My first bit of news is that I will be taking a new position doing donor development for a local college foundation. As some of you know, I started this endeavor as a means to stay afloat during my unemployed time, so going back to work means less handmade goodies will be made by me. I won’t be at La Mesa Farmer’s Market, and haven’t been for a few weeks, but will instead be setting up at some larger community events toward the end of the year.

Speaking of larger community events, if you haven’t already checked out the website, I have been working with a group of friends to create a sort of ‘Etsy Live’ type of event. The idea is that the events would benefit local school art programs and local artists would have a nominal way to sell their product to the public. We have our first event on Saturday, November 5 at The Language Academy. The money raised will help support their music program. We anticipate to have over 40 artists take part. So if you’re looking for that perfect, handmade gift, you definitely should make your way to this event. The website is SanDiegoCraftersfortheArts.com.

Also, we have been rolling out applications and info for San Diego Crafters for the Arts. If you’re a crafter, artist, designer, or DIYer looking for an awesome opportunity to sell your products, check it out! For everyone else looking for that perfect gift, home decor, or a way to support the community, I hope you’ll make it out to one of our events!

Time to set up my work area…

XO,

Samari

What is Bohemian Market?

It’s a creative village of pop up shops! Each month, the retail floor of the Industry Showroom and Sudden Art Gallery opens up to reveal a warehouse full of crafts, fashion, art, handiworks, and unique merchandise. This is a grand opportunity for DIYers who work out of their garages and off their kitchen tables to showcase their work to the public.

Where and when is Bohemian Market being held?

Bohemian Market will take place on August 27, 2011, from 12:00pm-8:00pm at Industry Showroom in down town San Diego. Physical address is 345 6^th Ave, between J st. and K st. Set up will start at 11:00am. If we have enough vendors, we will overflow into the Culy Warehouse next door. It’s in the talks with Gaslamp Quarter Association to make this an outdoor, street fair type event…either way, the address should remain the same (345 6^th Ave).

How many booths will be there?

We have space for 20 vendors and will discuss overflow options if more vendors express interest.

How do I join?

1. Pay your marketing fee of $40.00 via paypal.
2. Tell us the following info:

*If the email you use to communicate with me differs from your paypal email, please let me know. This way we can confirm you’re in! Also, you do not need a paypal account to submit your fee. As long as you have a debit or credit card, submitting payment via paypal is super easy. If you have any specific questions about paypal processing or your existing paypal account, please visit the paypal help page.

When will I be notified?

You will be notified by August 1^st if you have been selected as a vendor. We carefully select vendors as to not have a whole warehouse full of the same product. With limited space, we want the most diverse selection of hand crafted goodness as possible.

Applicants are chosen on a first come, first serve basis and will only be permitted if you create your own product. Absolutely NO tiered marketing or commercial products. You know, like Scentsy, Cookie Lee, Stella Dot, etc, etc.

If I am accepted, what does my booth fee cover?

Your booth fee is a marketing fee. 100% of your fee will go toward ads in City Beat, web banners, flyers, etc. Even though the kind folks at Industry Showroom make an effort to market his event, this is YOUR event and hope that you will help market this event too. The more cross marketing that I happening, the more successful the event! We are working on some additional marketing material that you can easily print off, forward to your friends, post on your social media site, etc.

As a vendor, you will have an approximately 5’x5’ booth space. Vendors are responsible for supplying their own display items, table and chairs. Electricity is not available.

Can I join with a friend?

Sure! But please help us stay organized by sending your information in one email. To share a space the fee is still $40.

Can I apply for two booth spaces?

Unfortunately, no. We hope to accommodate as many artisans as possible.

Is my application fee refundable?

Booth fees will only be refunded if you are not accepted into this event. Because we want to remain inclusive, this would only occur if we receive more applicants than we can accommodate, too many of a similar product, or if your merchandise does not meet the ‘handmade’ or ‘DIY’ requirements.

If you are selected to participate in this event but decide that you are suddenly unable to participate, your booth fee is not refundable. Also, once you cancel, you forfeit your spot in the fair and you are not permitted to sell or trade your space. We have a long waiting list and reserve the right to fill spots as we see fit.

Do I need to have any licenses or permits to participate?

We do not give business advice or ask that your provide your sellers permit number. However, you are responsible for registering your small business with the IRS and collecting sales tax for the items you’re selling. When tax time comes around, you’ll have to pay income tax on all the items you sold and pay the sales tax to the state where the fair is held. We recommend that you call The California Department of Revenue and the IRS for more info:

California Dept. of Revenue: 1-800-852-5711 or www.ftb.ca.gov
IRS: 1-800-829-4933 or www.irs.gov

Thank you for reading! If you have any questions, please feel free to email sdcrafters@gmail.com. We look forward to meeting you at the next Bohemian Market event on August 27, 2011!

In other news: I have been collaborating with my cohorts in creativity, Lillie and Denialle on a new philanthropic adventure we call San Diego Crafter’s for the Arts. The concept is not new, and super simple: hosting craft fairs that create a unique vending opportunity for local artists while raising funds to support local art education programs in San Diego city schools. We’re currently building a website and facebook page…so there’s def more to come!

Thursday is all about fulfilling custom orders…yeah! What are you creating?

Cheers,

Lil’ Miss Samari

As I have mentioned before, I am now a regular vendor at the La Mesa Farmer’s Market every Friday, 2-6pm. There are a couple handful of arts/crafts vendors and its expected to grow. I’ve taken it upon myself to taste test some of the food vendors…YUM! You won’t be disappointed. As for myself, I’ll be selling clutch purses and an additional, new mystery product each week. I hope to carry a little something for moms and children alike…and maybe I can figure out something crafty for the fellas before Father’s Day. Hmm…any suggestions?

Currently, my online shop is closed. I do this periodically when I am selling at live events and want to avoid selling something in person and online simultaneously. So, I thought I would have it open sooner, but instead will be back online Tuesday, May 17th. Monday will be all about accessing my current inventory, taking new photos and listing them online. Visit the Samari Designs Facebook page and if you ‘like’ it you will become one of the first to know of any new products, discounts, and sales.

Anyway, it’s late and I’m rambling. I hope to see you out and about this weekend…

Cheers,

Lil’ Miss Samari

First, I wanted to thank everyone that came out to La Mesa Farmer’s Market…it was a HUGE success! If you’re a local to San Diego, I highly suggest you check out the new location in La Mesa (Corner of Spring Street & University) because A) I am there and B) they will continue to expand. Aside from your traditional locally grown produce and food vendors, the craft & arts section continues to grow. Some of the other vendors included hand-painted gourds, paintings, prints, clothing, sculptures and soft cuddly stuff for babies.

Second, I will be updating my website/blog next week so that it will be predominately a web store. This will make it WAY easier for you to shop. So please check back next week.

If you have any questions or would like to contact me, please do so via email at designsbysamari@gmail.com or subscribe to my blog to get the latest updates.

*HUGS*

Lil’ Miss Samari