This type of clause has a complete noun, complete predicate, and can stand alone as a sentence.

This type of clause cannot stand alone as a sentence and begins with a subordinating conjunction.

I spent Saturday afternoon at the craft fair.

I got in free because I am a student.

If I bought something, I would receive a discount.

Since my mom is a painter, she had a booth there.

People liked her paintings, and she sold quite a few.

I stayed at the booth while she went to get lunch.

Several people stopped by, but no one bought anything.

When Mom got back, I told her about the visitors.