My first art fair

I decided to do my very first arts & crafts fair with only three weeks to prepare for it! Obviously I had no life and didn't sleep much, since I also have a full-time job and a husband… The first week, I made twenty-five little pamphlet stitch booklets, some plain, some embellished. The second, I made twelve Japanese stab bound books. The third week, I made five hardcover, open spine, french braid-bound books and five hardcover accordian fold books, which I dubbed "brag books."

It was a really great experience, even though I didn't sell very many books. I did sell enough to cover my costs–but just barely! Mainly, I learned how it all works, and what types of venues not to choose. (I think handmade books were a bit too "gourmet" for my run-of-the-mill suburban audience. Maybe if it had been closer to Christmas–or if it hadn't beeen Atlanta's first dry Saturday in weeks! I don't think anyone wanted to be indoors.)

While I didn't make a lot of money, I can't wait to do this again! (My husband is even more enthusiastic about it than I am!) Next time, though, I am definitely leaving myself more time!