A Summer Festival Recap
If things have been a little quiet around here lately, it’s because I poured my heart and energy into my recent summer festivals. I’m finally catching my breath, and I just had to share the beautiful chaos, exciting milestones, and heartwarming moments with you all!
The Big News: The Jewelry Takeover📰📈
This year, I introduced something brand new to the lineup: a collection of high-quality gold-filled jewelry pieces along with the handmade recycled glass beads and genuine gemstones. I was so excited to debut them, but I never expected them to completely steal the show! They instantly became my number one top seller for the weekend, bringing in even more revenue than my Brejoy Collecion of Plushies, signature coastal home decor, like my ornaments and napkin rings.
The Cutest Highlights: Joy for Absolutely All Ages🐢🦆🦀
Right behind the jewelry, my handmade plushies had an incredible run. If these festivals taught me anything, it’s that this craft brings smiles and happiness to everyone—no matter what your age!
My Turtle Treekers were an absolute hit. I loved watching a mom spot Pippa in her goggles and declare, "This one's going home with me!" Daisy with her flower basket and Sheldon with his pretzel brought so many smiles, and our mama and baby stingrays completely sold out, too. I even had teenagers fall in love with my handmade crabs and one requested to have it turned into a custom keychain on the spot!
But the ducks? The ducks absolutely blew me away. After selling out of them on day one of our second July show, I went home and crocheted another one late into the night. The next day, I knew I needed a backup, so I brought my yarn to the tent and crocheted while I worked. Literally as I was pulling the very last stitch into place, a customer bought it right out of my hands!
For each show, I also like to make one extra-special animal that I don't normally carry. In June, it was a sheep that a sweet little boy fell completely in love with. This July, it was a little pink pig. Watching a three-year-old girl embrace that pig, leaving my tent smiling and hugging her new plushie tightly... words just can't describe how rewarding that is.
The Behind-the-Scenes Chaos (The Tent Drama) 🎪
Of course, it wouldn't be a true market weekend without a little drama. I packed up my sportage and realized—too late—that I forgot my tent sides and stakes! Cue a momentary panic. Thankfully, the absolute best part of these events is the community. One of my incredible vendor neighbors (Jayne) completely saved the day by loaning me her extra stakes so I didn't have to drive all the way home.
Because I didn't have my tent sides to shield everything from the overnight wind, I had to get creative before leaving for the evening. I ended up lowering the entire canopy half way down to protect my tables and inventory through the night. The next morning, I just popped it right back up, running on pure adrenaline and very little sleep, but ready to welcome the morning crowds.
Thank You, Fripp Island! 💚
The overwhelming support from everyone who shows up for these special events at Fripp Island has been nothing short of amazing. Whether you took home a new gemstone bracelet, a gold filled starfish necklace, adopted a plushie, or picked up some coastal decor, you truly make the sleepless nights, the heavy lifting, and the frantic midnight crafting entirely worth it.
Thank you for supporting my dream and being part of this journey!