An Outstanding Day at The Chapel Market

I can't put into words how fantastic this day was. I had the key to the chapel (now that sounds important, doesn't it?) since I was the last one to leave. (Oh yeah, we didn't start setting up until 8:30pm) I was planning on meeting Layla at 7:55am. She didn't want to open to the vendors before 8am and we KNEW there would be a line down wrapped around the building! As we drove up, I got out at the street and walked up the hill. Kevin and Layla needed to take care of a few logistics before going in. There was that line! (and it was looooooong) Take a look at this photo that Abby, from Southern Makers took from the bottom of the hill.

What an exciting feeling to have put this event together over the past few months and see that all of the efforts were worth it! I think we all knew, but you still have doubts, right? Layla from the Lettered Cottage has such a genuine personality and has a huge following because of her enthusiasm in everything she does. I knew it would be a success!

There were lots of vendors and volunteers milling around inside. Lots of early shopping going on! I sold 4 Lucy Lockets to vendors and volunteers that morning! They all wanted something to wear for the day! I can't tell you how incredible the feeling was that someone wanted to wear my jewelry during this show! (blush)

This is a shot of me that Rhoda of Southern Hospitality took in the booth before it opened. I think I was working on Kari of Thistlewood Farm's earring! She ran over with a jewelry emergency. One of her jump rings went missing and I didn't bring my tools, so we used twine! One thing a DIY'er is good at....improvising!

We were set up at the back of the Chapel. We had a corner and were the last booth to stop by before leaving. Well, until you got to the door and then you got to see the Southern Makers booth. Save the date for 5.3.14. That event is not to be missed! They brought a goodie bag for everyone. I think I heard them say they had around 300 and ran out pretty quickly! (There were a lot of people there!) I love that I grabbed my tiny Alabama chalkboard at the last minute and they ended up using it. The amazing chalk lettering artist, Rachel, did the lettering. I mean, who would think, "grab a bag" would be so cute?? Love this sign and I think I could've sold several! Be on the lookout, those may show up soon!

Shaunna from Perfectly Imperfect was across the lane from us. Right before everyone was coming in, I decided to pull out my camera! A little too late, but I snapped a few from where I stood!

Turned around to snap a couple of our booth in it's glory. It would be picked over in just a few minutes!
Our booth turned out pretty amazing! We were working on it until around 1:00am. I wouldn't trade it, though. I'm so thankful to Southern Accents for letting me bring so many things to The Chapel Market. It's amazing how well my jewelry looks with the architectural accents! (wink) Heather came to represent the store and we worked magic in those few hours! How about that tree in the corner? Isn't that thing amazing? We couldn't make up our mind where we wanted it.  We needed the height and that was the perfect piece for that corner!

I got a quick pic of Miss Mustard Seed's booth just as the first group was coming in! Some had been in line for over an hour!! Dedication, I tell ya! You can see Layla's booth in the back corner!

I tried to grab Kari, Heather and Laura's booth. I did get Heather helping a customer! The booths were filling up quickly!!

This adorable sign was not even a snippet of the gorgeous flower cart Evan of Evan and Company created at the center of the Chapel. It's so hard to stop and take photos! I need a photographer to follow me around. That would make blogging so easier, right??

This is my friend, Beth. Her cute hubby took this photo of us right before it got crazy in there! She is also the Diet Coke fairy!! I was standing there around noon and thinking I could sure use something to drink, anything, but preferably with caffeine and I swear, I looked down and there was a COLD Diet Coke! I almost screamed! I looked around and no one was there...then, I saw Beth. She was walking toward the front of the Chapel and I ran up and told her she was my lifesaver!! She rocks. Check out her recap. You will find lots of great photos, the Lucy Locket she swiped, not to mention, it's hilarious! (stealing cotton is so much more fun than buying cotton) Stay tuned since she may just be doing a little Lucy Lockets giveaway soon!!!

As happens in the South, especially Alabama, when the football games start coming on, everyone finds their way in front of a tv. Auburn had a big game this weekend and it was the team the local crowd wasn't missing! Around 2:00pm things really started slowing down. That's when I started socializing and shopping! (shhh, don't tell)

I quickly grabbed one of Mary Kay Andrew's new books, Christmas Bliss! Can't wait to dive into that one! I told Heather she should get one too and she ended up buying 3! I won't say who they were for, they might just be gifts!! (wink) She wanted to grab a pic to add to the wall of fame at the store!

And then there was this.....Do you see the green, rusty, chippiness on this set of drawers? I  know, I almost licked it! I eyed it at the beginning, but didn't know how full my pocketbook would be at the end of the day, so I let fate play it's hand. If it was there after the show, I would let it organize all of my gorgeous pieces of hardware in the Lucy Lockets workshop! It was in Urban Farmgirl's booth, but this yumminess belonged to Maple and Magnolia. She and I started a little negotiating and guess where this bad boy ended up! You guessed it! It's in the workshop, it's empty, but it's in there! 

This is the group! So thrilled to be squished between all this talent! What a wonderful day to be able to spend it with such creative people! If you didn't get to come, look for it again next year. We don't know for sure, but we are all crossing our fingers there will be a second The Chapel Market!!!

We grabbed Layla in between her getting us coffee (angel) and resting her feet (how dare she) for a quick picture. I think those smiles say it all! 

Truly an amazing way to end the day. I understand why they live in this adorable neighborhood. If the sunset looked like this everyday with the Chapel at the top of the hill, I would move right in! (forget moon glow) ((just kidding)) (((I met with the builder today))) ((((eeeeeek))))