It’s been one week since our first attempt at the Dust Bowl Arts Market in Norman, Oklahoma. It was supposed to be the event of the year, or at least the first half of the year, and for Meg and I, it was definitely the learning event of the year.

Lesson #1: Don’t build your backdrop bigger than your truck bed… Yep we did it! I’m sitting here trained in architectural design and I did it. We made it fit, but I’m still amazed we got to Norman without a mishap. Everyone loved our booth and loved the backdrop of old doors, but none of them had to get it there and get it home!

Lesson #2: Sunscreen is not just nice to have; it is a survival necessity at outdoor craft fairs. Meg and I are still glowing with love and pride, and a Rudolf like complexion since last Sunday.

Lesson #3: Design is a must, and signage is a definite must. If someone can’t tell what you’re selling, chances are they are less likely to buy it. We love these new mixer covers Meg has put together. Screen printed with eco-friendly ink and made with durable canvas, they are wonderful and everyone else agreed. People thought they were just the cutest aprons, tea towels and even T-shirts. Signage, signage, signage, you’ve got to communicate to your audience.

Lesson #4: Weight is a requirement to keep your canopy from becoming a parachute. Oklahoma is windy, and large full height backdrops catch a lot of wind. They tend to want to move with the wind, taking your entire canopy, and inventory with them! I wound up spending the entire day holding our little canopy down and thus the backdrop up. In the future, we’ll make sure we bring necessary tools to handle the elements.

Lesson #5: If at first you don’t succeed try, try again. The Dust Bowl Arts Market may not have been the best fiscal success, but for Meg and I it was an educational extravaganza and a connection smorgasbord. Unlike our online shop, the presence of a physical shop allowed us to test and receive instant customer feedback. Just this week connections with Birdie, a shop located on campus corner in Norman, have led to new retail opportunities for our concrete bowls and mixer covers! We we’re also lucky enough to connect with Samantha Lamb, one of our favorite okiephotogs. It was a true joy shaking hands with many local crafters and vintage addicts and we loved every minute of it!

All in all it may not be much, but the day proved itself to be a success with lessons learned on simply jumping out there and going for it. The fun you’ll have and the education you’ll gain is worth a hundred sales…we’ll maybe not every time, but in these first initial stages, we’ll take it. Oh, and NEVER forget, hindsight’s 20/20, and Oklahoma is always windy, so bring some weights for your canopy!

From the Farm

Cale and Meg