A Trip Down Memory Lane

I’ll be a vendor again this year at Indie Craft Parade, and I am so excited! Save the date for September 9-10

Indie Craft Parade (ICP) is a juried market held in Greenville, SC every September featuring some of the best makers and artisans in the South. I believe it’s one of the first makers markets of its kind on the East Coast, and this market has done so much for independent makers and artisans in the South.

I debuted my first line of cards with them in 2019, and I wouldn't be where I am without them. So as you can tell, this market holds a very special place in my heart. But, shall we go back to the very beginning before I even had an inkling that I would be selling my work at this market?

Let’s take a trip down memory lane.

2012, Second Year of Indie Craft Parade: My first year attending. Growing up, I had attended markets in artisan markets in Taiwan and in Hong Kong, but this was the first time I’ve seen one in America. My heart was so happy.

2013, I started volunteering. This was a community worknight for Indie Craft Parade 2013 Can you spot me!? I believe they are still using these bunting we made 10 years ago!

2014, Ben and I decided to apply as a team, Lily and Bird. We made it as vendors, but then I jump-shipped and teamed up with my friend, Alyssa, and Ben had his own booth. Alyssa and I started selling cards under the name, Paper Loop Troupe. She was the queen of hand-lettering, and I did the illustrations!

One of the cards Ben and I designed together.

Cards Alyssa and I dreamed up together

2015-2018, we had occasional booths, but when we didn’t, we were always around. See Ben with his variety of hairs. Speaking of, if you ever want to be behind the scenes at Indie Craft Parade, you can 1) reach out to me (I can always use a helper) 2) volunteer at ICP!

2019, this was the year I had my very own booth as Karen Schipper!!