Building Confidence at Craft Markets in Toronto

A Calmer Second Handmade Market

My second market as a polymer clay artist in Toronto didn't feel easier, BUT it was much less stressful (thank goodness!!)

Not because the days were shorter. They were still long. And not because the work was lighter. It still took a lot of energy. But this time, we knew what to expect.

Going into my first handmade market, everything felt new and uncertain. This time, we were more prepared.

We had enough inventory without overworking ourselves beforehand. No late night panic making. No last minute scrambling. Just a steady pace that felt intentional and balanced.

Preparing for a Handmade Market

The long days were still challenging. Standing for hours, talking, selling, and drifting through the slower hours was still difficult.

But honestly, most jobs are hard in their own way. The difference now is that this work feels worth it. It is tiring in the way meaningful things usually are.

One of the biggest takeaways from this handmade market was how much knowledge I walked away with. More clarity around what worked, what needs refining, and so many new ideas I'm excited to bring to life.

If you are curious about the work itself, you can explore my latest polymer clay pieces in the [shop].

Talking About My Polymer Clay Work

Another noticeable shift was how much more comfortable I felt talking to people.

Conversations flowed more easily. I knew how to explain my polymer clay work, the story behind it, and what makes it special.

Having workshops to talk about made those conversations feel fuller and more confident. It wasn't just about what was on the table but what's coming next.(And yes, I'm still an introvert. Just a slightly braver one.)

I have found that markets are not just about selling handmade products.

It's about connection and inviting people into the process behind the work. If you are interested in learning alongside me, you can read more about upcoming [workshops] here.

A Small Market Moment That Stuck

One moment that really stayed with me was seeing people genuinely love my business cards.

People were showing them to other vendors, and some even came to our booth because they had seen the card elsewhere - this was a huge win!

Watching something I designed travel around the room on its own felt surreal.

When my hubby first nudged me to get business cards, I thought it was silly and antiquated (lol) but with some convincing and me adding my creative spin on it (by adding a removeable sticker) it worked out beautifully!

Building Momentum as a Handmade Business

That is what this market gave me. Momentum.

Not loud overnight success. Just steady signs that things are moving in the right direction.

Calmer preparation. Clearer conversations. People remembering the name Sleepy Eve Studio.

If you are new here, you can learn more about the story behind the brand on the [about the artist] page.

And if you have been following along from the beginning, thank you for being part of this journey! <3

I'm excited to keep growing, learning, and building this handmade business one market at a time.