All My Eggs

So, recently I have been trying to figure out which holiday shows to do. There are so many! From the craft shows at my kids schools to indie holiday markets in San Francisco, and everything in between. 

I have done all types of shows and love them all. They give me a chance to meet my customers, get feedback on what I am doing, and mingle with other artists (which is totally inspirational). 

Anyway, I finally decided that I would put all of my eggs in one basket and focus solely on one big show. The biggest indie holiday show in the city. 

So what is this magical show you ask? BAZAAR BIZARRE

Bazaar Bizarre began in 2001 in the Boston-area as an offbeat entertainment extravaganza to showcase the DIY movement and handmade goods. Bazaar Bizarre has spread across the nation to cities such as Los Angeles, Cleveland, Maker Faire Bay Area and Austin. Bazaar Bizarre San Francisco is a Handmade market, Indie entertainment extravaganza and D.I.Y. Festival all under one roof!

But then I ran into a challenge...

Bazaar Bizarre San Francisco will feature over 100 carefully juried artists and designers from across the country. Shoppers can expect to find the crème de la crème of indie goods.


Creme de la creme? Eeeeeek! 
I wasn't sure if I would get chosen. Hundreds of fabulous artists apply, and only 150 are chosen. So, I focused all of my attention, good thoughts and energy towards Bazaar Bizarre...
And guess what!??!!!?
I got an email last night as my tired head was about to hit my pillow...

Dear Applicant,

We are happy to tell you that you have been accepted into the Bazaar Bizarre! We received hundreds of applications for this event and only had 150 spaces to fill. You were carefully picked by our guest judge panel to ensure a high quality handmade show!

Congratulations again,

Bazaar Bizarre San Francisco

here are some fun photos from shows in the past

*birth and baby fair

*renegade

*handmade ho-down

*indie mart

*handmade hoedown (me and my boothie) 

*pink parlour festival

*pink parlour festival (and funny faces)

WOOOO HOOOO! I'd better get all of your orders stitched up and then get stitching for the show!!! 

Show Season

So today I have the pleasure of reading over 20 emails sent to me by show coordinators. I have to read all of the details, sort them by location, popularity, cost, size of booth, etc...

There are baby fairs, art-walks, expecting mom expos, gift shows, school craft fairs, farmers markets, indie shows and festivals.

How do I choose!?! Sometimes I wish that I was a traveling artist, that I could go show to show, live in an RV and sew with my husband at the wheel.

Two years ago, I vowed to do one show a month. It was so exhilarating! Sleep was unheard of, my stress level was through the roof, and I felt like my life was falling to pieces... but I did enjoy getting out there, meeting my fans, knowing what Small Threads customers want, hearing useful feedback, mingling with artists, being outdoors and feeling the rush when my tent would be swarming with people.

I will let you know what I decide. :]

Spooky Threads

(see my little logo)

come see me for some treats

Pea in the Pod

I did a really fun "meet the artist" sample show at Pea in the Pod in Walnut Creek a bit ago. I had a great time and was able to make some great contacts. Thanks to all who came out to see me and order some goods. I met a fantastic photographer that I am collaborating with, I am so excited to launch new photos for the site.

My fingers are literally bleeding...

as I retire for the night, I can only dream of stitches. 

I am preparing for the Renegade Craft Fair in San Francisco, July 18+19th. It was a juried event and I was chosen. 

While this is exciting, it is also very stressful. I am so thankful for my husband, the full time Dad lately, I couldn't do it without his support (and occasional needle threading). 

So I am off to sleep as I am preparing for the show with absolutely no caffeine, we will see if this changes as the date approaches. 

Here I am on the Artist list... it's quite official now, eek!

Telegraph Round 2

Last weekend at the Telegraph Ave Holiday Street Fair ROCKED! I sat through 8 hours of 42 degree weather in the pouring rain and customers still made it totally worth my while! Thanks Small Threads Fans, I love you! Come see me again Dec. 20th and 21st, I have been working like crazy. 

Octo-Claus will be there, you can't sit on his lap, but you can whisper your Christmas wish into his tiny octopus ear.

Start Off...

... the Season RIGHT! Come to the TELEGRAPH AVE HOLIDAY STREET FAIR! 

I will be there ALL 6 DAYS!

December 13th, 14th, 20th, 21st, 23rd and 24th.

Top Ten Reasons to shop Small Threads on Telegraph in Berkeley

10. handmade gifts are always better

9. sweatshop-free baby clothing is hard to find

8. mustaches

7. meet me, Mandy, the creator!

6. buy unreleased creations. (some I will never be inspired to make again)

5. there will be Candy 

4. all your shopping needs will be in one location

3. Fat Slice Pizza!

2. pick up items that your little guy loves as much as you do (as seen in photo below)

1. Small Threads is FANTASTIC!

Come See Me!

I will be way up in Sonoma, Ca tomorrow for The Sonoma Artisan Holiday Craft Faire.

Noon - 5pm

126 First St. West

Sonoma, Ca

Mention this blog and get a free pair of Skivvies with any tee or onesie purchase. (while supplies last)

Success!

Indie-Mart R O C K E D !

Thank you to all of the Small Threads fans that came, said hello, made a purchase or signed the guest book. You are all fabulous!

Meet the Maker

10 reasons why you should come to the indie mart fall street fair

1. see mustaches galore

2. eat yummy foods and beverages

3. meet me, the creator of Small Threads clothing

4. listen to dazzling bands 

5. be the first to see and buy my new designs

6. be a part of the event that was 2008 Best of the Bay Winner: 

Best Nomadic Hipster Boutique & Party

7. mingle with the coolest cats around

8. do something other than host insect wars

9. get your holiday shopping under way

10. purchase from me so that all of my work is not in vain

Upcoming Events...

I thought that it may be a good idea to let everyone know of my upcoming shows. I am excited to announce the following events where you can find my goods:

Indie Mart Fall Street Fair

Sonoma Valley Holiday Artisan Faire

Telegraph Ave Holiday Street Fair 

Come and say Hello and get your shop on!