Well, we're a week or so into the new year and the dust has officially settled after a busy holiday season. Not busy in the "I made a ton of sales!" sense, but certainly busy in the sense that I tried.
I'm not going to lie, 2024 was a tough year on the art fair/market circuit, including the holiday season. The weather didn't cooperate. The crowds (and their wallets) kept their distance. And any sense of a pattern in what folks were looking to buy, well, didn't really take shape. I'm not here to bitch about it. This is me acknowledging the year and moving on.
But moving on to what? I'm not entirely sure, but things will likely look a bit different in 2025.
Making things one at a time by hand and getting folks to care about these things is a very, very challenging task. In many ways, it is a task that doesn't make any sense. Making ends meet (let alone making anything extra) requires moving volume. Volume requires being at a show every weekend to get products in front of people. Volume requires capital for a lot of raw materials. Volume requires many labor hours. Volume, in other words, is both a blessing (or maybe more of a necessity) and a curse.
That being said, some products will likely be retired. Some will go up in price. But I can promise you this, everything will still be made one at a time by me. In the meantime, reach out if you need something. Or if you are looking for a midwinter treat for yourself right now, check out the things I already have online and make a purchase. Even small transactions help during these quiet months!
Best,
Ty