The Scoop

So, Friday December 5th after much preparation, trepidation and consumption of antacids, I set out- in comfortable shoes and accompanied by the way more personable Favorite Guy, on my first craft fair adventure. It was great!

The event was well organized. Yay for organization because, slipshod planning makes me all sorts of anxious and angry. I was in good company, Etsy neighbors to the far left, immediate and far right of me. Yay Etsians! And, a host of stylish patrons with soothing, peaceful energy. There was one duo of diabolical seniors; clawing haphazardly at my wares, never acknowledging my presence or my fake but, warm greeting. I employed my magical anti-curmudgeon empathic powers (To the untrained eye this looks like a sideways glance and a clenched jaw.) and, they scurried away. Favorite Guy and I shared a giggle and soon after their presence was awash by a new group of pleasantly peaceful patrons.

The standout, take home, big deal of the day was how well my work was received. The only caveat of internet sales is the sterile relationship between the artist and the wearer/buyer of your work. It was so interesting and inspiring to sit back, watch and listen to the reviews and reviewers of my work. This is so refreshing for someone like me, who relies so heavily on observation, rhythms and energy. My customers were teens, tweens, moms and grandmothers. They were gay, straight, alone and in groups, lovers and friends, coworkers and others. And they were all gettin' Pretty in Peace. Now that is just awe inspiring, and certainly an incentive to continue doing what I do.

There were no mishaps. I know, I'm shocked as well. Generally, where there is Tameka and a party of more than four humans, there is a heightened threat of terror and turmoil, but not here. In fact, the event host and owner of Frances Vintage came by at the end to tell me of the rave reviews she'd heard about me and my work. She in turn, took more inventory for her shop. All. Good. Things.

Is this the beginning of a new junket into the craft fairs circuit? Absolutely not. While I'm grateful for the success of the overall experience, the end doesn't justify the means. Much like the visionary behind the vision, Pretty in Peace is at its prettiest in peace. That means, right here in the kitchen, with the cats, drinking coffee and listening to the familiar sounds of home.

PS. Monday morning, while still in a state of recovery I received an e-mail from Minerva O. My Bourdon bracelet was featured in the Spinning Wheel blog on AZCentral! More. Good. Things.

Sorry there weren't more pictures of the set-up in detail. By the time I remembered I even had a blog it was too late! Not my preferred pace, that's for sure. Oh yeah...and I'm not sure if I'm back yet...this is kinda Michael Jordan-ish of me, I know. But, I wanted to post The Scoop. Winks.

Peace