I’m not someone who has dedicated her life to making things to sell to other people. Usually the things I make are for me or those close to me. I’ve worked food service – a humbling experience that pretty much everyone should do – and retail – a constant test of your memory and patience. The closest I’ve come to making things for money was working in Western Washington University’s costume shop under Gregory Lawrence Pulver who was one of those people that you just wanted to be best friends with – especially as a terrified freshman.
After my third year at a local church’s craft bazaar with a good friend of mine I feel a little more like a pro. In fact, I felt so confident that I joined another craft fair the weekend after my usual church gym appointment.
(photos by Danae Horst)
While not as profitable as last year I feel like I learn something new every time I do this sort of thing. I see new display ideas, hear a bit more about what people want, what they’ll spend, how to get their attention and I meet more fantastic and creative people to network with each time. Is it worth the near nervous breakdown that happens each year? Sure! (But maybe I can say that just because they’re over…)
poster by artist Chelsea Godwin
At Crafty Britches here in Yakima, I met Danae Horst who seemed to have a mind-blowing amount of information for little ol’ me. I tried to keep up and soak in as much as I could. Her good friend, and my new friend, Melissa Lee got Crafty Britches together with a bit of help from my very good friend Chelsea Godwin. All these ladies have great ideas and managed to gather a fun set of folks from their lists of friends, neighbors and family. It was a perfect example of community effort.
It warmed my heart to know that we were all trying to do what we love and make a little extra from doing it. But it seemed more wonderful when we reached the final hours of day two of Crafty Britches and began to trade. A scarf for a vintage style necklace, a whimsical hair pin for a felt mustache, a lovely cutting board for a sewing kit and an owl. Let’s just say, I made out! (They did too because my stuff is top notch!)
It seemed so old-fashioned to trade something loved for something loved, but I ask myself, why does it have to be old-fashioned? After having the jobs I’ve had I try to give people the benefit of the doubt when it comes to attitude and friendliness.
My father was a salesman (still is, in a way!) and he always worked hard to get someone to talk about themselves, to get them to blush or laugh, to let them know that he appreciated all the help they were giving. And I try to do that myself. I see a checkout girl that looks like she couldn’t care less and think, I’ll bet that what looks like apathy is really exhaustion or frustration. And so I smile and I comment on how many days/hours ’til the weekend or make a joke about what I’m getting (“I had the biggest craving for tomato soup and ice cream!”). I see my sister, a therapist, doing the same thing and the results of her sympathy usually make her a temporary good friend.
So I open the floor to you! I would love to hear what it is that makes you feel good at your job or when you go out. What do people do that make it seem like you’ve stepped back in time to a small town where people are laid back and where if you ask for directions not only will they tell you how to get there they’ll invite you in for a glass of lemonade and then drive you themselves!
Please visit these lovely, hard-working ladies:
Currently reading:
“Heaven to Betsy & Betsy in Spite of Herself”
Such a wonderful, old series of books that makes life in those times seem idyllic. I suppose it must have been like a “Sweet Valley High” for the times but I’m a softie for anything old-fashioned, innocent and charming. It makes my heart feel calm – especially at this crazy time of year!
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lovely entry ms. mimi. Love the photos taken of your owl and owls. I will have to show you my owls( well they were your owls but now they are my owls) they are adorable . JB