Whew! What an event! Handmade Parade was an amazing success. We had a wonderful turnout (our conservative estimate is about 1000 people), happy vendors and a super reaction from the crowd who came out. Amanda and I want to thank everyone who helped out or volunteered in any way, we could not have done it without you!

I saw lots of happy customers leaving with bags of handmade, one of a kind items and lots of happy vendors making sales. That's what it's all about, people!

Thank you to all the generous artists and crafters who donated items for our free raffle! It was a big hit! Also a HUGE thank you goes out to Ashley at Pickin Paint (and her awesome balloon man) for donating her time and efforts to create gorgeous face and body paintings and elaborate balloon hats all day long!

Twin bellies! This really added an awesome element to our show and I'm so glad she could take part!

Mafia member Cassie at Twittering Bird had a super-successful day, selling out of EVERYTHING but one item! Her owls were a big hit.

This booth was lookin' empty by around noon!

Drawer pulls from mafia member Beth at Supadupa and collage canvases by mafia member Jeannine at Boodzoo Studio. I bought Dreams in Teal, it's so lovely!

Cards by Slipstream and maps & treasure from the Interimaginational Institute.

Pottery by Tasha McKelvey. After being in two shows with her and admiring her work at many others, I finally bought some of her work!

I was so taken by these bird pots. My fiancee surprised me with one later in the day. I love it!

Hair pins and Leaf Dinks by mafia member Charmaine of Kutchicoo.

Plush goods by Missing Monsters.

Felt-appliqued accessories by mafia member Kristin of K.Parel Designs.

Gorgeous jewelry by Twist Style and knitted accessories by mafia member Vero of verotricot.

Delicious soaps and butters by Lokahi Spa and paper goods by Wolfie & the Sneak.

I love the midcentury-inspired accessories by George Ryan.

Knitted items from A Well-Mannered Young Lady and awesome baby stuff by Monkey & Me.

Whew, so many awesome vendors. I wish I had time to capture them all! For many more photos of the event, please go check out the Norfolk Craft Mafia Flickr group. And if you have any photos of our events hosted on Flickr, we'd love for you to add them to the pool! Click here to join the group!

A big thanks needs to go out to Gary at the Masonic Temple for being an extremely helpful and accommodating host to our event. He was always available when we needed him, the facility was great and I would not hesitate to recommend it if you need a venue! They have several spaces available for everything from a small one-room meeting to wedding receptions. You can reach them at 757-423-8866 for information.

Thanks again to everyone who made our first show a HUGE success. It's so motivating to see so many amazing crafters out there doing what they do best. Your energy is contagious and we love you all!