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FAQs for Artisans

Interested in becoming an artisan but want to learn more, or a seasoned veteran new to Firefly?  Check out the following Q&A to get your answers, or fill out a contact form here to get directly in touch with us.

Is Firefly open to artisans outside of Colorado?

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Yes.  While the majority of our artisans reside in Colorado, we accept applications from throughout the Mountain West and beyond. In support of our local community and economy, we will continue to emphasize Colorado artisans.​

What product categories does Firefly accept?

 

While Firefly is not limited to the following, our vendors generally fall into these categories:

 

  • Art

  • Home décor and accessories

  • Paper goods

  • Fiber / knit / crochet

  • Kids

  • Pets

  • Bath and body

  • Fashion

  • Accessories

  • Jewelry

  • Food

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Are Firefly Handmade Markets juried?
 

Yes.  Each seasonal market is juried with a careful curation 

process to ensure a good mix of product and a high quality of craftsmanship, creativity, uniqueness, presentation/display, and signage. Web presence is helpful, but not required. Professional quality photos are necessary if no web presence exists. Our emphasis is on handmade, unique, small-batch artisan goods.​

03

Tip: Create an inviting booth, using color and decor.

Tip: Focusing on one product ​category

makes your display look cohesive.

Tip: Customers love friendly vendors, smiles will increase sales.

05

How many spots are available?

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We generally have 100+ spots available, depending on the size of

the venue.  An average of 50-75% of applicants are accepted, with approximately 20% new/emerging artists per market.

04

Are there spots left for the NEXT market?

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Our call for artisans usually goes out 3 months before the market date,

and applications are accepted for at least 2 weeks until the call is closed.

We then have a jury date and fill our booth spaces. A waiting list is

created for applicants who meet our criteria but cannot be accepted due

to space limitations.​  To inquire about possible openings past deadline

for any market, use our contact form (please include who you are, what

you do, your Web or Etsy site and any links to photos of your product or market display).

06

Do you allow booth sharing?
 

The short answer is No.  While the concept of sharing is quite lovely

(and we DO share lots of things: love, ideas, power tools,

inspiration...), sharing a market booth is not part of Firefly policy.

However, if your brand is already teamed up with another crafty

brand​ and you market together often, or have a sister company, we

will do our best to work with you.  Contact us before applying.

Tip: Keep track of application deadlines and be sure to get all paperwork and payments in on time.

Why wasn't I accepted?

​

On average, we receive about twice as many applications as we can accept.

Some categories are more competitive than others (for example, jewelry).

Our jury works very hard to curate each market to have strong, but not

heavy, representation in each category.  Just because you were rejected

does not mean you should stop applying! We jury each market individually.

07

Do you accept imported handmade goods?
 No, we do not accept vendors of imported artisan goods.

08

Tip: Create a colorful and attractive display for easy shopping.

Do you have any tips for applying?

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  • Develop a web presence which reflects your work, including photos which are representative of your brand and what you intend to sell at Firefly markets. this is not mandatory, but helps in the jurying process. Professional quality photos are also acceptable;

  • Have a well-developed brand and signature style in every aspect of your work

  • and display;

  • Focus on one artisan category rather than attempting to market goods in many categories;

  • Develop your craftsmanship and quality;

  • Develop unique signage and market booth;

  • Your email signature should include your name, business name, as well as a

       website link and social media links(if available).

09

How well attended are Firefly Handmade Markets?

​

Our most recent markets have averaged 5,000-6,000+ shoppers, growing from

our first market, Holiday 2010, of 2,500 shoppers.  We expect to keep growing!​

 

 

 

10

Tip: Customers are curious about your process

working in your booth creates interest.

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