There’s something undeniably special about market days. The twinkle lights, the hum of conversation, the smell of kettle corn in the air... and for me, a table full of soft, squishy creatures waiting to meet their forever homes. ✨

But before I ever set up a booth or fluff a plushie, there’s a whole process that goes on behind the scenes to get ready for each event. Whether you're a fellow maker prepping for your own markets, or a customer curious about what goes into a Hex & Hook booth, I thought I'd pull back the curtain and share a bit of my rhythm and routine.

🗓️ Step 1: Planning Ahead

My market prep always begins with one big question: What’s our goal for this event?

I like to start by setting a gross sales goal—let’s say, for example, we want to make $600 at a market. From there, I aim to bring double that amount in inventory, so in this case, I’d plan to bring at least $1,200 worth of plushies with me. It gives us room to meet (or exceed!) our goals while offering a nice variety for shoppers.

Once the numbers are set, I turn to the creative side of things—what do I want to make? I always think about the season and theme of the market. Are we moving into summer? Fall? Is it a spooky night market, or a whimsical morning at the park? Right now, we’re transitioning into Summerween and Halloween-inspired items, which gives me a chance to lean into my love of all things magical and mysterious. 🎃🧙‍♀️

Because there are often other crochet artists at the events I attend, I also make it a point to create plushies that are different from what others might bring. I’ll usually spend some time researching other makers on social media ahead of time so I can stand out—with unique creatures, color palettes, and designs that feel unmistakably Hex & Hook.

Every market is a chance to tell a visual story and share the spirit of Hexmere, and I love when people stop by and say, “Wow, your booth is so different from the other crochet vendors!” It’s one of my favorite compliments—and proof that the planning pays off.

🧶 Step 2: Making Inventory (with Intention & Love)

When it comes to creating inventory for a market, I don’t just start stitching—I start by thinking about who will be there.

Most of the events we attend are night markets held at a family-friendly restaurant that also has a bar. That means we’ll likely see a mix of families with children, as well as a large number of young adults and adult shoppers. So we tailor our inventory with that demographic in mind.

In addition to our signature plushies, we always make sure to bring:

• Keychains and bag charms (a favorite with younger adults)

• Crochet earrings

• Plushies that are a bit more stylized or themed for an older audience (nothing naughty—just a little more grown-up in aesthetic or humor!)

Each piece is handmade right here in Elk Grove, either by me or my daughter, Carissa. She’s not only my crochet partner—she’s also our resident artist. Carissa helps choose the perfect color palettes for each plushie and paints the most magical little eyes to match each character’s theme. Her artistic touch brings so much personality and life to the creatures of Hexmere.

We also carefully choose the super-soft yarn that determines the feel and shape of every plushie. Whether it’s velvet, chenille, or something fluffy and new, we always use high-quality materials—because we want every Hex & Hook creation to feel like a treasured companion, made to last for years (and hopefully generations!).

That said… we always plan our inventory with flexibility in mind. Our goal might be to bring a certain dollar amount in product (usually double our target sales), but the reality is: life happens.

We average around three markets a month, and with just a week or two between events, it’s not always realistic to fully restock to the same level. And you know what? That’s okay.

If you're a fellow maker feeling behind on your inventory—go anyway. Bring what you have, set up your booth, and enjoy yourself. Market days are about connection, energy, and showing up with heart—not perfection. ✨

🪄 Step 3: Booth Setup & Aesthetic (a Boutique in a Booth)

When it comes to market day, I don’t just set up a table—I’m building a mini boutique. Every detail is intentional, and I want shoppers to feel like they’re stepping into the world of Hex & Hook the moment they approach the booth.

We focus on creating a branded, magical, and consistent experience at every market. Our signature colors—lavender and sage green—appear everywhere:

• Table coverings

• Display crates and risers

• Our custom banner

• Hang tags and product labels

• Business cards and signage

These soft, dreamy tones help create a cohesive cottagecore-meets-fantasy feel that reflects the heart of Hexmere and makes us instantly recognizable.

To keep things seamless on market day, we always do a trial setup at home the day before the event. Once we’ve arranged a layout we love, we take reference photos of the full display from a few angles. With 2–3 people usually helping with booth setup, having these photos makes a huge difference—everyone knows exactly where things go, and there’s much less confusion or second-guessing in the busy pre-market rush.

Because many of our markets take place after dark, lighting is especially important to our setup. Instead of going for quick, functional lights, we’ve chosen to create a warm and cozy ambiance with:

• Globe lights strung around the outside of our canopy

• Fairy lights woven throughout our table displays

• LED candles placed around the booth to add a gentle glow

There are definitely faster options out there—like magnetic canopy lights that just snap into place—but we stick with our setup because it adds so much atmosphere. The soft, magical lighting draws people in and makes our booth feel like a little enchanted cottage at twilight. ✨

Every plushie may be the star, but the booth itself is the stage—and we want the whole space to feel as magical as the creations within it.

🎒 Step 4: Packing & Logistics (AKA Organized Chaos)

Once the inventory is finished and the booth setup is planned, it’s time to pack it all up and make it market-ready. This step may not be the most glamorous, but good logistics make the difference between a smooth day and a stressful one.

Over time, we’ve built a system that works really well for us—starting with our trusty booth box. This is a large bin we keep fully packed at all times with everything we need for display, lighting, signage, and setup. After each market, we carefully repack the box, putting our tablecloths on top for easy access. The next day, we wash the tablecloths and repack them as soon as they’re dry, checking to see if anything needs to be restocked or replaced.

Thanks to this system, our pre-market prep is simple: charge the power blocks, confirm inventory, and we’re good to go.

To keep things tech-light and efficient, my phone is our payment hub. We accept Square, Venmo, PayPal, and Cash App, and everything runs directly through my phone—no extra gear to manage. Instead of traditional business cards, we use a Dot card, which allows customers to scan a single QR code to access all of our info: phone, email, website, social media, and payment options. It’s quick, eco-friendly, and way easier for customers to keep.

And now, let’s talk about our game-changing MVP: the collapsible wagon.

We used to use a dolly, but it was honestly a disaster—boxes slid off, things tipped, and we constantly had to stop to rearrange everything. Some markets require you to walk a bit from your car to your booth space, and carrying everything by hand is not a good time.

The wagon changed everything. We can fit our canopy, tables, chairs, booth box, displays, and more in just a couple of quick trips. It’s sturdy, easy to maneuver, and makes loading in and out so much less stressful. It was one of the best investments we’ve ever made for market life—and I recommend it to every maker I meet.

Smart packing = more energy for the fun part: market day magic ✨

✨ Step 5: Market Day Magic

Market day is here—and it’s go time!

We like to arrive early so we have plenty of time to unload, get everything set up, and settle into the vibe of the event. Our crew usually includes Carissa, Megan, and sometimes Carissa’s best friend, Brooklyn—and let me tell you, it’s a team effort. Everyone chips in, but Carissa pretty much runs the show when it comes to setup. She knows exactly where everything goes and makes sure the booth comes together like magic.

Even though we plan ahead, there’s always a little last-minute hustle. It’s not uncommon to find us putting finishing touches on plushies the morning of the market—tying tags, sewing on limbs, or giving a dragon one final fluff before it’s ready for adoption.

We’ve even had customers show up while we’re still setting up! It happens more often than you’d think, especially with returning customers who know where to find us. So we always set up with a smile, knowing the magic starts the moment we arrive.

Once the booth is finished, that’s our moment to breathe—and have fun. This is where the energy shifts. We’re singing along with the DJ, laughing together, chatting with neighboring vendors, and just soaking up the good vibes. That joy? It’s contagious. People are drawn to booths where the energy is light and genuine, and I truly believe that’s part of why Hex & Hook feels special.

The hard work is already done—the stitching, the packing, the planning. Now it’s time to enjoy everything we’ve created and share it with others. Market days are about connection, celebration, and embracing the magic we’ve worked so hard to make real.

🌀 Step 6: After the Market

When the market ends and the lights dim, it’s time for the reverse hustle—packing everything back up. Our collapsible wagon saves us here once again, making teardown fast and efficient. Everyone has a role: plushies are gently tucked back into their bins, table coverings are folded, lights are coiled, and our trusty booth box is repacked with care.

Carissa runs teardown like a drill sergeant, keeping us all on task and making sure nothing gets forgotten or packed haphazardly. Megan’s favorite part? Going home. 😄 (Relatable.)

Once we’re loaded up and back home, the real exhale begins. Market days are amazing, but they’re also long and physically draining. The first thing we do? Kick off our shoes, grab something tasty, and just breathe—usually while recapping the night’s highlights and sharing our favorite moments.

But the next day? That’s when the real reflection happens.

We go through everything—together as a team:

• What went well?

• What should we change or improve next time?

• Which plushies sold immediately (and need to be restocked fast)?

• What new patterns are we excited to try?

We also take time to reinvest a portion of what we earned that night right back into Hex & Hook. Whether that means buying new patterns, testing out new yarns, refreshing our booth displays, or simply restocking our favorite materials—we’re always working to keep our inventory evolving and inspired.

Every plushie is inspected, too—because after a long night of squeezes and snuggles, we want to make sure they’re still in perfect shape. If something needs repair or freshening up, we fix it before the next event. And lastly, we update our website to reflect current inventory so our online customers can see what’s available.

It’s not just about wrapping up—it’s about staying connected to the process, learning from each experience, and continuing to grow Hex & Hook with every market.

🧺 Come Visit Us at an Upcoming Market!

We’d love to see you in person! ✨ Come say hi, squish some plushies, and explore the magic of Hex & Hook in real life.

Here’s where we’ll be popping up next:

🗓️ August 1st – Sactown's Finest Market at the R Street Corridor
🗓️ September 6th – Hella Good Market at Drake’s: The Barn
🗓️ September 27th – The Loom Marketplace at One Natomas

📍We’re usually near the fairy lights and dragon plushies 😉
💜 Follow us on Instagram or Facebook for sneak peeks and booth locations before each market!

Come for the creatures, stay for the cottagecore vibes—and maybe leave with a new friend from Hexmere. 🌿🐉