My absolute Utter Craft show fail and What I've learned from it...
- 10 hours ago
- 3 min read
Entering craft shows and competitions often stirs a mix of excitement and nerves. Even after years of experience and several awards, the moment to submit an entry can still bring butterflies. One of the most unforgettable lessons I learned did not come from a win but from a relish that never even made it to the judging table. This story is about how a simple mistake taught me more about the value of participation than any ribbon ever could.
The Build-Up to the Relish Entry
I have always encouraged others to “just enter the thing,” believing that putting yourself out there is the first step to growth. Yet, when it was my turn to enter a homemade relish in a local craft show, I found myself overwhelmed by anxiety. Instead of trusting my usual process and intuition, I became fixated on perfection.
I worried about:
How the relish would look on display
Whether the judges and visitors would like the flavor
If my entry was good enough compared to others
The possibility of embarrassing myself by entering at all
I even stupidly followed the recipe - and I never do that with this particular relish!
In the midst of these worries, I overlooked one crucial detail: reading the schedule carefully.
The Mistake That Led to Disqualification
The show’s schedule had a specific details that I missed and I got overloaded with too much research. My relish was disqualified before it even reached the tasting table! The disappointment to find not a prize but a "not Judged" sticker was immediate and intense. I had spent hours preparing the relish, imagining the pride of seeing it alongside other entries, and now it was gone without a chance to compete.
This experience was humbling. It reminded me that rules and schedules exist for a reason, especially in local shows where fairness and organization matter. But more importantly, it showed me that mistakes happen to everyone. And learning from them can better our understanding of the competition, ourselves and our craft.
What I Learned from the Disqualified Relish
Looking back, this failure became one of my most valuable lessons. Here are the key takeaways:
Everyone Makes Mistakes
No matter how experienced or confident you are, errors are part of the process. Even seasoned exhibitors miss details sometimes. Accepting this helps reduce the fear of failure. Don't let it stop you - do it anyway!
Disqualification Isn’t the End
Being disqualified felt like a setback, but it wasn’t the end of my journey. It was a chance to learn, improve, and come back stronger next time.
Participation Is the Real Goal
The purpose of entering shows is not just to win ribbons but to challenge yourself, learn, and connect with others who share your interests.
Confidence Grows from Action
You cannot build confidence by staying hidden or waiting for the “perfect” moment. Taking part, even with imperfections, is how you grow.
Funny Stories Make the Experience Richer
The story of my disqualified relish has become a favorite to share. It helps others feel less intimidated and reminds us all that perfection is not required to enjoy the process.
Practical Tips for Craft Show Success
That’s actually one of the big reasons I created my “10 Tips For Entering Your Local Show” guide. I wanted to encourage other makers, creatives, bakers, crocheters, sewists, knitters and closet crafters to stop overthinking and simply have a go.
Because local shows aren’t really just about ribbons.
They’re about courage.
They’re about community.
They’re about preserving handmade skills and passing them on to the next generation.
And sometimes they’re about learning important life lessons from a jar of relish.
So if you’re sitting there wondering whether you should enter something this year, this is your sign!
Why Participation Matters More Than Winning
Winning is rewarding, but it is not the only measure of success. Entering a competition or show is a chance to:
Test your skills in a real-world setting
Receive feedback and learn from others
Meet people who share your passion
Build resilience by facing challenges
Create memories and stories that last
The relish that never got judged taught me that showing up is the most important step. Without participation, improvement and confidence remain out of reach.
Final Thoughts
Mistakes are part of every journey, especially when trying something new or challenging. The disqualified relish was a setback, but it became a turning point. It reminded me that rules matter, but so does courage. It showed me that every exhibitor, no matter how experienced, faces moments of doubt and error.
I will try again one day - I will let you know!
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