Diary of a Handmade Vendor

As I prepare for the fall craft fair I try to remain optimistic and hopeful that this will be the one. This is where someone will buy a piece of my art and excitedly tell their friends. Orders will start coming in and then what? 

What am I really doing here? I am so confused. I don’t know how to talk to people. I am not a saleswoman. I don’t want to beg people to buy my art. I don’t want to haggle prices with people. If I am being completely honest, I don’t want to be here at all. It is extremely difficult for me to part with my work. Over the last three years these pieces have been part of my new journey in life. And although you may see it as just a pickle jar painted with a small bouquet of flowers. I promise you that there is a story that goes deeper into those colors that now decorate it into a vase. 

“Your stuff is beautiful.” “Look at how pretty.” “You are so talented.” These are the usual comments I receive when people see my work in person and they are stunning. I say, “The plant hanger that caught your eye is one of my favorites. This one is made from 5 necklaces found at White Dove Thrift Store and the proceeds go back to Hospice of the Valley. The blue and peach beads are called Krobo. Krobo is made from recycled bottle glass in Africa. They nod and then usually walk away. Thanks for stopping by. To be honest, I am not suppose to be here? 

“You need to increase your prices to show your worth.” “Your prices are too high.” “Do you have a website?” “Do you have an Etsy page?” “You need to get a You tube channel.” “You are on social media, right?” “You have to post on social media every day.” “When are you going start selling your stuff?” To be honest, I shouldn’t be here. I don’t know how to do any of this. It is all new to me. 

I was a Labor and Delivery nurse for 20 years. I helped bring life into the world. I was once looked at as a hero (not a title I liked) and thanked endlessly for my service. I was hugged by families, respected by colleagues and felt my purpose. On February 5, 2022 I was injured in a freak accident that caused loss of feeling in my hand and an incurable chronic illness, loss of career, and identity. 

To be honest, I absolutely should be here. 

Thank you. Hope you have a beautiful day. 

With love and gratitude, Christine