How a Small Business Shows Up at H+H Americas Trade Show
Get a behind-the-scenes look at Woodsy Craft Co.’s experience at H+H Americas trade show — from setting up our 5x10 booth with family to connecting with wholesale buyers, meeting inspiring small business owners, and chasing big dreams one DIY craft kit at a time. A heartfelt recap about creativity, community, and growing a handmade business.
We’re officially home from H+H Americas — and wow, what a week.
From setting up our little 5x10 booth to connecting with retailers, quilt shops, gift stores, and creative business owners from across the country, this trade show experience reminded us exactly why we love building Woodsy Craft Co.
If you’ve never attended H+H Americas, it’s one of the largest trade shows for the craft, handmade, sewing, quilting, and creative retail industry. For small businesses like ours, it’s an incredible opportunity to showcase products, meet wholesale buyers, and connect with other makers and entrepreneurs who are passionate about creativity and community.
This year, we brought our Woodsy Craft Co. DIY garland kits, kids craft kits, and newest product collections to the show — and one of the most meaningful parts of the experience was bringing our family along too.
Setting Up Our 5x10 Trade Show Booth with Family
One of my favorite memories from the entire trip was setting up the Woodsy booth with my son by my side.
He helped unpack displays, organize products, hand over supplies, and jump right into the process. Watching him experience the excitement and energy of a creative small business event was something I’ll never forget.
As a small business owner and mom, there were so many moments throughout the week where I quietly hoped:
“I hope he grows up knowing he can chase his dreams too.”
Whether his future looks anything like mine or completely different, I hope he sees firsthand that creativity, hard work, and passion can turn into something meaningful.
Connecting with Retail Buyers Across the Country
One of the absolute best parts of attending H+H Americas was connecting with wholesale buyers, shop owners, and creative retailers from all across the United States.
From charming quilt shops to gift boutiques and creative retail spaces, every conversation left us inspired. Hearing the stories behind these small businesses and the communities they serve made us want to plan a giant road trip just to visit every beautiful store carrying Woodsy Craft Co. products.
As a handmade-inspired craft company focused on connection, creativity, and screen-free experiences, it means the world to see our DIY kits finding homes in shops that value gathering, creativity, and meaningful moments just as much as we do.
The Best Booth Mate: Bessie Pearl Binding Co.
Trade shows can be exhausting, chaotic, exciting, and unpredictable all at once — which is why having amazing booth neighbors makes such a difference.
This year, we were lucky enough to booth beside Bessie Pearl Binding Co.
Throughout the week, we swapped ideas, shared encouragement, celebrated wins, and helped each other solve the inevitable “trade show emergencies” that pop up when displays wobble, tape refuses to cooperate, or something unexpectedly falls apart five minutes before the show opens.
There’s something really special about the way small business owners rally around each other in creative industries. The support, encouragement, and camaraderie are such a huge part of what makes these events so meaningful.
A Special Interview with Tami Jones of Hometown Quilt Company
Another major highlight from the week was getting interviewed by the incredibly kind and welcoming Tami Jones from Hometown Quilt Company.
What started as an impromptu interview quickly turned into one of those unforgettable moments where someone’s warmth and enthusiasm instantly puts you at ease.
Tami’s bubbly personality, genuine encouragement, and excitement for makers made the entire experience feel so fun and uplifting. We left the interview smiling and feeling incredibly grateful to be part of such a supportive creative community.
Grateful for This Community
As exhausting as trade shows can be, we came home feeling energized, inspired, and deeply thankful.
From our family helping us set up our booth, to the buyers who stopped by, to the customers and retailers who continue to support Woodsy Craft Co. — this journey wouldn’t exist without this amazing community behind us.
What started as DIY garland kits created around a kitchen table has grown into something bigger than we ever imagined, and moments like H+H Americas remind us how grateful we are to keep growing, learning, and dreaming.
So here’s to the dreamers.
The makers.
The small business owners.
The creatives hauling suitcases through airports.
And the people brave enough to keep showing up for their dreams.
We’re so thankful you’re part of ours. ❤️
