April 29, 2012

Me and The Fancy Flea

I did it, I can cross it off my Bucket list, I have now officially been a vendor...Yea!


Everything was perfect!  The travel, set up, fellow vendors, customers, take down, and even the weather was perfect.  It was a little warm, but I honestly did not notice under the shade of my tent.

My friends Janice, Stephanie, and I got up at 4:30....That would be am YIKKES and drove the truck around the corner from the hotel, unloaded, and set up our booths

Here's The Polka Dot Closet


Here's my friend Janice's booth


The show opened at 9am with 218 vendors 


This cabinet sold for $95 before the show started, pretty funny, the guy I sold it to asked me if that was my best price.....Ah yea, since the show did not even officially open for 15 minutes!


I was using my little pocket camera, so excuse the pictures


This was my table full of small crafting items


I put my fabric flowers on my dress form.  I made my fabric flowers into pins and added vintage bling to the center and sold them for $10 each

The fabric flower tutorial is Here
The dress form tutorial is Here



Well, this looks a little messy, kind of like after a storm my neighbors ran around my yard and gathered my belongings that were salvageable lol!




I thought my booth looked Ok, of course you wish you had a day to set it up, but since you don't, you do the best you can


Oh CRIPES, I hate pictures of myself, but I know as a blogger people like to know who they are reading so, it is with great reservation that  I publish this picture.


I have to say a HUGE HI to all of my blog readers that stopped by.  I don't in any way want to sound like a pompous butt, I just want you to know I was overwhelmed by your kindness, I had readers that brought me gifts and threw out phrases like, inspiration, love your blog, and you encouraged me to start crafting again.   Here's the deal, in my real life I'm just Carol, the lady that likes to craft, but for 7 hours on April 28, 2012 the second anniversary of my first blog post you made me feel like a "Rock Star" and for that, there is not a Thank You large enough!

Happy Crafting!
Carol

My next post I'll share with you fellow vendors booths, what did and didn't sell, and give you an insight into my experience along with the good, the bad, and if would I do it again........Oh yea, this is a cliff hanger if I ever heard one.



96 comments:

farmhouse-story said...

your booth looks so wonderful, and i love the pic of you in your cute apron! so glad everything went smoothly!

Anonymous said...

Been waiting all day to see how it went--just loved it! Patricia

Betsy@My Salvaged Treasures said...

Your booth looks perfect! What a cute picture of you too:-)
Sounds like it was a wonderful first vendor experience for you. I hope you decide to try it again because you have so much to offer. Very nice Carol. Hope you got some much needed rest and maybe even a foot rub too.

Lauren @ My Wonderfully Made said...

Carol what FUN you must have had! Congratulations -- I can't imagine the work that went into this but I'm sure it paid off. I'm with you -- hate my picture taken but truly, you look just adorable! I hope to do this myself someday if I am ever able to quit my jobs.

Sandy said...

Now, how cute do you look!!! How fun! Sounds like you had a fantastic time "vendoring". Bet you were pooped at the end of it all, but....so worth it.
Have a restful week.
xoso
Sandy

Sandy said...

Now, how cute do you look!!! How fun! Sounds like you had a fantastic time "vendoring". Bet you were pooped at the end of it all, but....so worth it.
Have a restful week.
xoso
Sandy

Rona Gregory said...

Oh my Carol...everything looks perfect! So, so glad you had a wonderful day...you deserve to after all the hard work you put in.

pretty darned awesome I'd say

xx

Cindy The Victorian Journey said...

Oh Carol you are a rock star.. Why question it..
Your Fancy Flea being a hit is not surprising. I love reading your blog, and always on the edge of my seat to see what's next. You are an inspiration..
Hugs,
Cindy

ShabbyESP said...

Hello Carol,
So wish I was able to come out this weekend but on Wed was laid off so...
You look cute in your apron, can't wait to hear about your experience at the Fancy Flea.
Suzann ~xoxo~

Roxanne Reinhart said...

Hi Carol, Your booth space looks awesome. It looks like you had a lot of stuff (very pretty stuff!) so I hope you had lots of sales and didn't have to pack very much of your things back home. Do you have a permanent space where you sell things? I love the picture of you, you look very happy and very pretty with your cute apron on! I would have loved to pop by to see you and pick up a few things had I been anywhere near. I am glad that you got to meet some of us fans!! Cant wait to hear more.
xoxo

Patricia @ 9th and Denver said...

Carol!
I didn't make it to the Fancy Flea... it is a little out of the way~
Your booth looked great. You look like you had a great time.
...and YOU ARE A ROCK STAR!

love the pictures-- Pat

C'est moi Claudette said...

Don't EVER be shy in front of the camera dear Carol. You are BEAUTIFUL. We salt and pepper gals must stick together.
I LOVE LOVE LOVE your booth. I would have been there scooping EVERYTHING up.
I'm on my way to N.C. Wish there was something like that there, but I am going to Charleston. Might find some special treats there.
My mom used to say "CRIPES". You made me laugh ; )
oxoxoxo

Linda@Coastal Charm said...

Carol,
Your booth looked so charming and filled with some beautiful items. CUTE PIC...my friend!

Blessings,
Linda

Shabby Jen said...

Your space looked great and the merchandise is beautiful! I love cliff hangers, and adore your posts. So I do look terribly forward to your sequel to this blogpost. As I am considering making the journey in November to be the #219 vendor. I hope you do share lots of details.
Carol, you are an inspiration. We do love Polka Dot Carol!
Ciao for now,
Shabby Jen & Gracie too.

Jacqueline~Cabin and Cottage said...

Congratulations Carol! Nice to see you! Your booth looks wonderful. I really like the bags. And you certainly did get initiated to the outrageous life of a vendor with that lovely man asking for a better price!

E said...

Congrats on the Flea, your booth looks great, would have drawn me in for sure ! Your pic is great, and the apron perfect, can't wait to hear more. Elaine

Shannon@Cozy Home Scenes said...

Yeah! Carol, you did it and it sounds like a very successful day! I've sold like that before but I didn't have a cute pink tent or frilly apron like you did. That might have been the difference between your success and my attempt at it. Ha. Now, go sit down in a comfortable chair with your feet up and take a rest!!! Proud of you my friend!!!---- Shannon

Dawnll said...

I am so proud of you!
Love all the pictures and details, how fun to see you in a picture...and i am so thrilled you felt like a rock star you should!
Can't wait to hear what sold and didn't'
Thanks so much for sharing with us all.

Cinin said...

It was my pleasure to get to finally meet you in person...I have followed your blog and facebook...I love that you share the tutorials on how to create ....I thought you looked fab yesteray and your personality was shining through....Cindy Childers from Glitz & Glam Emporium, Lakeland,Florida

Createology said...

Oh Carol I think you look beautiful! Your booth is fabulous and all of your treasures are amazing. It sounds like you had a great day and enjoyed the FF overall. I just knew you would! I shall be hanging on the cliff waiting for more installments. ROCK STAR CAROL of The Polka Dot Closet really has a perfect pitch to it. Rest my dear...

Sissie's Shabby Cottage said...

Hi Carol,
You are such a cutie and I love the photo of you standing there all sweet looking wearing your little apron!
I think that your booth looked wonderful and I'm not going to be surprised to hear that things sold really well.
Isn't it wonderful to make a dream come true. I'm so glad that everyone welcomed you and made you feel so special. You deserve it!
I just wish that I could have been there.

hugs
Sissie

Unknown said...

Wow! You did it!!! Wasn't it fun, exhausting, great, hardwork, worth it!! I'm sorry we didn't get to talk more. Your booth look great. The day few by for me.
We had a great day.
See ya soon my friend!!

Tracy said...

Wow, everything looks fabulous! Congrats on your success, I look forward to hearing the details.

June said...

Thank you for posting so quickly. I could not wait to see pictures and hear all about the Fancy Flea adventure! You are indeed an inspiration and a Rock Star! I loved your booth and the picture of you was perfect; however, I now have a bad case of apron envy! :)
Can't wait to hear what sold and what didn't. June

Liz Vickerman said...

so happy to know it was everything you'd hoped it would be.

the booth looked great, hope you sold lots of stuff!

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

It all looked great, Carol! I hope it was a successful day for you! Love seeing your sweet face pictured next to your sign. It is a necessary evil that goes with blogging! : )

Marilyn said...

I wish I had one of those people transporters like in Star Trek!! I'd could have been there in mere seconds! And just think what I could have carried back home. It looks great.♥♫

DownTheLaneWithDaisy said...

Your booth looked great!

sunnyskiesandsweettea said...

Hi Carol!

I met you yesterday at the flea... Your booth was so cute. I visit you at Orange Tree as well. It was such a pleasure. You can visit my blog and see that I posted your pic there as well! LOL You look great!

Blessings,
Amy Jo

Betty Sneeringer said...

Everything looked great including you!! I have a feeling you also sold great. I heard from my friends that it is a super show with lots of great vendors. I will give you a couple of weeks before checking out your booth. Anxiously waiting for the rest of the story!

Betty

kristiB said...

Carol, you are a Rock Star!!! I love your booth, can't believe how professional it looked your first time too! Your picture at the end is soo cute, Love your hair and your apron, and sign etc. etc. Hahaha.... you are just one of the sweetest ladies out there in Blogland, and I'm so happy that I stumbled upon your blog. Enjoy the rest of your Sunday, I'm sure you need some much needed rest :)

Patty Patterson said...

Your booth looks great! Everything loos so fresh and crafty. I'm glad the show turned out so nice!

Debbiedoos said...

Awww...Carol, you are a ROCK star and a true inspiration to many of us. So glad you had a blast and it was so successful for you.

Jennifer @ Town and Country Living said...

Thank you so much for sharing your experience and photos of your booth! But most importantly, the photo of you in your adorable apron! As someone who is considering having a booth somewhere, someday, I'm anxious to hear more of your recap. Your booth looks great. Had I been there, I definitely would've purchased something from you. Happy Belated Blogiversary!

Sherry @ No Minimalist Here said...

Hi Carol, Your booth looks so cute and you are adorable. I can't wait to meet you in person.
xo, Sherry

Diane said...

You look cute in your Polka dot apron. Glad your trip went well..

entirely apropos said...

You are a ROCK STAR in my world! :)
You inspire me, Carol.

I remember how much work the shows are and how much time you don't have to set up! You did an great job... everything looks fantastic!

I love the photo of you!! What a cute sign and apron, too!

Sisters Treasures said...

Congratulations on your first show as a vendor! I totally can relate to the hard work in setting it up (and taking it down) plus wanting to tweak it more but honestly your style and vignettes look fantastic.
Plus you look very cute in your apron!
Betsy

Melodee said...

wow Carol!!! It looks like HEAVEN!

❁Velma ~Down Our Country Road❁ said...

Your booth looks great Carol. I hope that you came home empty-handed.
This is one event I would have loved to have been at...if only I lived closer! ;/ Looks like so much fun.

Cassandra said...

Your booth was lovely! It was so wonderful meeting you Carol!

Stacy's Shabby Shoppe said...

Hey Rock Star! (*_*) Well it looks like you had a blast and probably made a buck or two in the process. Your booth looked wonderful and that IS a really cute picture of you so zip it! LOL! Way to go Carol! xoxo

Bethkay said...

Carol - You ARE a rock star. I love your blog and wish I had a tiny bit of your talent. Wish I could have gone to the Flea Market too!

June said...

Oh my goodness Carol...your booth looks amazing!!! Sure wish I could have been there to shop it : )

Maureen Wyatt said...

Wtg - you did it! I wish I lived closer and had the chance to meet the Rock Star this weekend. Can't wait to read the skinny on how it all went! ~ Maureen

Bonnie said...

You looked lovely in your lovely booth! Such fun things and you should be proud. I've vendored and its not for the weak hearted. Lots of lifting and arranging and then fluffing and then Yay! its a success!

debi said...

Congrats on your first show Carol! Your booth looks beautiful, you have so many wonderful creations, I wish I could have been there.

And you look adorable in your cute new apron! :)

Anonymous said...

Carol you booth is amazing!! I hope you sold tons of product and it sounds like you had a great time!!Wish I was closer so I could have been one of those that met you in person! Love your picture! WIsh my grey hair was looking as pretty as yours!

bee blessed
mary

Vintagesouthernlife said...

Your booth looks beautiful! You are a very talented lady. I know you had lots of fun.

marda said...

Your booth looked yummy, I see so many things I would have bought!!!
You look pretty yummy too!! Congratulations on following your dream.

Anonymous said...

Your stall looks wonderful and the photos are great! You are lucky...here in the U.K. we crafters are struggling as pour shows are not as well received as yours , it seems.I'm an old hand of over 35 years and have never seen it so depressed. It's a joy to know that craft is well thought of somewhere in the world.And I'm envious of your weather too!
Sue

Shabby chic Sandy said...

Really enjoyed this post. Can't wait to hear more about it. By the way--you are a rockstar! In the creating sense there is no other blogger that inspires me as much as you do. I have a list of projects I want to do..inspired by you! Glad you had fun at the show:)

Anonymous said...

Wow! Thanks for such a quick blog update on your Fancy Flea experience! This rock star did not keep her fans waiting :) Carol, I am not one bit surprised that you heard praises from your followers or that you sold all of your furniture. You are truly talented both artistically and blog-istally (okay, I made up that word). Your picture is darling and I am so glad you had a good experience at the Flea. Looking forward to future posts after you take a much-deserved rest.

Sue

Debbie said...

The booth looks wonderful, and the Queen for a Day Crafting Blogger looks wonderful too! I love the apron, and you rock it.

I'm positive that it was a smashing success. How could anyone resist your signature style?

Looking forward to more pics.

Betty@SouthernGrace said...

Carol, I think you and your booth are both beautiful! Everything you make is a winner. I'm glad you got to do this. I wish I could have gone.
betty

Celestina Marie said...

Hi Carol, Your booth looked fabulous. I could shop till I dropped there. How cute you are in your darling apron by the sign you made. I imagine it was a super day!!
Happy Creating,
Celestina Marie XO

Claudia said...

First time to set up? You look like a pro! With all the wonderful goodies, I am sure you all came home with less than your load. I love the markets and so wish I would have been able to have gone.

Tee said...

Oh Carol, your set up is toooo classy and you're cute as a little button!
Lucky for me, my partner has your display gift. Un-lucky for her my camera skills can't match it.

berlykim37 said...

Congrates to you. what a lovely booth. I envy you having the courage to do it. I have always wanted to do this...tfs

Unknown said...

What a great job! The booth is very cute and I'm so glad you posted a photo of yourself, you deserve to be treated like a rock star! Thanks for all your inspiration and keep up the good work.

GARAGE SALE GAL said...

Sounds like it went well for your first time being a "Vendor"!
Can't wait for more photos and what worked and what didn't!
Rest up now!
Warmly,
deb

Cynthia said...

Carol, you are adorable, and I love your hair! I'm gray too, and I just love it! Looks like you had a swell time at the event. Congratulations on your success!

KimMalk said...

It was so great meeting you, Carol. You are such a sweetheart! Those fabric flowers must have sold really well, as I don't even remember seeing them. You are the reason that a made it a priority to attend--hugs, Kim

Noble Vintage said...

oh, I am so glad it went well!!! I was cracking up at the cabinet story. Oh my. I think some people watch too many of these shows on HGTV.... lol! How did the Square work for you??? I can't believe how great your space looks for such a quick set up. Congrats on your first show.

Portobello Road said...

hi carol!! the pics are great and your booth look amazing...question: the flours in the cones...are they burlap, paper, or???? i can't tell in the picture. will you please let me know? love the idea!! sarah
cwsairmom@att.net

Portobello Road said...

that would be flours...silly spell check

Portobello Road said...

dang...flowers then...

Sherry@Back2Vintage said...

Carol, it has been so much fun following your posts as you prepared for the Fancy Flea. I'm glad the weather cooperated and you had a good show...Can't wait to read your wrap-up!!! I'm wondering if you'll do it again!!!

Malissa said...

I truely, Love reading your blog. I go to it before, I read any others. Thank You for so many of your How To's. I found your blog looking for a what sells with Antiques. You have been very helpful.
Missy

Angie said...

This is so awesome, Carol!! Congrats! Your booth looks amazing~I hope to make it out one day. Cute picture of you :) Angie

Jamie @ Domestically Vintage said...

Everything looks just beautiful! I would love to go to a show like this. It looks like you had an amazing time! Your photo is beautiful!! ~ Jamie

Savannah Granny said...

Everything looked fabulous. I loved seeing your sweet self, love the apron. You are so creative and I learned so much from you.
Will you do the sale again?
Eagerly awaiting future posts about the great day.
Hugs, Ginger

Meadowsweet Cottage said...

Carol, you and your booth both look just darling! I enjoyed your posts about getting ready. You always are great about sharing your thoughts so I look forward to more Fancy Flea.

Connie said...

I am so happy you enjoyed yourself and had a great time. I sure hope to get to attend next year. Your booth looks amazing and your very beautiful yourself. What a talented lady!
Can't wait to see the other vendors.
Hugs,
Connie

Cosy Life by Elly said...

Hey Carol..What a beautiful booth. I like all the things you make. It's a very long way to the fancy flea for me.. And you look great on the picture.
Dear greatings Elly from Holland
sorry for my bad english;-)))

Rebecca Nelson said...

I am so glad your day went GREAT! HOW FUN for you! I'm so happy and exciting. I so want to come shop there. Oklahoma is far away but my sister in TN said she'd go with me if I wanted to go next time. MAYBE!

xoRebecca

Vagabonds Mercantile said...

Oh poo, I forgot all about this and I so wanted to stop by and meet you.:(

Sylvia said...

Carol, the booth looked great, you look great and you are a ROCKSTAR in my world!!!

Hugs...
Sylvia

Anonymous said...

Hi Carol! I know you must have been exhausted! You had your bucket list sale on Bobby G's and my son's birthday so I just know you sold it all! You are so cute....so publish your picture all the time! Sherry and I were hunting on Friday and talked about you and wondered how you were doing at the Fancy Flea. Can't wait to read the next post. My booth is doing okay....but not great. I am debating on whether to give it up. xo

GrandmaSoucie said...

Your booth looks wonderful! I hope you got rich!!!!! I love the little three piered shelf in about the sixth pic down. Did it sell???

Unknown said...

Carol,
Are you kiddin me? You are a very pretty lady! Such a sweet smile! Now, you need to post pictures of yourself more often!

I'm so happy to hear the flea was a huge success. Your booth looked wonderful! Congrats to you on everything!

Nancy

Lisa Russell said...

I can't wait to read part two!! And yes, you are a Rock Star in my book! I'd like to have a booth someday. Someday...

Savannah Granny said...

Carol, thanks for visiting the cellar.
I certainly understand that you will need a rest.
Hugs, Ginger

Unknown said...

Congrats on being a Vendor. You looked great!!

Sandy xox

www.sandy-sandyscreations.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

Carol it was so nice meeting you at the FANCY FLEA. Everything looked so romantic and girlie. I hope you enjoy your candle. Your Stalker Pam

Debbie-Dabble Blog and A Debbie-Dabble Christmas said...

Carol,
You are far from "just Carol, a lady who likes to craft". You are an inspiration to many of us that dream of doing what you are doing!!
Maybe some day, I will get the chance to live my dream like you are doing.
I LOVE how your booth looked and I am so jealous of those that got to meet you in person...

Maybe someday...

Hugs,
Deb

Sue@Uniquely Chic said...

Congratulations, Carol! Your booth looks fantastic. Must have been a ton of fun selling and meeting people you only know through blog land.

Jil~Say It With Roses said...

Your booth looked amazing...I saw many things I would just have to have!
You are so creative and talented!
♥ Jil

Dee ⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️⚜️ said...

Hi Carol,

I loved seeing your booth. I only wish I could have attended.
Thanks for sharing the picture of you. Your a cutie.

Dee

Nancy's Notes said...

Oh how wonderful! Congratulations on becoming a vendor! Your booth looked delightful, anxious to see more Miss Carol!!

hopeandjoyhome said...

I was thinking about you doing your show this weekend! Looks like it went well..your booth looks great and so do you! (I am camera shy too!)Now I am waiting for the rest of the story!

Something Special said...

Oh let me make you feel like a rock star again. I love your booth, and look at it as my dream too, to have a setup like that and go to flea markets. Only problem is that there really isn't much of that kind of thing in my neck of the woods. Bravo to you and your first Vendor experience. I am surely drooling!!!!!

Little Susie Home Maker said...

Carol, you are a Rock Star! You booth looked awesome! And so did you. I think it sounds like such an undertaking. All of your ideas are just so pretty, and you can tell that you put your heart into it.
Keep on Rocking!
Blessings,
Susie

kelly said...

It all looks very pretty, Carol. I love your apron.

Kelly

Lynn Hasty said...

Talk about EYE CANDY!! All of this is eye candy! Good for the eyes and the soul! I just love to visit your blog and look to see what lovely thing you will have there next!

xoxo
Lynn

By Neymes said...

AMIGA CAROL,QUE VONTADE DE ESTAR NESSA FEIRA,POIS ME PARECE MARAVILHOSA.BEIJOS.VALÉRIA.(BRASIL).