Earlier this year, I set my goal to do more in-person fairs and markets.

Be careful what you wish for…because it could totally come true!

By the time this post goes out, I’ll have done 15 shows so far this year.

It may not be a big number for someone else, but around the same time last year, I’d only done 4 shows. FOUR. Whoa.

I’m super grateful that Seattle area offers so many opportunities for independent makers to sell their wares in the community.

I used to dread the craft fairs because it’s SO MUCH work.

I’d have to pack everything up, carry heavy boxes down to the car, fit everything in our tiny Honda Civic, drive, set up (often by myself), take down, carry them back up to the car etc. etc.

Well, it’s still work but as I do more of these events, I’m able to streamline the process a bit more, so it doesn’t take as much time and effort.

And as I do more fairs, I get better at it.

My booth looks a lot better now, and I’m more comfortable selling in person.

(Hint: as soon as I realized the most important thing you do at fairs was to connect with the customers, selling became easier.)

It may be weird to hear an introvert say this, but I come home more energized after a market✨

Sure, I don’t think I can do it every day, and I do need introvert recharge time afterwards.

BUT! Since my love language is words of affirmation, hearing my customers say nice things about my work all day long has such positive effects on my mental health!

And because I’m an introvert and a home body, I tend to stay home a lot if I don’t have a (compelling) reason to go out.

Summer outdoor events get me out more, be more physically active, and that’s giving me more energy, too.

(The other day, my hair stylist commented I’d gotten tanner. Tanner than when I went to Hawaii 😂)

And don’t forget the cute dogs at these events… I love it when people bring their adorable pups to the fairs 🐶💕

😍

So now I crave doing craft fairs and markets. It’s kind of addictive.

If you live in the Seattle area, do come by and say hi at one of these events this summer 👋

– South Lake Union Saturday Market | Saturdays, 7/21 & 8/25

– Fremont Sunday Market | Sundays, 7/22, 7/29, 8/5, 8/19 & 8/26

(*Please note that dates for above two markets are somewhat tentative (for me) – I’ll be there unless it rains or I’m too pooped 💩 Check my Instagram for updates the day of.)

– Tin Umbrella Coffee | My art will be on display and available for purchase during the month of July!

– 9th Annual Redmond Arts Festival | Fri. 7/13, Sat. 7/14 & Sun. 7/15

– 17th Annual Ballard P-Patch Art in the Garden | Sat. 7/28

– Kirkland Summerfest | Fri. 8/1, Sat. 8/11 & Sun. 8/12

You can always check my events page to see the most updated calendar.

Come get a healthy dose of vitamin D, get inspired by the beautiful creations, soak up the good vibes, and just generally have a good time 😊

Hope to see you this summer, friend!

xo