Every year, for the past five years, I've had a vendor fair in my home. It's not publically advertrised but it's always well attended.
I invited eight other entrepreneur women to join me in a home show that showcased all things handmade. This year’s event was inspired by a segment done by Diane Sawyer on ABC World News to take the ‘Made in America” Pledge: What is American-Made in Your Home? In 1960, foreign goods made up 8% of our purchases, but today nearly 60% of what we buy is made overseas. And a large chunk of that is purchased at big chains during the holiday season.
Here was our change to help change our local economy and encourage community businesses that are supporting themselves by creating things with their hands. We had craft, art and food items for all three religions celebrations that are occurring this month and next (Eid, Hanukkah, and Christmas). We had hostess gifts, children’s toys and clothes, jewelry, cake pops, stocking stuffers, cards, soap and many other items made on kitchen tables, during soccer games and sewn in guest rooms that double as craft rooms.
Below are shops that vended the event. If you were unable to attend, please feel free to shop from them online.
A Crafty Arab: Handmade Arabic, Farsi, and Urdu Crafts and Cards
Elves In The Attic: When Hallmark isn't cutting it...
Nates Mommy Made it: Baby Blankets, Tag Blankets, Cloth Wipes, and more!
Norik: Original handcrafted gemstone jewelry for UNIQUE YOU
Pepo Park: Beautiful, handmade soap and lotion products
Ms Maude: Fashion for You and Your Home that's Always in Bloom
Seville Designs: Handmade Jewelry: Silver, Copper & Bronze
Vanilla Bean: The tastiest cakes, cookies, bars, and candies on the Eastside !
Van Tuyl Catering Services: Marvelous cuisine on a Modest budget.
And new this year: my own daughters created crafts to sell and had their own table. I was one proud mama.
Save the date for next year: November 10, 2012!
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