"It is good that people are starting to come back out to craft shows and events, but it seems like they don't quite remember what to do. Some just stand there, looking befuddled." Lynn was a veteran crafter and an avid vendor at many of the craft events in the area. Something that had ground to a halt during the pandemic. "And the show organizers have their struggles, too. Either too many vendors and no people or too many of the same type of vendor and we fight over the customers." She could easily talk while she sewed and pieced her items together. I just listened. I had trouble walking and chewing gum at the same time.
"Well, that's what I wanted to talk with you about. At least partly. We always get off on tangents when we talk, but there is a craft show coming up that I think would be fun and a little different." Our chats usually started off well and with a point, but that was usually lost and devolved into either bad puns or sex chat. Sometimes both. "I even brought along a brochure from a previous event so you could see what it was like. It ought to be quite something in its return." I dug out the folded pamphlet and handed it to her.
"Hold on, let me finish this one panel. Almost done. There. Another little quilted tree ready to go." She set down the cloth and needle and grabbed the paper. She read down, opened it and read some more. Just the occasional "Hmmm." was her only response.
"Well, what do you think? Interested in a booth? I think it would be fun and could be some good money for both of our 'fun funds.". That was how we had met, online at a crafting chat room that discussed what to do while shows were shut down. We found a mutual interest in several things ranging from crafts, travel and an occasional dalliance into fun topics like spanking, masturbation, toys and sex in general. She was a large woman, but with a quick wit and an open mind. I waited for her reply.
"Looks fun, but I think I might be more of a customer than a vendor. What could I sell? I doubt that quilted trees and small wall hangings would have much of a market with that crowd." She continued to look over the list of vendors from the previous event, obviously some had caught her attention. "Interesting assortment. So when are they thinking of having this, um 'show'?"
I knew I had her attention. Now to 'close the deal'. "They have a date about two months from now, which should give you plenty of time to make enough product to have a great display. As for having something this crowd would like, I have a few thoughts. A question for you. How big can you make those trees?"
"I can imagine what some of your thoughts might be. As for the trees, I have forms up to 15 inches tall. Anything from 3, 4, 5, 7 10, 12 to 15 inches. I'm a little afraid where this might be heading." Lynn handed back the pamphlet.
"Oh don't be afraid, be brave!" I smiled and checked my watch. Actually my fitbit that had just reminded me that I needed to 'feed' it steps. "I have to run off, but I'll be on later tonight and we can chat about this some more. See you then. I got up and showed myself out.
Lynn stayed seated but called after me. "Really. You aren't going to tell me what your idea is? Talk about leaving me hanging...". Her voice trailed off as I headed out the door.
What I hadn't told her was that the craft fair was being held in honor of Nude Day, July 14, so everyone would be naked. Customers, vendors, even security. I figured that piece of information would have prompted an immediate "NO" from her, but I would introduce the idea in stages. Lynn needed to get out more, whether she knew it or not. She was comfortable in her own skin (and she had plenty of it!), but she was a bit shy. Essentially she wanted to explore more, but just hadn't crossed the threshold. She needed a nudge, and I was providing that. Well, more like a shove. Okay this would be like picking her up and running into the building, but we'd move across the line together.
"Give more thought to that craft show?" I left the chat on her messenger. It didn't take long for a response.
"You know I did. Those vendors look very interesting. To say the least. Who knew there was a craft fair just for kinky items. Designer dildos, tattoos, piercings, leather goods and my particular favorite... What was that - "Little Bo Peep Show'? Very interesting." Lynn punctuated the entry with a couple of smiling devil emojis. "But I still don't know what I or we could make for an entry into that genre. And do the items have to be juried?" Juried meant that the items had to be judged to be of a certain quality by expert craftspeople. A legitimate question.
"Yes, all submissions have to be evaluated. Probably not as strict as some of the shows you have exhibited with, but the item is reviewed. They also want unique items. No need to have ten tattoo artists all vying for the same customer. Variety is key. And I have an idea for something different." I added my own little devil emoji.
"You going to tell me the idea, or do I come over and extract it from you. And you know I would." No smiley. That meant Lynn was serious.
"Okay. Simply put, our entries into the Kinky Kraft Show will be Quilted covers for vibrators, novelty holiday penis covers and fleshlight accessory items. And anything else that comes to mind, but those three should be plenty to start with. What do you think?".
There was a pause, so I got up to get a drink and waited for a reply. Instead of a message, my phone rang. I had her now. A call meant she wanted more ideas. I made the mental analogy that this was a bit like fishing. Give her enough line, then reel her in. "Hello, Lynn. Whatcha wearing?" I was hoping for nothing, but would broach that subject when we had established the sales items.
