Stacie, how on earth did you control yourself and not buy "something" at all? I could never have done that. Thanks for the info on what crafters were selling. I went to a biggie craft show in my town last weekend and it's just not the same anymore. It used to be super huge with so many crafters doing different homemade things. This year and last, it was jewelry, jewelry and more jewelry. I'm not saying jewelry is not a craft but most of it was not homemade. I did buy some homemade gingerbread felt ornaments I will use in decorative Xmas boxes and a snowman one. And two homemade felt mittens with snowmen in them and some greenery. Very reasonably priced is the name of the game when I buy at the shows. Some crafters go way overboard in their prices. I love country decorating and the one crafter who had homemade primitive country crafts, well, some of it was very sloppily done and not worth the money. I think she could have done a better painting job. Don't get me wrong, some items were fantastic but for what it was, way too high priced (i.e. for an old board and some paint on it with a simple saying). I look for things I can't make myself or things I don't do for crafts. I was thinking of having a table next year and doing a lot of things I didn't see there this year - and keep the prices within reason my first setup and see how I do. Again, thanks for the info, I need to know this kind of stuff.

Sal

Sal,

I am also a cheep shopper and when I know that I can make the same thing at home for less I don't buy much. There was a lot of painted wood holiday stuff that was really neat. But for 20.00 for a 8x10 inch project that is too much for me. It may be well worth it but I can't see paying that. I have seen lots of the country stuff out of recycled wood and architectial pieces. My DB has his own construction business, and I have him starting to save wood, windows, trim and doors for me. Now to use up all my stuff. I get on kicks with different things and that is all I do. This summer I canned over 350 different goodies:0 ( I can every year but this year went crazy) But after seeing what I did see and the prices that they wanted I am thinking of doing my own crafts. I stay at home with my 3 and 1 year old and do some subbing at school.

But I was dissapointed about the quality and prices not to mention the lack of original ideas. They wanted 5.00 a scoop for potpouri. I have the same rosehips and apples that I have picked myself and dried in the oven. I am planning on making my own potpouri to give as gifts. So will keep hanging out here for ideas and hope to see more interesting ideas from everyone:)

Stacie

Hi Sal and Stacie, I love hearing what others see at craft fairs. I agree with everything the two of you said. When I go, I am looking for something different or really cute for a reasonable price. And you are so right about being able to make it yourself cheaper. In fact, the last few shows I've gone to really had nothing I had not seen before! Sort of disappointing. I did buy however, one crafter had darling signs on stakes for only $6.00 so I felt those were a real bargain even if I could do it myself. I missed our most recent craft show--had to babysit--but there is one comng up on the 28th so I'm looking forward to that. I'll try to remember to report on what I see there and if anything seems to be a really "hot" seller. Luvs

So many of the things at the craft show I just did - were so cheap - I can't see how they made a profit. It's hard to compete with China. Sad how things have gotten ~~~~

Stacie,

Where was this show? I know of Country Folk Art show in NJ this past weekend that I used to do a number of times a year.
The reason I ask is that you're describing people I know! The "Soup Lady" sells packaged soups and dips and always does a brisk businness. I have a good friend that sells potpourri by the scoop.

You are like my wife. She has been doing shows since 1980 and she rerely buys anything at shows. And her reason is similar to yours. "I can make that myself".

So please let us know where this show was.

Thanks,
Chris

Chris,

I live in Nebraska and the show was at the fairgrounds in Kearney NE. I really think that I need to start making and selling more of my stuff. With what they are charging I could make a mint.....now if I didn't have a 3 and 1 year old little helpers that aren't so very helpful.

Stacie

I forgot to "confess" what I spent at my show today! LOL I never get to shop at fairs and I have never bought anything at a fair I was in before. I had time to kill this time so I walked around - I ended up spending $84 !!!
LOL 2 handmade jackets and 2 kiln formed pendants for necklaces. So many times I saw stuff and when I got home - I WISHED I would have bought it. This time I did. Felt good. Don't regret it a bit ! LOL