or voodoo so who am I to judge). All of the flags were decorated using either beads or sequins. Many of them depicted St. Jacques who was the leader of the Haitian revolution.

The Florida Aquarium-
The aquarium was amazing and completely worth going to if you ever are in Tampa. The place was gigantic with eight different areas to explore. There was a really good variety of animals and sea life to view. We started in the wetlands section and wandered all the way through to the "Dragons of the Sea" section (my favorite), we skipped the splash pad and 4-D movie theater even though they were included in our ticket. We saw everything from birds to jelly fish to lemurs to lobsters. The wetlands section had all of the birds flying free instead of in cages, which I thought was rad even if we got splashed by a hooded merganser duck several times (like literally each time he swam by us) and almost got shat on by a roseate spoonbill bird. LOL Wes's favorite animal - the snowy egret bird - was in the wetlands, too.

A lot of the exhibits were interactive. I got to "pet" a jelly fish, star fish and a sea anemone. I would have also touched a stingray but he didn't swim close enough to me. An aquarium worker randomly brought out a penguin for us to see (but not touch). The aquarium has a few penguins but they aren't on display, yet. They live in the back for now. My favorite creature (and probably my new favorite animal, sorry okapi) was the leafy seadragon. This thing looks insane and astounding at the same time. It was a medium sized seahorse with branches growing out of it! Just look at it!! Extraordinary!

So that's a wrap for Tampa. If you go, try to go on the second Friday of the month so you can visit the night market. Plan to spend several hours at the aquarium (we probably spent 3-4 hours there). We went on a Monday so it wasn't crowded. You can probably skip the art museum. I didn't mention it but we also took a stroll along the Riverwalk. It was a nice two-mile walk. You start at the art museum and end up at Armatage Works. We spent a day in St. Petersburg as well, more on that next week!

RagsReborn Gift's holiday craft show schedule!

CRAFT SHOWS! 💗
       😀CRAFT SHOWS!
              CRAFT SHOWS!😍
If you like getting your Christmas shopping done at craft shows, boy do I have a treat for you! My craft show schedule for November & December is jam packed and I tried my best to pick shows that focus on handmade products and local artisans. Here's the full list -

Holiday Handmade Show
Saturday November 2, 2019
9am-4pm
The Crown Center: 13300 S. Western Ave., Oklahoma City, OK 73170
https://www.facebook.com/events/267397570846124/

Holiday Craft Bazaar
Saturday November 9, 2019
9am-3pm
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church: 308 NW 164th, Edmond, OK 73013
https://www.facebook.com/events/367932734092239/

Jasco Merry Market
Friday November 15, 2019
11am-3pm
Jasco Products: 10 E. Memorial Road, Oklahoma City, OK 73114
https://www.facebook.com/events/2341213789462887/

Christmas Bazaar
Saturday, November 16, 2019
9am-3pm
Central Presbyterian Church: 5101 N. May Ave., Oklahoma City, OK 73112
https://www.facebook.com/events/2340250966033937/

The Santa Market
Saturday, November 23, 2019
9am-5pm
Oklahoma State Fair, Pavilion Building: 3001 General Pershing Blvd., Oklahoma City, OK 73107
https://www.facebook.com/events/666697790399035/

Fall Bazaar
Monday, November 25, 2019
Tuesday, November 26, 2019
8am-5pm (both days)
Bellevue Health & Rehabilitation: 6500 N. Portland, Oklahoma City, OK 73116
https://www.facebook.com/events/337079760523622/

Sleigh Bells Market
Sunday, December 1, 2019
Noon-5:30pm
Farmers Public Market: 311 S. Klein, Oklahoma City, OK 73108
https://www.facebook.com/events/2015138995189855/

I hope you can make it out to at least one of these shows to support the amazing small business and artisan community here in Oklahoma. There are so many benefits that come along with shopping local. I would go into detail about them all but I have a lot of sewing to do! See you guys soon!

RagsReborn's Fall Craft Show Schedule

Summer break was absolutely delightful (I got so much done around the house, traveled a bit, sewed some garments for myself, and started a garden) but I am READY to get back into regular craft shows. And boy have I booked a crazy busy Fall Craft Show Schedule!! For the first time ever, I am breaking my travel distance rule--which was no craft shows that are more than an hour's drive away from home. Time to break out of my regular shows and try some new ones! Here's the full schedule-

Piedmont Founder's Day
Saturday, September 7, 2019
10am - 4pm
First Baptist Church Piedmont: 15 Jackson Ave NW, Piedmont, OK 73078
https://piedmontokfoundersday.org/

Prairie Moon Market Day
Saturday, September 28, 2019
9am - 4pm
Prairie Moon Primitives: 13256 Lake Road Ave., Wayne, OK 73095
https://www.prairiemoonretreats.com/
       My friends, Brenda & Karen, from my sewing club told me about this show. They will be there, along with some other women in their quilting circle, selling quilted items and quilt-related items (they mentioned sewing themed jewelry, which I'm pretty excited for!)

Rock Island Arts Festival
Friday, October 4, 2019, 10am - 9pm
Saturday, October 5, 2019, 10am - 9pm
Sunday, October 6, 2019, Noon - 4pm
Historic Depot area of downtown Chickasha: 100 East Chickasha Ave., Chickasha, OK 73018
https://www.rockislandartsfestival.org/page/page/8907560.htm
       This is my first ever three-day show and it's going to be outdoors. Please pray for me. 😅 Just kidding. I'm actually really excited for this show. My friends, Paul (Pens and Things) & Melida (Mama Dragon Studios), participate in this show annually and it has become one of their favorites. Every time I vend at a craft show with Paul, he is always telling me how awesome the Rock Island Arts Festival is and how I need to participate in it. So this year, I decided to do it. I'll be in a tent near theirs (and they have the coolest stuff) so come say hello to us!

Saint Ann's Craft Fair & Open House
(open to the public, not just for community residents)
Wednesday, October 23, 2019
10am - 2pm
Saint Ann Retirement Center: 7501 W. Britton Rd., Oklahoma City, OK 73132

OUHSC Staff Senate Fall Craft Fair
(open to the public, not just for OUHSC employees)
Friday, October 25, 2019
10am - 2pm
Robert M Bird Library Lobby: 1105 Stonewall Ave., Oklahoma City, OK 73117

These are just the beginning... I have so much more planned for the months of November and December. Please come out to any (or all 😉) of these shows to support local Oklahoma artists, crafters and small business owners. I appreciate you guys!!

SURPRISE! More craft shows...

I have pillows! I have large stuffed animals! And, I have small stuffed animals (ok, not really small, they're the size I've always offered)!

Guess what, guys? I WILL be having a spring craft show season after all! HOORAY \(^_^)/  As you already knew, Wanderlust Pop-up Shops was my only spring craft show this year and it was cancelled because Oklahoma weather is terrible (100% chance of rain and a high of 40℉ forecast for its previously scheduled date, um... no thanks 👎) The new scheduled date will be Sunday May 5, 2019. While stressing out about Wanderlust, I picked up two more shows, so, you'll have a couple more chances to buy that pillow or stuffed unicorn you've had your eyes on. 😉 I will have ALL of my inventory at these remaining shows (there will be tons of inventory to choose from because I was sewing like a madwoman in preparation for Wanderlust Pop-up Shops)... that means SO MANY pillows, the entire stuffed animal menagerie, plus other fun stuff like tote bags, wall hangings, cell phone and tablet pillows and anything else that is in my crafting closet. This will be my first time participating in these two shows but I've heard good things and I'm sure they will be pretty fantastic.

Arts & Crafts Marketplace

Saturday, April 27, 2019

9am - 3pm

The Station at Moore Central Park, 700 South Broadway Ave., Moore, Oklahoma 73160
https://www.facebook.com/events/2287826001277874/

The "marketplace" will be outdoors on the lawn. I won't have a tent so please pray for good weather. Actually, the event coordinator told me that if it rains, she'll move the entire show indoors so maybe we should all pray for rain. LOL The main goal for this show is to be an artisan marketplace but there will be a handful of direct sales vendors. This show was recommended to me by a fellow crafter, Elizabeth (owner of Zee & Zeus dog treats) so if you come out to see me, please also swing by her booth to pick up some goodies for the fur babies.

I know this is the most generic craft show flyer ever but this is what they posted on their Facebook event page...

Arts & Crafts Fair
Saturday, May 4, 2019
9am - 4pm
American Legion Post 12 - Bethany/Warr Acres, 6101 NW 50th Street, Warr Acres, OK 73122
https://www.facebook.com/events/2348265302058651/

This will be a true craft fair; only handmade items and no direct sales! The craft fair will be held in conjunction with the lodge's annual pancake breakfast (which starts at 7am... vendors are allowed to start selling at 7am but I won't be there until 9am). Breakfast and shopping all in one go! What more can you ask for?

Wanderlust Pop-Up Shops
Sunday, May 5, 2019
10am - 6pm
Wheeler Ferris Wheel, 1701 S. Western Ave., Oklahoma City, OK 73109
https://www.facebook.com/events/284402045529166/

I hope you guys can make it out to the rescheduled Wanderlust. I know its on a Sunday, which can be a little inconvenient but I promise it'll be worth your while to come out. It's all local, handmade, Oklahoma artisans!! There will also be food trucks and kids' activities. And, it will be my last craft show before summer break (no shows for the rest of May, and all of June thru September).

RagsReborn's Holiday Craft Show Schedule

No need to stress out about gift giving this year... do all your shopping at craft shows!! 

We've made it through October and now the holidays are upon us. It's time for my annual plea for everyone to shop local. As artisans, we devote so much time, resources and energy into crafting a unique handmade product that we are proud of. Although it might be quicker or cheaper to buy all your gifts on Amazon or at Wal-Mart, I really want to encourage you to support local small businesses. I have five spectacular Christmas-themed craft shows for you to check out. And if you want a custom order, please contact me at ragsreborngifts@gmail.com and @RagsRebornGifts through all forms of social media.

The Handmade Show
Saturday, November 3, 2018
9am - 4 pm
The Crown Center
13300 S. Western Ave., Oklahoma City, OK 73170
https://www.facebook.com/events/1694611277241281/ 

The Santa Market
Friday, November 16, 2018
5pm - 9pm
Saturday, November 17, 2018
9am - 5pm
Edmond Community Center
28 E. Main, Edmond, OK 73034
https://www.facebook.com/events/1768096889875914/

Jasco Merry Market
Friday, November 30, 2018
11am - 3pm
Jasco Products
10 E. Memorial Rd., Oklahoma City, OK 73114
https://www.facebook.com/events/442100122967689/

Sleigh Bells Market
Sunday, December 2, 2018
Noon - 5:30pm
Farmers Public Market
311 N. Klein Ave., Oklahoma City, OK 73108
https://www.facebook.com/events/218957648645815/

Christmas Bazaar
Saturday, December 8, 2018
9am - 3pm
Central Presbyterian Church
5101 N. May Ave., Oklahoma City, OK 73112
https://www.facebook.com/events/283025395755159/

I've participated in all of these shows before and I can say that they are all great! If you're looking for handmade products, I'd suggest The Handmade Show and Sleigh Bells Market, as those two exclusively allow artisans. If you like a mix of everything (and I mean everything), The Santa Market is for you. The Merry Market and Christmas Bazaar are smaller shows but also have good variety in terms of handmade crafts and direct sales products. Most of these shows serve breakfast & lunch and have activities for children so they're a perfect way to have some family fun as well as getting your Christmas shopping done. I hope to see you soon! 🎄🎅🤶

RagsReborn's Fall Craft Show Schedule

Hello, everyone!! 😃
       Two things... 1. It's craft show season again! 😁 and 2. I just discovered how to add emojis on Blogger. Welcome to 2018, Erica.

I am pretty excited to get back into craft shows again. I've actually had an extremely light craft show schedule this year-- only two shows this past spring and four shows in the summer-- so I'm bit out of practice. But, I've been brainstorming new products and have been working on a couple of new things in my sewing room for you guys. I have finalized five shows for the fall season (September & October) and four for the holiday season (November & December). I'm thinking about maybe doing one more in either November or December but I'm not entirely sure, yet. Part of me likes doing fewer shows but the other part of me knows I need to get out there and hustle. Anyway... here is my fall craft show schedule:

Piedmont Founder's Day
First Baptist Church of Piedmont
15 Jackson Ave NW
Piedmont, OK 73078
(I'll be in booth #23)
Saturday September 8, 2018
10am - 4pm
https://www.facebook.com/evvents/358122104666893/ and https://piedmontokfoundersday.org/

Purchases for a Purpose Craft & Vendor Market
(in conjunction with the Czech Festival in Yukon)
First Baptist Church of Yukon
15 S. 6th Street
Yukon, OK 73099
Saturday October 6, 2018
9am - 3pm

University of Oklahoma's Health Sciences Center Fall Craft Fair
Robert M. Bird Library Lobby
1105 Stonewall Ave (on the corner of 10th & Stonewall)
Oklahoma City, OK 73117
Friday October 12, 2018
10am - 2pm
I missed the OUHSC Spring Craft Fair so I'm extra excited to be returning for their fall one. I'll be debuting some new products at this show so you won't want to miss it!

Craft Fair
Quail Springs United Methodist Church
14617 N. Pennsylvania Ave.
Oklahoma City, OK 73134
Saturday October 13, 2018
9am - 3pm

Fall Craft Fair
St. Ann Retirement Center
7501 W. Briton Road
Oklahoma City, OK 73132
Wednesday October 17, 2018
10am - 2pm
I know most of you don't fancy spending your day at a retirement center but this is such a good show! I've participated in it annually since RagsReborn's inception. Maria, the retirement community's event coordinator really does a splendid job. And, this show is on the same day as St. Ann's open house. I took a tour the first year I participated and I'm pretty sure I'm moving in here when I become old & frail.

I guess I'm returning to my roots by doing these smaller "church shows." The venues may be small but I promise they are definitely worth coming out to (two of them are in connection with awesome family friendly events... Piedmont Founder's Day and Czech Fest!). And I'm not just saying that because I'll be selling there. 😉 LOL In all honesty, I would really appreciate the support because 1. I haven't done a show in a while and the last one I participated in in August went terribly, 2. three out of the five of my fall shows will be new ones for me (oh, the nervousness of doing a show for the first time!) , and 3. I recently applied to have my products sold at a local shop and got immediately rejected. I really hope you guys can come out and lift a girl up, I would REALLY appreciate it!  And its always a good idea to support local!!

Summer craft shows are done...

... and RagsReborn is officially on break! I am still accepting custom orders (as always) but I won't be participating in any more events until fall craft shows start. I had a pretty good summer craft show season. I participated in the Friends of the Library Book Sale at the Newcastle Public Library, Wanderlust Pop-up Shops at the Wheeler Ferris Wheel and the Made in Oklahoma Fest in Midwest City.

I didn't expect too much in the way of sales for the Friends of the Library Book Sale because the main event was the book sale. The local crafters and vendors were an afterthought. I was placed in a back corner but I was still able to make a handful of transactions. Even if I didn't, I would have been  happy to participate because I love libraries and their cause. I had a couple of vendor friends also participating so it was nice to spend the day with them. The event coordinator was top-notch!  She and her daughter helped me unload on set-up day and checked on me throughout the entire duration of the show. At the end of the show, she--along with her daughter and son--followed me to my car to help me pack up without me even asking them to. All of the other volunteers treated the vendors with much respect and I could tell that they truly appreciated us ... and sometimes that is more important that making sales.

The complete opposite happened at the Made in Oklahoma Fest. Sales were decent but the event's staff was absolutely horrible! The festival had been managed by the same woman for the past six or seven years. I had corresponded with her before I sent in my registration & fees and she was great. About a month before the event, it was announced that she was moving on to another job and the festival would be run by a handful of newcomers. Then about two weeks before the event, all of the vendors received an email with a map detailing everyone's placement. I was placed outside of the vendor area in the back corner of the foyer with the advertising sponsors. I found this very disconcerting since none of the other vendors were placed there. I figured that the main ballroom was probably full and they had to move someone out, but why my booth? I double checked my application to make sure that I had done everything that I was supposed to. Hoping this was a simple mistake, I emailed the new festival coordinators and politely asked for this to be corrected. No response. This was on Monday June 4th. The festival was to be held on Saturday June 16th. I gave it a few days and called the festival coordinators on Thursday June 7th, left a voicemail, no response. Then I called again Friday June 8th, left a voicemail, no response. Finally, on Monday June 11, I received an email that simply stated, here is the new map. No formalities or apologies.  I felt a little disrespected but was glad that I was in the main ballroom with the other vendors.

Vendors were advised to set up on Friday evening since it would be too chaotic the morning of the festival. When Wes & I got to the Reed Conference Center, there were no signs, no event staff, no maps. Luckily, Wes had attended events at the venue before so he knew where to park, where the elevators were, etc. Every show that I have participated in, from small church shows to large renown events, has a check in table with at least one person to show you where your booth is. The Made in Oklahoma Fest did not.  We wandered around the ballroom until I found a table with RagsReborn labeled on it. Then on Saturday, there were supposedly volunteers throughout the day but not a single person checked on me. There was a mother daughter pair that I assumed were volunteers since I saw them walking around the ballroom all day. I once tried to make eye-contact with them because I needed someone to watch my booth while I stepped away. They literally turned around as soon as I  made eye-contact so they could avoid me. None of the event coordinators introduced themselves nor did anyone thank me for my time. The only good thing is that my picture (above) supposedly won one of the photo contest prizes (that I still haven't received, yet). LOL

After that terrible experience, let's spend the last paragraph praising Revolve Productions, Tobi, her mom and her son and the wonderfulness of Wanderlust Pop-up Shops. Wanderlust is held twice a year at the Wheeler Ferris Wheel. The first show is usually in the spring but it was rescheduled to summer due to inclement weather. It was an extremely hot day but well worth it. There were customers all day long, I had friends come out to visit me, my tent neighbors were beyond great and sales were really good as well. I would say that it is one of the top ten most well attended shows in the Oklahoma City metro. The entire staff at Revolve Productions does everything imaginable to run a smooth show, from something as important as advertising to the small thoughtful things like giving vendors bathroom breaks. Although the scale of the show is enormous, Tobi and her staff managed to stop by each vendor tent to chat and thank us for being there. I always have a good show at Wanderlust. It pairs the two most important things - vendor hospitality and above-average sales. I have done a lot of shows as RagsReborn and I can say that only about five other shows are as good as this one.

So that's a wrap. Thank to everyone who came out and supported me. You are amazing per usual. I have some fun ideas for new products in the fall. I'll keep you posted and will post my fall craft show schedule as soon as that line up is finalized.

RagsReborn's summer craft show schedule.

I was originally planning on writing about Part 2 of Wes & mine's New Orleans trip tonight but then I realized that I have a craft show coming up. I actually have SEVERAL craft shows coming up so I need to do a craft show schedule post!  You peoples gotta know where I'll be at, right? Of course you do! So here it is, RagsReborn's summer craft show schedule-

Newcastle Friends of the Library Book Sale, Craft Show and Blood Drive
Saturday June 2nd, 2018
9am - 4pm
Newcastle Public Library
705 NW 10th Street, Newcastle, OK 73065
https://www.facebook.com/events/999344373573001/

This will be my first appearance at this show. I don't know much about the event but I do know that I love books and I love libraries so I'm pumped to be a vendor supporting this cause. The first one hundred shoppers will receive a free swag bag with goodies from many of the vendors. And the books from the library are being sold by the bag-load. You can fill an entire bag full of books for only $5! I have a feeling I'll be checking out the book sale more than being present at my booth. LOL Does anyone else have this issue when they're vending at shows? Where you're too busy looking and shopping at other vendors' booths so you're constantly away from your own booth? I'm hoping its not just me. Haha!

Wanderlust Pop-Up Shops Spring/Summer 2018
Sunday June 10th, 2018
10am - 6pm
Wheeler Ferris Wheel
1701 S. Western Ave., Oklahoma City, OK 73109
https://www.facebook.com/events/2040947109520102/

Wanderlust is back, y'all!!! Yippee! Crazy winter weather prevented the show from happening in April but now it's June and the weather is nice and sunny! This event has been moved to a Sunday (its traditionally been held on Saturdays). I am so excited to participate as a vendor with Revolve Productions again. Tobi puts on the best shows. There will be a wide variety of local makers and artists, including my friends, Paul (Pens & Things) & Melida (Mama Dragon Studios), who make fancy ink pens and steampunk jewelry, and my friend Elizabeth (Zee & Zeus Dog Treats), who makes gluten free & organic dog treats. My booth should be sandwiched between theirs. There will also be food trucks, events for children, pet friendly, and the list goes on. If you only go to one of RagsReborn's show, I highly suggest this one.

Made in Oklahoma Fest
Saturday June 16th, 2018
10am - 6pm
Sheraton Midwest City Hotel at the Reed Conference Center
5750 Will Rogers Road, Midwest City, OK 73110
https://www.facebook.com/events/1630004580403449/

This is my first time participating in this event and I hear it's a good one. I believe this will be the seventh year for this event and it keeps growing each year. There will be both indoor and outdoor vendors so expect a good variety of products. Aside from merchandise vendors, there will be local wineries, craft beers, and food vendors (which is probably what I'm most excited about!) This will be my last show of the summer season. I'm not sure how it happened but I scheduled my entire summer craft show schedule in one month! June is going to be a busy one! After these three shows, I'll be taking a break until September. I hope to see you soon!

RagsReborn's spring craft show recap

My booth at the heARTs of Yukon show. 

Can you believe that we are a quarter of the way through 2018?? Time is sure flying! I had an extremely light spring craft show season - only two shows! Over all, each of the shows was great in its own way. Here is a breakdown of the shows and their pros & cons.

D.U.C.K Week Junk Show 2018 booth display

D.U.C.K Week Junk Show - I love that Piedmont High School puts on this annual show as part of their D.U.C.K (Doing Unselfish Charity for Kids) Week festivities. Helping to pay for the recipient's medical bills and to take a load off of the family's stress is a great cause! The show is always heavily advertised and therefore, well attended. This year was no different. There was consistent traffic all day ... but hardly anyone was shopping. *sad face* My personal sales were down from the previous two years and after talking to several other vendors, I discovered that they weren't selling as much, either. So it seemed as if everyone was a little short on cash. I can't place any blame on the show for that, but a complaint that I can discuss is how the show was run.

The show coordinator and her staff decided how vendors are treated based on personal relationships rather than quality of product. Leading up to the show, they asked for each vendor to upload some pictures of their inventory as well as provide a website link. The event staff spotlighted several vendors on social media but there were many others who provided pictures and links and were not advertised. On the day of the show, I noticed that the majority of the vendors who received social media exposure were also the ones rubbing elbows with the event staff. More pictures of vendor booths were taken throughout the day, and again, the vendors who were highlighted were the same ones who received the previous social media attention. There were many amazing vendors who's products were not photographed or promoted throughout the day. I also think that the arrangement of booths is also decided on a friendly basis. Part of me knows that sometimes you have be to a brown-noser in order to be successful but part of me also thinks its unfair.

Children's book author, Carly Cartmill. I absolutely LOVE participating in craft shows with her!

heARTs of Yukon - I started my craft show career doing small church shows. I've mostly moved away from those but I still do a few here and there. This show was put on by the United Methodist Church as a fundraiser but it was far from small... it was held in several large rooms and in hallways throughout the church building. I was pleasantly surprised by the number of vendors & the variety of items for sale, and I was also pleased that it was not saturated with direct sales/multi-level marketing companies.

The show was organized well and, best of all for me, I was placed next to one of my very best craft show pals! Attendance was not as high as a large event but there was a decent amount of customers (maybe 150 people came throughout the entire day). That is to be expected for a smaller show. Many church shows are put on as a fundraiser so they do not have a large budget for advertising. Since booth rent is usually under $50, vendors get what they paid for in terms of event coordination and promotion. I think for a church show, this one was above average.

Wanderlust Pop-up Shops - I live in Oklahoma where the weather is oftentimes crazy and always unpredictable. This event was originally scheduled for mid-April and it was supposed to be a nice spring day. Nope. On the morning of the show, it was about 30 degrees Fahrenheit and extremely windy. The forecast called for 30 - 40 mile per hour wind gusts throughout the day and a high of only 50 degrees. This is not good news for an outdoor show. Luckily for us vendors, the event is being rescheduled. It will now be held on Sunday June 10th, 2018. Mark your calendars!!

I have not planned my summer craft show schedule, yet. I need focus on custom orders (I have a few piled up that I must get started on!) While I won't be doing a lot of shows throughout the summer months, I will do at least one or two. I plan to hit the craft show circuit hard this fall and holiday seasons. Bye for now and I'll see all of you in a few months!