I participated in my fourth vendor fair. Valentine's Day at the Hops at Homegrown Hops Brewing Company in Livermore, co-sponsored by Ruff Road Adventures this past Saturday, 2/14.
This one felt different.
I had scored a new canopy (thanks to Henry's diligence -- truly, thank you!), and we even did a dry run in the driveway beforehand. I thought I was prepared.
As I sit in my studio, which I fondly call “The Shed”, I find myself reflecting on what went well, what didn't, and what I could do better next time. Every event carries its own rhythm and complexities, no matter how prepared you think you are. This was also my first fair outside of San Leandro, which added another layer of unknown.
When Henry and I arrived, we debated putting up the side walls of the canopy. The sun was out, the air was calm, and other vendors mentioned it was probably safe to leave them down. It even seemed better for visibility.
And then, almost out of nowhere, the wind came.
Most of my lighter items flew off the table. Henry rushed to grab the side panels, and we found ourselves wrestling the canopy walls up in what felt like a full gale. I had to chase down scattered pieces and reconfigure the entire setup. The dry run layout shifted completely, with lighter items moved toward the back and away from the wind.
As the saying goes, we make plans and life humbles us.
But truly, if that was the biggest mishap of the day, I consider it a gift.
The technical aspects of a vendor fair are one thing. The real gift is the camaraderie.
There were at least three artisans I had met before, and by chance, we were placed next to each other. It felt easy and familiar.
Julie from Minerva Rae Handcrafted Soaps shares a fondness for dragonflies. We had spoken about it before — about transformation and the journeys that bring us to where we are. This time, she brought home one of my Dragonfly on a Leaf wall clocks for her studio. That felt special.
Annette from Kraft Lady Designs creates beautiful handcrafted beadwork — bracelets, pens, letter openers, wine bottle stoppers. I may have done some very early Christmas shopping (because honestly, it's never too early).
Then there's Sureena of Shrestha Pottery, who makes lovely pottery. I met her back in December at the American High School Holiday Boutique. When I mentioned my love for dragonflies, she said she didn't have one in her collection — but the idea sparked something. She created one, and it was claimed almost immediately. She's now planning to make another and asked if I had an original dragonfly piece she could reference.
I didn't.
It made me realize something.
My work lives mostly on everyday products. Journals, clocks, water bottles, serving as small reminders that gentleness, kindness, and beauty exist even in the most ordinary spaces. We just have to look.
She ended up purchasing one of my dragonfly journals, and I can't wait to see what she creates next.
There were moments when foot traffic picked up and I couldn't make my way around to greet every vendor. Friends and family came and they stayed for a while. Right now, they are my greatest supporters, and I don't take that lightly.
One visitor asked specifically if I had the Dragonfly on a Leaf design on a water bottle. I didn't, yet. I forgot to ask his name. (Next time, I will.)
Misty from Ruff Road Adventures organized the event beautifully. She and her husband create custom engravings and even brought their engraving machine onsite. They offer engraved QR code blocks for social links and payments. I thought that was a clever and sturdier alternative to the paper signs that, yes, briefly blew away.
Homegrown Hops proved to be a wonderful venue — family-oriented, pet-friendly, with live music and food vendors. Children ran across the grassy field playing football. There was a lightness in the air.
If I had to choose one word to describe the day, it would be this:
Community.
I'm still learning. Still adjusting. Still figuring out how my work fits into these spaces. But with each fair, I feel less like an outsider and more like someone becoming part of something.
And for that, I'm deeply grateful.
Thank you for reading.
If you've ever stepped into something new and felt both uncertain and encouraged at the same time, I'd love to hear about it.
What has community looked like for you lately?
And if you'd like to follow along as I continue to learn, I share one thoughtful email each month about art, process, and reflections from the studio.
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