Two Shows, Two Worlds - Our May and June Adventures!

We've just done two completely different craft shows, Makers Central at Birmingham NEC (16-17th May) and Crafterama at Kent Event Centre (7th June).  The two shows couldn't have been more different, but both were fantastic in their own ways.

Birmingham NEC - Going Big!

Makers Central was big. The NEC is huge anyway, but when you've got multiple events happening at once it's like a small city. We kept bumping into people with bags of toothbrushes and toothpaste because the British Dental Conference was on next door. 

Makers central has a totally different feeling to the type of craft show we usually do.  We're used to the usual craft show crowd, but this was something else entirely. 3D printing, blacksmithing, woodworking.  I have a real soft spot in my heart for the Blacksmiths as my dad was a Blacksmith and seeing them made me think of him.  The Dark Markets folks were particularly lovely, really welcoming group who made us feel right at home.  Louis in his hat and cloak fitted right in.  

Colin Furze was there with some interesting projects.  We also had R2D2 wandering around along with Luke Skywalkers pod racer.  I personally loved the Tardis and Johnny 5 from Short Circuit.  Sadly for me there was no Star Trek, but we did love the Tardis.

The Crowd Was Different

One thing that really struck us was how many more men were at Makers Central. Usually we're chatting mostly to women about our resin work, but Birmingham brought out the blokes in a big way. Turns out there are loads of guys who want to have a go at resin dipping - they just don't always make it to the traditional craft fairs.

Our make and take sessions were packed both days. People queuing up to have a go, asking loads of technical questions, really getting into the process. Some of the most detailed conversations we've ever had about the chemistry of what we do.

Then There Was Crafterama...

Fast forward to June 7th and we're at the Kent Event Centre for our first Crafterama. Talk about a complete change of pace! Where Birmingham was this massive, slightly overwhelming experience, Kent was like visiting friends.

The venue was perfect with amazing food, food is always a priority for me.  The other exhibitors were so welcoming, telling us the best place to park, holding the doors open and sharing the wifi code, even looking our for customers when the show opened.  There's something lovely about the traditional craft show community.

Two Crowds, Same Enthusiasm

The customers at Crafterama were just as enthusiastic but in a completely different way. More chatty, wanting to know our story, sharing their own crafting adventures with resin dip.

Our make and take sessions were great.  We made flowers and holly.  I love that moment when someone turns wire into a gorgeous, brightly coloured flower.

Our 3 Flower Value Kit was the star of the show again - completely sold out! Clearly we're onto something with that one.

What We Learned

Both events taught us different things about our business and our customers. Birmingham showed us there's a whole world of makers we'd never really connected with before - the tech-savvy, engineering-minded crafters who want to understand the 'why' behind what we do.

Crafterama reminded us why we fell in love with the traditional craft community in the first place - the warmth, the stories, the genuine joy people get from making something beautiful.

The Verdict

We loved them both. Birmingham was like a crazy adventure - overwhelming but exciting, full of surprises (hello, R2-D2!). Kent was like a warm hug - familiar, friendly, exactly what you hope a craft fair will be.

We're definitely doing both again. It's brilliant having such different audiences for our resin work, and we've got ideas brewing for products that might appeal to each crowd specifically.

Thanks!

Massive thanks to everyone who came and said hello at both events. If you picked up one of our kits and have been having a go at home, we'd love to see what you've made! Drop us a line - we're always excited to see what people create.

Until next time, keep creating!

Abby and Louis 

The Inion Arts Events Team

Want to try resin dip crafting for yourself? Contact us about our popular 3 Flower Value Kit and other resin dip supplies. We'd love to help you start your own creative journey!

Fancy coming to one of our events?  We get all over the place.