Getting Started

It seems like the Lamar Handmade Boutique has been a part of my life for a lot longer than just this past week. Actually, it has been in the back of mind for a long time. For over a year, I have been researching about hosting craft fairs, and I've been attending them for even longer. Making mental notes the whole time I'm there, about what I would do, if I was hosting a craft fair. It may have been fear, or worry, or doubt, that kept me from jumping into this a long time ago, but at last the first steps have been taken, and now, almost immediately I have found myself at a dead run. Most people probably wouldn't share the fact that this is their first time hosting an event like this; but, I am hoping that it will grant me a little understanding.

Getting to work with artisans has already been a very fulfilling experience. There's just something different about people who create. Despite the fact that you may have never met, communicating to another artist is like talking to a family member or an old friend. They're eager to help, and offer words of encouragement. I am especially grateful to those, who have helped me to spread the word about the Boutique: My mom Paula, my sisters Heather and Megan, and my Friend Ann, who is really going above and beyond to help me promote this event, in places where I can't. Thank you, so much.

I actually started contacting potential vendor's six days ago to start filling the 60 booths that I have available. I'm one week a way from my first goal deadline of getting 15 committed vendors. I happily stood, as the 15th customer in line at the Post Office today, knowing that I was over half way to reaching my first goal.

I am collecting for you, websites of some truly talented artists. Some of them will be at the Fall Boutique, and I hope that the rest will choose to participate in future Boutiques, but they are all worthy of your time.

Thanks so much for taking the time to read my blog. I hope that I will have the opportunity to meet you at the Boutique. November 14th, 2009 9 am-7 pm, Lamar Memorial Hall.