Makers are Amazing!

I just got back from Indie Craft Parade's first ever Makers Summit. Not only was the venue at Zen and decorations so simple and lovely, but the room was teaming with incredible makers from all over. 

The keynote speakers; Stephen Fraser founder of Spoonflower, Grace Kang creator of Pink Olive, Barb Blair of Knack Studios and Kimm Alfonso from Etsy all had terrific ideas, tips, and insider perspective to the world of the handmade business. It was interesting to hear the back story about each and how their companies came to fruition.

I came home with well over a dozen pages of detailed notes covering everything from marketing, retail shops, online sales, and legal advice. Practically everything I heard was superbly helpful. The terrific sponsors also helped to provide the attendees with all kinds of cool goodies and clever treats. Did I mention the food at this event really was amazing? 

I also choose to attend the Best Craft Party Ever that evening and it was simply stunning! Dinner was amazing! The crafts were fun and challenged some people who don't normally make things from paper, moss or leather. I also got to try my hand at letterpress from the cool couple behind Ink Meets Paper and create my own silk screen tee-shirt from Dapper Ink

I opted to make the paper wreath since I knew I'd be flying home and wanted something packable. So I didn't quite finish mine, the fluffing of the butterfly wings and the glittering of the tips. I'll save this for later this week. I loved the packaging, that there was plenty of papers to choose from, great scissors, glue, and a whole stack of super duper glue dots.

Although most of the attendees were locals from around the Greenville, SC area many were from farther reaching spots, I was definitely the farthest from home! I feel that it was more than well worth my trouble to be part of the Makers Summit, I gained such insight and clarity for my own business venture and made some great connections will real makers in real life.

Here are links to all of the cool maker folks I met:

Juxtaposition accessories for the home by Brooke Jones
Laura K. Aiken mosaic + art
Chicken Wisdom by Eli Connaughton
Brown Sugar Toast by Christa Threlfall
A Darling Day photography by Jessica Barley
Grit Goods Jewelry by Margaret Goodson
Seed & Sky handcrafted art jewelry by Kelcy Loomer
Plumfield Shop lovely handmade fabric goods
Pink Dogwoods vintage treasures re-imagined by Nan Faulkner
Willow Florals distintive flowers and styling  by Julie Dodds
Ink Meets Paper by Allison and Daniel Nadeau
Peacock by Bayne Dangerfield
Jolie Kolaj by Christa Sorauf
A Piece of Work by Allyson McPhaul

and many more!

I'm walking away renewed and inspired!

PS a BIG thank you to my friends Mrs B. & Mrs. S (for helping with the kids) and M for being the coolest husband ever!