Two months ago I applied, as Collard Green Dogs, to participate in two craft shows - Craft Revival (a Handmade Detroit event) in Ferndale and the MSU Spring Craft Show in East Lansing. About a month ago I found out I was accepted to the former. On Friday, I learned I was accepted to the latter. And now I am totally freaking out.Why am I freaking out? Because now, a month into show #1's preparation, I am fully realizing the incredible amount of work (and up-front monetary investment) that goes into participating. Not only do you have to create enough product to keep your booth full for 1-2 days of selling, you have to plan and create an attractive display, determine and create signage, coordinate credit card processing... Phew!
Having previously applied for, and been rejected by, a Handmade Detroit event, I was thrilled when I was chosen to participate in Craft Revival. They are notoriously difficult to get into, and also notoriously successful. On top of that, the entry fee was only $40, it's indoors, and is only one evening and one full day. Besides the entry fee, I will need to invest in a sign, a $2 door for my collar display, and of course, material fees. I have been busy creating product on the weekends and am feeling moderately prepared.
When I was considering other shows for which to apply, I looked at the Green Street Fair, Berkley Art Bash and MSU Spring Show. The Green Street Fair was three days (requiring a day off) and was the most expensive, and Berkley takes place on baby shower date #1, so MSU was the obvious choice. It's big and busy and vendors usually do fairly well (as reported by craft show mentor Ellembee). I'd done a bit of research and felt confident with my decision to participate.
But since completing my application and submitting my check, I've had bouts of indecision. Even with Mom and Dad's help, making enough product for a large, two-day show requires at least 80 hours of sourcing, prepping and sewing. That's subtracted from the precious little time I have left with best friend Will before our life is a +1. (And from my time for eating, sleeping, exercising, gardening, blogging, redoing a kitchen and doing a baby room.)
So after the acceptance came in Friday, my indecision became a full-torque freak-out. Not only does the MSU show have the potential to be a serious time burglar, it's pricey! There's the $240 entry fee, white tent (with sidewalls) requirement, fuel or overnight accommodation fees . . . I'd have to sell at least $2500 worth of products to make up my monetary and time investment. With no guarantee of that happening, I have a serious decision to make. If I back out, I lose $60. No biggie. But does that make me a quitter? Lazy? Weak?Oh what to do, what to do?
(Honestly, after composing this post, I think I have my answer. The real downside to my decision - having to spend time doing some serious affirmations. Letting go of "doing it all" so I can do what matters, well.)
P.S. The photo of me was taken yesterday as I deconstructed pants. Polyester makes great collar fabric. I'm looking a little worse for the wear, but check out the cleavage. One perk of this baby bump thing...
