My Garden Retreat

My Garden Retreat
photo Gridley Graves for Country Living

French Market, meet our vendors

As promised, today I'm going to introduce our Fabulous Vendors who will be setting up shop  for our 


Fourth Annual French Market and Artisan Fair!


Before I do, I thought I would tell you a little bit about the event itself.


It all started 4 years ago this past January, I approached the Horton's about having an event in the parking lot of their store. Invite local Businesses, Artisans and so on to our Wonderful little town of Tipton. As Creative Director for their store...I would plan and produce it...they agreed!
We had 13 vendors that first year, it rained off and on throughout the entire 2 days and we probably had about 400 guests!


We were thrilled! 


It was so much fun! 
The Second year,  we had 17 vendors ... some really bad weather during setup...but the two day event went off without a hitch and we saw over 1200 guests! 
Word was spreading about our little event. We had guests arrive from 3 states and some were attending both days!


Last years event was  successful beyond our wildest dreams! We had 24 vendors, perfect weather and 2000 attendees by 3:00 on the first day! We had guests arriving from 7 states and  two sweet ladies from Canada!





We are so thankful for all of you who came and... for those of you who help us spread the word about our event! 

It is because of you that we work to make each year better than the last!

From the beginning, it was our mission to create a memorable and unique shopping experience for all in attendance. 



We strive to create an atmosphere reminiscent of a European Street Market, both attendees and vendors are treated to the sights and sounds of a far-away destination in an intimate setting.
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For myself and the Horton's, no detail is too small. Even the plants that are scattered throughout the venue are carefully chosen and planted!



 Each year a theme is selected and we work to create the quaint shopping experience we are now known for. 

ProvenceThis years theme is "The Heart of Provence" While researching European markets, the open air venues in this region of France intrigued me greatly!  I was smitten with the settings, the wares, the food...everything! I love the old facades of the surrounding buildings, the simpler pace of life in this part of the world...this was something we had in common. Here in the heartland of America, farming is a Big part of everyday life. Like Provence, we have old buildings, barns, large expanses of land devoted to crops... and we live life at a slower pace.
So, I started creating a similar shopping experience here at our own venue! Really play up our farming heritage... the slower pace of life in the Midwest.
After the foundation is set for the overall look...I search out the participants who will help us bring it together...our vendors!

Our vendors are hand selected. They are dealers in vintage finds, craftsmen, local boutiques and specialty shops, bakeries, specialty foods, and artisans.  









They are all amazing and gifted at what they do...we feel blessed and honored that they are apart of our event. Some of them...you will recognize and others you will just be glad they are here...They gather or create amazing treasures!















And now without further ado... here are the vendors for the 2012 event in Tipton: (in no particular order)

Herbs and Clay Pottery~Patti Beck
Almost Gemini
Reflections
Davis &Davis Designs
Portobello Road
Our Creative Outlet
Memories of  Home
Reissued 
Holly Beth's
and me...D. Reynés

All that is missing from this list...is you!



I will have more details on the event soon and  in  my next post...I thought you might like to tour my completed studio...before I wreck havoc upon it as is always the case when I prepare for an event!

Until next time...many blessings!









11 comments

  1. Oh this was very nice! Congratulations on a big success~creating the idea and then organizing it is something to be very proud of Donna!! You are amazing!!!

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  2. Wow - a retail mall would love to have their stats increase as you have. Fabulous!

    I couldn't help but notice the little tinker house in one of the first images, and every time I see anything along even close to looking like a tinker house - I think of you.

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  3. Donna Dear with you organizing and overseeing every detail this year's French Market will be over-the-moon wonderful. I am sad that Indiana is so far away. I shall enjoy it through your photos and descriptions. Blissful...

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  4. Can't wait! It is going to be sooooo much fun! I know all the work you have put into this years event and it is going to be fantastic and over the top amazing.
    Blessings today
    R

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  5. Hi, Donna ~
    Thanks for the information on this wonderful event. You must be so proud to see The French Market & Artisan Fair flourish!! All your planning, organization, and hard work has really paid off. I wish I lived closer as I would definitely attend. Many congratulations!
    Cheers,
    Loi

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  6. Donna, I am so excited about the french market . I love seeing all the wonderful crafts,meeting people, and seeing the Horton's is always a pleasure. I am bringing my sisters again. Smiles, Susie

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  7. Oh my gosh, it all looks so charming, i would LOVE to come to your french market. What a cool wonderful thing you started and what a wonderful story!

    Cindy

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  8. How the town must love how much you have done for them....and thank you for sharing. I must make a road trip soon...maybe in July? :-)

    Thank you for all that you do and for who you are,

    Big hugs
    Elizabeth

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  9. Donna, what a great idea you had 4 years ago! I just moved to Denver and I've been searching for fairs and markets here. There are so many that I decided to participate and sell my handmade pillow covers. I'm excited, but I've never participated before... I'm sure it'll be fun. Maybe, I'll go to yours next year.

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  10. This event is SO NEAT!! I have gone the past 2 years and the vendors are all top notch. Horton's is the BEST Do It Best Hardware I have EVER seen. The gift shop in it is WONDERFUL!!

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  11. Bonjour Donna,

    What a great event. You have covered every detail. All your vendors look lovely, wish I lived closer. I'll be back to hear more!
    Good week to you,
    Mimi

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Thank you for stopping by and taking the time to leave me a comment!
I love reading them~they truly make my day!
~Donna Reyné