Calling All Artists: Let's Talk about Swap Meet Magic for BlogHer '08
by jen lemen

Maybe you were there the summer of 2006 in San Jose, chatting up t-shirts with Mrs. Kennedy, trying on SuperHero necklaces with Andrea, wondering where you could get the oh-so-brand new design from Baby Brewing.

Well, I was there, sisters, and I want that Swap Meet back. How about you?

For those of you who missed that lovely evening out by the pool under the stars, here's how it worked. Artists, writers and crafters brought their items for sale and set up shop on little tables along the outskirts of a cocktail party on Saturday night. Bloghers perused the tables, made small talk and then purchases. BlogHer artists and vendors had a chance to meet one another as well as the women who support our work. Sounds fabulous, right?

So here's what I'm wondering:

1. If you are attending the BlogHer Conference in San Francisco in 2008, would you like to see the Swap Meet return to regular scheduled programming? (If yes, please state if you would be a seller or a shopper!) To really make this happen, I think we need a flood of comments, so don't be shy!

2. For the would-be sellers among us, what kinds of things would you bring to sell? If you were to put yourself in a category, which of these best apply: art, photographs, crafts, jewelry, books or fiber? Feel free to make up your own category, if the pigeon-holing of your marvelousness offends.

3. For the would-be sellers, how long would you like to sit and sell your wonderful things? Help us come up with a reasonable time-frame for Swap Meet Magic.

Please answer in the comments and also, pretty, pretty please consider spreading the word of this discussion on your own blog, directing conversation back to this post.

Submitted by jen lemen (view blog) on Mon, 05/05/2008 - 15:57

Comments

 

Yes!

I'll be one of the shoppers! I loved it.

Submitted by leahpeah on Mon, 05/05/2008 - 22:07
 

Double-YES!

I loved it in San Jose and would happily attend as a shopper in San Francisco.

Submitted by Karianna on Mon, 05/05/2008 - 22:11
 

leahpeah, you MUST be a vendor!

i must see those rings in person! ;)

www.jenlemen.com art, soul and stories for everyday

Submitted by jen lemen on Mon, 05/05/2008 - 22:26
 

Absolutely!

This will be my first year at BlogHer con, but I would so totally be a shopper.  Not only do I love to shop, but I also LOVE supporting small biz owners, women, and women bloggers who are super creative and fabulous. 

Submitted by To Think is to Create on Mon, 05/05/2008 - 23:56
 

Swap Meet

Now even more jealous that I won't be at BlogHer '08. Hope y'all find tons of fun and treasures!

 

 

Rachelle Mee-Chapman http://www.magpie-girl.com

Submitted by Rachelle Mee-Chapman on Tue, 05/06/2008 - 04:10
 

SWAP MEET

I'm all for it if there's room in the hotel.  It certainly adds an entire new dimension to the ways we meet and bond - and appreciate one another's talents.  Much as we love the Interweb, three-dimensional presentations of goods are different.

Oh and since I can't crochet anything that isn't in a straight line, I'm a buyer.

Cynthia Samuels, Partner
Cobblestone Associates, LLP
Blog and Media Strategies and Content Development Online and on Television
http:dontgelyet.typepad.com/dontgeltoosoon

Submitted by Csamuels on Tue, 05/06/2008 - 05:38
 

Yes!

My first year this year as well but I am definitely up for being a shopper!

Submitted by Missy on Tue, 05/06/2008 - 06:58
 

Yes!

I'd be a seller if I get my act together (my energy hand-dyed tshirts and likely other fiber goodies). I'd also be a shopper.

The one problem with the swap meet the last time? We missed the good stuff at the cocktail party (like food!). And with this year's parties being held off-site, I'm thinking that a different time would be necessary.

I'll gladly help you organize this, though, Jen. I know a number of the crafty folk will be attending this year and would LOVE to share their goodies.

Debra
A Stitch In Time
Deb's Daily Distractions

Submitted by debra roby on Tue, 05/06/2008 - 08:36
 

Yes, yes, YES!

I loved the swap meet back in 2006, and my daughter still plays with her tie-dyed play silk I bought.

Maybe a lunchtime swap could happen? I agree with Debra - I don't want people to miss out on the fun cocktail parties, but I want a chance to see all of the goods from our lovely blogging ladies.

(And I'd be a shopper, not a seller. I wouldn't have time to put together enough to sell.)

 

Christina
A Mommy Story

Submitted by amommystory on Tue, 05/06/2008 - 10:01
 

ALL OVER IT!

I would be SO thrilled to be a seller again. I had so much fun meeting everyone and blessing Superhero necklaces under the table. Remember that, Jen?

I liked the format last time where it was 2 hours during the cocktail party,right in the heart of things. This way I didn't feel like we missed the party... it was all part of the action.

I'm also happy to help organize if you need another hand.

  

 

Submitted by andreascher on Tue, 05/06/2008 - 11:31
 

Happily Empty Pockets...

I don't have a creative bone in my body, but I'd be an elated shopper and so happy to see something like this!

Submitted by Kristin Darguzas on Tue, 05/06/2008 - 21:52
 

Yes...Yay!

The swap meet rocked. I will be there to sell and to buy! Love it Jen...LOVE IT! 

 Tracey Clark  Mother May I & Shutter Sisters

Submitted by Tracey Clark on Wed, 05/07/2008 - 16:19
 

I am an whimsical Folk Artist in Georgia

I have family in Ca. That is where I need to be selling my work. I wish so much we had something like that. I think it would be great to meet such talented people. I do a lot of arts and crafts shows a year but I haven't been a part of something like that yet. I would see about being a vender if I could get some of my stuff out there and have a place to stay with family. www.citygirlstudios.com

Submitted by citygirlcrystal on Thu, 05/08/2008 - 13:20
 

Swap Meet

I will bring a big box of t-shirts to sell at the special conference discount!

Submitted by M Kennedy on Wed, 05/21/2008 - 15:44
 

Definitely!

I would love to participate as an artist.

Lisa, Creative Goddess
----------------------------------------
Creative Goddess
CalligraphyPets

Submitted by ecstewart on Wed, 06/04/2008 - 08:34
 

Bring on the Swap Meet!

I'm a little late to the comment party, but *love* this idea! No goods to sell at this time, but I'd definitely be a shopper.

~Jennifer/The Word Cellar

www.thewordcellar.blogspot.com

www.thewordcellar.com

Submitted by The Word Cellar on Tue, 06/10/2008 - 22:58
 

Definitely!

I loved the little 2006 swap meet, and I'd love to see it expanded.

Leslie

BlogHer Contributing Editor, Research and Academia
Proprietor, The Clutter Museum
I also blog at Museum Blogging.

Submitted by Leslie Madsen Brooks on Wed, 06/11/2008 - 14:43
 

Heck Yeah!!

I have nothing to sell, but I would LOVE to support my sister bloggers and happily shop, shop, shop.

Submitted by mammaloves on Wed, 06/11/2008 - 14:43
 

We need some sellers to chime in, please!

I got lots of shoppers, not so many sellers. I think we're hoping to see a few more sellers chime in...anyone in?

Elisa Camahort
BlogHer
elisa@blogher.com

Submitted by Elisa Camahort on Wed, 06/11/2008 - 15:06
 

Swap Meet

I would like to participate as a seller (and a buyer)! I am an artist and have a book and notecards to sell. (I have contacted the bookstore but don't know yet if I would be accepted there.)

 

 

Submitted by stray-g on Wed, 06/11/2008 - 19:59
 

Good thing to point out stray-g

A swap meet would provide a place for authors whose books can't be obtained by Barnes & Noble for the bookstore. (Like some self-published titles.)

Elisa Camahort
BlogHer
elisa@blogher.com

Submitted by Elisa Camahort on Wed, 06/11/2008 - 20:03
 

If there's a market for photographs - prints,
that is, I'm in.

I'm working on an Etsy store and gallery. I could have some prints ready for BlogHer.

I know there are some other visual artists out there (Jen, could you bring zines? I need more copies. I already paid mine forward. : ) )

Laurie

Submitted by lauriewrites on Wed, 06/11/2008 - 22:41
 

I can sell paintings and prints

I would love to be a participating seller.

Http://wexfordgirl.typepad.com

http://3fishstudios.com

Are you talking Fri or Sat during the cocktail party?

Submitted by wexfordgirl on Thu, 06/12/2008 - 14:23