Just a few weeks ago I arrived home from a whirlwind trip to Baltimore, MD for the American Craft Made Baltimore Marketplace 2024! As one of 350 artists exhibiting their designs over the span of 3 days, I met so many new and returning customers, viewed amazing artwork and designs, as well as connected with vendors who I met in previous years.

I had the opportunity to participate for the third year in the Emerging Artist program, which encourages newer artists to exhibit by providing slightly smaller spaces and reduced attendance fees. Because I had been down to Baltimore for this event before, I had some idea of what to expect - so the first step was to get to making!

For the few weeks leading up to the event I worked hard to make sure I brought favorite, bestselling designs - like my Birch Bark Dangles and Pine Tree Dangles - as well as new and updated designs! Pictured here is a large collection of baked polymer clay pieces that are waiting for the next steps in the process - sanding, baking, cleaning, and assembling.

These new and updated designs include new shapes for barrettes, like the Shoreline Barrette and Glacier Barrette, as well as entirely new products! Hair pins and hair clips that debuted in Baltimore will be coming to the website on April 17th.

I love any chance to revamp and update my booth display, and this Baltimore event is a great time to do it! Since it is my first big market of the year, I can take the time after the end of the holidays in December to try out ideas and create new display pieces. I also have a much longer time to unload and setup for this event compared to other smaller events, so I can take the time to make my booth really special.

Some of the highlights of this year's booth design were the larger photographs - which really help customers see what products I have from far away - as well as the pool noodle birch trees, faux leather pebble mats, and real rock displays.

These larger events can be very daunting at first, but they are truly a great experience! From Friday to Sunday I spoke with so many people who shared their feedback on my new designs and gave me ideas to bring home and put into action. I also got to see some return customers who came by to pick up another barrette or two since they loved the one they bought last year - barrettes are by far the biggest seller at events like this! Over the years I've found that craft shows can vary dramatically in terms of art quality, attendance, and organization, but the Baltimore Marketplace really does a great job in all categories.

Despite the long drive and the many long hours leading up to the event, I love my yearly visits to Baltimore. March is also such a great time to see the city as it comes to life for spring - a season we don't get much of up in New England! I hope to be back again next year but in the meantime, find me at other in-person events in 2024 - you can view the full event list right here!