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A Creative Journey at the 39th Annual Tennessee Craft Fair
Nashville’s 39th Annual Fall Tennessee Craft Fair was a whirlwind of creativity, connections, and inspiration! After a 3-year break, I was finally able to get back to this amazing event, and let me tell you—it did not disappoint. I had the privilege of meeting some truly incredible artisans, and I want to share a bit about the ones that stood out the most.
Here Are A Few Of My Favorite Artists At The Show:
Sally Wade Works – A Silver Wonderland
I couldn’t walk past Sally Wade’s booth without being drawn to her stunning silver jewelry. From delicate earrings to bold statement pieces, her work was breathtaking. Sally and I had such a lovely conversation about her journey in silver working, and I couldn’t resist buying one of her gorgeous pieces (I’ll be showing it off soon!). You can find Sally on Instagram at @sallywade or on her website. If you’re a fan of unique, handmade jewelry with a personal touch, Sally’s the one to watch.
Audry Deal-McEver – Pottery with a Personal Touch
Next, I was captivated by Audry Deal-McEver’s pottery. The pieces she creates are full of texture, soul, and beautiful functionality. From mugs to platters, everything felt so personal. I loved hearing about Audry’s dedication to crafting pottery that’s both artistic and usable. You can find her creations on her website and Instagram at @audrydealmcver. Her work is the perfect blend of artistry and practicality, making each piece a standout in any home. I even picked out a few things for my own home.
Katie Dirnbauer – Jewelry and Creativity Collide
Katie Dirnbauer’s booth was a vibrant burst of color and creativity. Her jewelry—often adorned with quirky, meaningful designs—caught my eye instantly. Katie’s work combines funky patterns with bold colors, and she uses a variety of materials like recycled glass to create her pieces. What’s even more special is that her designs tell a story, each one bringing something new and fresh. Check out her beautiful collection on her website and follow her on Instagram at @kddjewelry. You’ll definitely be inspired by her imaginative approach.
The pieces that I really liked most were your mini landscape necklaces and Athena collection. Each one of her collections are interesting and beautiful. What a joy it was to meet her at the show.
Salvage Goods – Sustainable and Stylish
One of my favorite discoveries at the fair was Salvage Goods. This booth was all about sustainability and stylish upcycling. The beautiful bags, scarves, and accessories were made from repurposed materials, giving old items a second life. Not only do they make eco-friendly products, but they’re also telling a story about creativity and sustainability. Follow them on Instagram at @salvagegoods to see their full collection.
A Personal Touch - The Tennesee Craft Show Is A 'Must-Go'.
This was the first time I went to the craft fair alone, and it was an experience I’ll never forget. Being away from my 1-year-old son for the first time felt both challenging and freeing at the same time. It gave me a chance to truly immerse myself in the creativity around me and make new connections with these incredible artisans. Even though I missed my little one, I’m grateful for the space to refresh and find inspiration.
This trip to Nashville was one to remember. For a few reasons. It was my first time being away from my two young children. Emmalyn is 3 and a half and Owen is almost 2. I decided that I should ween my youngest so this was another crazy thing about this trip. So sad that my baby is growing up, but also a relief. I missed them nearly the whole time I was away. Distance really does make the heart grow fonder.
Emmalyn actually sent me off with one request before I left which I dutifully tried to fulfill knowing it was almost impossible.
Before I left she said,
"Momma, if I am a good girl while you are gone...will you bring me back a pink unicorn?"
As hard as I tried, I even asked a few people to quickly illustrate on a TyeDyeMary dress I bought her. I ended up buying her a cute silver kitten necklace...however, yesterday we did go yard sale-ing while daddy was at work and I found a unicorn for her for 25cents. SCORE! So needless to say I really did miss them and thought about them the entire time I was in Nashville.
I spent the first few days of the trip in the hotel (actually two hotel rooms but Teresa and I can laugh about that). The goal of my first few days was to tie up a few loose ends (which I am still doing) for my fantastic client www.MindsEyeJournals.com. Teresa was such a joy to work with...I'll write that post later.
What About You?
Which artist at the fair caught your eye? Let me know in the comments or head to their websites to support these incredible makers! I hope their work inspires you as much as it inspired me. And don’t forget to share your favorite artisan finds with me!
Don't forget to read part 2 to this story.
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