My favorite Florida based indie craft shows (a vendor perspective)

I love indie craft shows! I participate in craft shows as a hobby. It would be nice to leave with a huge profit, but I don't expect it every time (although I've done fairly well the past couple of shows). There are some who rank a show on just how much money they make, but I'm telling you, it's hit or miss. I could go to a show one year and do extremely well, and then go another and not do so great. Through all of this, why do I go? Well...I go to meet new people, chat with fellow crafters, make connections, have fun, shop, and see what people truly think of my wares.

I live in the Clearwater area. I would tell you the city I truly live in, but to be honest, I'm surprised it's even on the map. We don't have much in the way of indie craft shows, so I travel. There a quite a few shows in the sunshine state that rank at the top of my list. When attending as a shopper, you're bound to find that one-of-a-kind item. 

Indie shows are neat. They're full of crafters and artisans that take those traditional mediums and put an unusual twist on them. I sometimes have to be careful as a vendor. If I'm not, I might spend more than I make. The shows below really "take the cake." I'm listing them below (in no particular order). This is more from the perspective of a vendor. Enjoy...

1) First up is GLAM, and to be honest, it's where I've ever made the most money. Remember when I said it's hit or miss with shows? Well, I didn't do so well my first year with this one, but then (with a change of venue) I hit a homerun. This is my FAVORITE show!

Based in Gainesville, Florida, GLAM really has a local appeal. Gainesville is one of my favorite cities, and the show attracts loads of people. Run by Kim Taylor (aka "The Sassy Crafter"), it took place at Villa East, a very hip venue clad with brick walls, funky chandeliers, and finished cement flooring. It's a very open space, and I kept hearing, in passing, about how much everyone loved the new digs. 

Now since I didn't do so well my first year at this show, I didn't know what to expect. I knew that the reason I didn't do so well originally was due to the fact that I was new to this whole crafting "thang." It was my fault. I was disorganized, and my display sucked! This time, I was armed and ready. My display was top notch and easy to setup,  I had more of a flow to my items, and I didn't forget a thing. As a result, I killed at GLAM! There was traffic flowing throughout the entire time. Kim and her entourage were very friendly and helpful. The crowd that attended was super nice. And even better was the fact that the show took place on the first Sunday of December, making this show one where people got lots of Christmas shopping done, resulting in lots of sales for us vendors. 

So, in conclusion, I rank this one at the top of my list (and remember, this is just my personal opinion).

2) The next show on my list is Odd Duck Handmade Indie Bazaar (run by the girls at Hollywood Craft Mafia). Based out of Hollywood, FL, this is also a show that will have a change of location (moving from a historical schoolhouse in Davie, FL, to the charming Hollywood Central Performing Arts Center in Hollywood this March). 

The show, in the past, has been fantastic. It's where I got my start, and I've attended as a vendor since year one. This year, Odd Duck turns 3, and they sure are growing fast. Along with vendors, they also have live music and food (and I've never gone home hungry...that's for sure). 

Just like Gainesville, I give this show props for their local flair. Even though Hollywood is fairly large, they still attract a neat little crowd (and when I say little, I really mean BIG). The girls who run the show are super friendly (which makes vending at a show even easier)! 

Just like with any show, profits can be hit or miss, but I've always made a decent amount, and I've never gone home disappointed. Way to go Odd Duck!

3) My third favorite show is Atomic Holiday Bazaar, run by the lovely Adrien Lucas. Based out of Sarasota, FL, this show is yet another with a BIG "small town" appeal. Every year, they have a line out the door, making this a must attend show for crafters like me. 

As a vendor, it's important to stay updated with what is going on, and the event coordinator really does a great job of that. As a patron, well, we want as many to attend as possible, and Adrien does a bangin' job of attracting the masses. I don't know how she does it!

This is the most unusual show I attend by far. And I mean that in a really good way. There's something for everyone, and us crafters poor our heart and soul into what we do. It's nice to find a venue to display it in. Like I said before, the show takes place in Sarasota. It not only takes place there, but the whole event is nestled inside of the Municipal Auditorium, which of one of those historic venues that make you feel proud in it's presence. I'm lucky to have participated in this show for two straight years. I know that if I don't get to take part in it as a vendor, I will attend as a shopper. Thanks Adrien for all you do!

In conclusion, these are some of my favorite Florida based indie craft shows. Remember that my opinion is not the end-all-be-all, and I know that there are many other shows that "take the cake." From experience, this is what I've seen, and each of these shows hold a spot near and dear to my heart :0)