The Early Days of Bikini Bears and Flea Markets

When I first started selling mop dolls and stuffed bears wearing bikinis, I was so proud of myself I would have set up shop in the middle of a highway if someone promised me foot traffic. I took every opportunity to show my things. Flea markets, festivals, county fairs. If there was a six-foot aluminum table involved, I was there at four in the morning, setting it up on gravel in the dark with a cold can of Diet Coke and a fresh pack of menthol cigarettes.

My booth wasn’t anything fancy. Just a bed sheet tablecloth (lol) and two folding lawn chairs. On one side of me you’d find some old fart’s tool collection and on the other side a mama selling baby clothes and toys. And there I was with my bikini bears, thinking, this is it. I’m in heaven!

I didn’t care. I loved the whole vibe of it. It felt like a secret society of makers. A tribe. People hauling in their treasures before the sun came up, hoping someone would see the magic in what they made. I knew deep in my gut that this was the life for me. Make something. Sell it. Repeat.

But weekend after weekend, the reality set in. By the time the sun came up, the shoppers had already grabbed their trinkets and treasures and headed home to make breakfast. My dolls sat there getting more dusty and tired looking with every sunrise, and honestly, so was I.

It took me almost three years to realize I wasn’t in the wrong business. I was just in the wrong place.

When Your Art Isn’t Being Valued

Nobody at the flea market really understood what I was offering. They came for old dishes, antique tools, and toddler dresses for a dime. They weren’t looking for hand-crafted art. They weren’t looking for me.

And that’s an important truth for every Christian creative:

Being in the wrong place or a bad booth space doesn’t mean your work has no value.

When I moved my bikini bears into a little consignment gift shop in a tiny fishing village, everything changed. Suddenly my work made sense. Ten bucks a pop and those bears were flying out the door. It was so wild that within a few months I was asking my engineer husband to quit his job and start making crafts with me.

(And if you want a story about what happened at our first show after he quit, the one in front of a grocery store where nobody—and I mean nobody—is looking for dolls on their way to grab groceries… well, that’s for another blog post.)

The point is, I had to learn this lesson many times over the years. Wrong booths. Wrong shows. Wrong stores. Wrong expectations. Wrong crowds.

And none of it means you’re not called, gifted, anointed, or equipped. It just means that place wasn’t YOUR place.

Finding the Right Place to Sell Your Art

Here’s a practical truth I wish I’d learned sooner: avoid places where people aren’t expecting to see your kind of art. County fairs, flea markets, and random pop-up booths may feel fun, but most shoppers are holding a cotton candy in one hand and a Tilt-A-Whirl ticket in the other—they’re not thinking about buying your hand-crafted creations or original artwork.

Instead, look for places where your art is the main attraction—juried shows, online marketplaces like Etsy, or events where crafts are the first thing people come to see. It doesn’t mean your art isn’t valuable. It just means that spot isn’t built to appreciate your gifts. When you put your work where the right people will actually notice it, things change. Your art is seen. Your gifts are received. Your effort starts to pay off.

That’s the heartbeat of this story.

Behind the Scenes: What I’m Working On Right Now

I’VE COME A LONG WAY since bears in bikinis, mop dolls and menthol cigarettes… My studio desk is currently covered with the Boho journal series—five junk journals crafted from original watercolor art, vintage papers and fabrics. I used the watercolor “blotting” paper towel in the cover design. I love that mix of chaos and intention. I even thrifted unused shoelaces from the 1990’s and used them for one of the closures. Do you recognize those famous 90’s colors? Purple and Teal. lol. There’s nothing like creating from scratch, already knowing the perfect place for these journals to sell, and how they’ll be priced (stay tuned for a future post on that!).

Besides the pack of vintage shoelaces, I loved using a piece of lace from my “deconstructed” wedding gown (from 1983), on the gingerbread girl journal cover (it reminded me of another craft consignment shop in town called Gingerbread & Old Lace), and using the glittered bells and beads from a thrifted Christmas ornament to make the journal charm dangles. Ironically, most of the materials in my designs are found at flea markets and thrift stores! lol! God is funny like that. Photo: vintage shoelace package, wedding dress lace, piece of watercolor blotting paper towel, thrifted ornament.

Scripture to Encourage Christian Artists

Here’s the verse for today’s creative journaling:

Hebrews 13:20-21
“Now may the God of peace… equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him through Jesus Christ.”

How to Begin…

• PRAY first
• PRINT the verse
• Create a PRETTY PAGE (decorate the page: doodle, color, collage, tape, stamp, paint, glitter, glue…)
• PROCLAIM! (write a truth statement or prayer)
• POST IT! (#gettingreadydaily)

He didn’t make a mistake when He made you an artist.
And He will always lead you to the place where your gifts fit.

Your Takeaway: Trust God’s Plan for Your Art

God has a good plan for you, for your art, and for your life. He will guide you step by step, opening doors, sending the right people, opportunities, and mentors to help you along the way. Even when it feels like you’re stuck or out of place, He’s working behind the scenes to position you exactly where your gifts can shine and your creativity can flourish. Trust Him. Keep creating. Keep showing up.

Remember, God has a perfect spot for your art, a place where your gifts aren’t just seen—they’re celebrated, your creativity can shine, and the right audience is already waiting for you.

Resources for Christian Artists & Creative Entrepreneurs

Ever had one of those days where you’re feeling defeated and said to yourself, just go get a “real” job? Well, I wrote this book for you. Getting Ready: Becoming the Super Successful Artist God Called You to Be I take you on a fun and inspiring 10-session journey through Queen Esther’s story. You’ll laugh, learn, and grow as you discover the keys to Esther’s success and how they can help you transform your creative business from the inside out. And if you need journals, creative tools, or little self-care goodies to help you stay inspired, my Etsy shop is loaded with resources made just for your creative journey.

If this post encouraged you, you’ll love my story about How God Revived My Creative Call (at 62). It’s full of breakthroughs, inspiration, and proof that God’s timing is perfect—even when it seems late. Click through and see how He breathed new life into my creativity and how He can do the same for you.

Thank you for visiting my blog where I love blending Beauty & Creativity for Self-Care and Mental Health. Before you go, if you haven’t already, grab the free resource below and Make it a beautiful day! Nancy