As a maker, I always find it fascinating to see what sells and what doesn’t. It’s especially interesting when you focus on one product in different variations like I do. Some styles consistently sell both online and in person — Swiftie, bookish, florals, cats and dogs — but it’s always fun to see what’s popular during a given month, season, or even at a specific in-person show.
There are certain trends I can always count on. For example, local universities and sports team bookmarks sell extremely well at my in-person events. I know if I’m doing a show in Morgantown, WV, I should show up with an abundance of WVU bookmarks and anything I have in a blue and yellow combo. Those are a given. Beyond that, show inventory is a mystery because shoppers are unpredictable. Will people want seasonal styles, or are they looking for something more year-round? Are they shopping for women, men, or kids? I’d love to tell you I have it all figured out after doing this for three years, but I’d be lying. I do the best I can to provide a variety of options and offer custom orders as a backup plan.
Case in point: I was in Pennsylvania preparing for one of my biggest shows last November and debating whether or not to take Halloween bookmarks with me. I like to have a good assortment of seasonal bookmarks (even out-of-season ones) at any show, but my displays were quickly filling up with winter and Christmas goodies. I put out a handful of Halloween options — and it’s a good thing I did, because my biggest seller that day was a Halloween-themed bookmark. (And not a particularly appealing one, IMHO.) But I sold every single one I brought, so I guess that was a good fabric to buy… even if I have absolutely no recollection of doing so.
Since most of my bookmarks are made to order, online inventory is a whole lot easier to manage. But I still find it just as interesting to see what others like and purchase. It helps me make informed decisions when I think about buying more fabric. (Something I will not be doing again for a very, very long time — but that’s a blog post for another time.) Evaluating online sales also helps guide what I take to in-person shows. If it’s a good seller online, there’s a pretty good chance it’ll be popular in person too.
Tiny Hearts | Taylor & Travis | Flowers & Clover | Coffees on Tan | Firecracker Pop | Tiny Crabs
I can’t really say there were any surprises when I looked back at my 2024 sales to see which bookmarks were the most popular. Adorable holiday-themed goodies are always a safe bet. (Good thing I’m a sucker for fun holiday fabrics — I’ve got plenty to choose from!) My personal favorites from the first six months of the year? Taylor and Travis (duh), and the tiny crabs.
Flamingos | Charcoal Bookshelves | Costumed Cats | Teal Fall Floral | Sunflowers | Cardinals on Blue
The bestsellers from the second half of the year didn’t really surprise me either. Everyone loves a bookish-themed bookmark, so the shelf print with the sleeping cat is always a safe bet. Florals continue to sell well, no matter the season. My personal favorite from this bunch is the cardinals — that one has a special meaning for me. And apparently, it holds a special place for a lot of folks, because I couldn’t keep it in stock online or in person.
Looking back at what sold is always helpful… but what’s even more fun is dreaming up what’s next. I’ve already got some ideas (and fabrics!) I can’t wait to play with. Whether it’s seasonal, sentimental, or just plain cute, I love seeing which bookmarks connect with people. I’m so grateful for everyone who supports my little shop and gives all these fabrics a second life as something special.
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