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The Kitchen Table

Christmas Craft Sales

10 years ago

I have been to several Craft Sales in the past month, they are all so disappointing. I would say 70% of the vendors are selling jewelry, the other 30% are selling Tupperware, makeup or food products. Everything is very expensive.

I really wonder if the people selling are making enough to cover the cost of their table. You see very few people actually buying.

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Comments (7)

User
10 years ago
That's actually sad to hear. We don't have many craft sales in our area, but there were tons where we used to live and I'd really enjoy seeing all the talent and creativity. I have two sisters who make jewelry and sell it on Etsy, it's not my thing and I believe the market is way beyond saturated.
rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7
10 years ago
I'm curious about the types of jewelry that all of these women are making. Some years ago, I had a friend who made some simple pieces and they were delightful, clever, but she was the only person I knew of at the time.
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Thanks J, but I just now found THE perfect online craft store! I looked at Joann's and she didn't have what I really wanted. What I like about online stores like this one is they have so many choices, more than a Hobby Lobby would. Our HL isn't all that either. :( Since I last posted I ordered an Apothecary Jar (inexpensive and the right size) and found this website to help me decorate it. They also have a lot of Christmas things to decorate with, all at low prices. They're out of California and have a picture of their store. It's beautiful! Here's the link: Here is a link that might be useful: Craft Store
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I guess you know you are a true crafter when it's 35 degrees out and you are worrying about how the Christmas Craft Sales are going to go this year...lol. I took the plunge myself and signed up for a huge show in my town, cost of $80 for my spot, which is why I debated it for quite a while. But they did have 3500 people walk through it last year - how many bought, I don't know. I bought 5 knitted dishclothes when I walked through. I have gone to many a craft show over the years as a seller, but this one is about double what I usually pay for an entry fee. So far I plan to make painted suitcases, trash to treasure cake plates, the plate with no owner, oddie's bed spring snowmen, tile art, might make some rice bags, and a bunch of smaller items like Christmas legends, Christmas pins and earrings and likely an ornament or two. Kind of stressed over it, but I know like many of you if I get going on these things now it won't be so chaotic as the time approaches. Suzan J
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Sure, caanei, I'm just not sure how well I can explain it. Decide on tail length, and if you want more 2 or 4 tails. If you want two, leave a single length before starting the loops. At the end you'll leave another length which will become the 2nd tail. If you want 4, then start with a big loop which will later be cut to make tails, and you'll finish with another big loop which will become tails 3 and 4. There is, of course, option here for many tails and I often will use a 5th. So with the big length hanging down, now make the 1st loop which will become the bow. Pinch and wrap twice with 24 gauge wire, Make another loop, pinch into place and wrap with wire and tighten. This will be the centre of the bow. I hold the tails in my right hand with my baby and ring finger, pinch with my thumb and forefinger, and lay the paddle wire over the back of my pinching hand. The other hand works the loops. Then just keep making the loops, working around the first two loops, pinching into place and wrapping tight with wire. With 2.5" ribbon, 7-9 loops makes a pretty nice sized bow. Narrower ribbon requires more loops. I like smaller looped bows better than long but that's just my preference. At the end, leave a length for the 2nd tail (or a big loop for the 3rd & 4th tail, or a loop and a length for 5 tails). Give it a final 2 wraps of wire and tighten. Fluff starting from the middle and work out. Cut the big loops to make the tails. And that's it - hope I explained it well enough.
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A few years ago, a small group of artisans from our area decided to start a yearly event called the Prospect Road Craft Crawl. This event is held in late October (for the Holiday gift buying rush) and has grown so much it's amazing. Last year over 40 homes were involved with 72 artisans along a 25+ mile stretch (rural area). Some artisans get together and there can be up to 3 featuring their works in one home. All contribute a nominal $10.00 fee which is used for nicely made road signs, pamphlets, etc. The homes are open from 10 am to 5 pm Saturday and Sunday. Advertising costs are kept to a minimum by asking local gas stations and stores to distribute the pamphlets and advertise on their reader boards starting a month ahead of time. I've been looking into joining the Crawl. From all indications it is a great pay day for the folks featuring their art. We are located just 20 minutes from the city and a lot of people come to the area just for the Crawl that weekend. Maybe you can pick up some ideas from what I'm writing here - hopefully so. Remember that word of mouth is the biggest seller, so once you set your plan in action, start talking!!!
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enjoyingspring
Original Author
10 years ago
I would like to hear from some of the crafting people and find out just how much they sell. I think most people of just tired of having so much stuff that they are not interested in craft items anymore unless they have a purpose.
char2_gw
10 years ago
I still do bazaars every year. Everything I make it handmade. I do fairly well, but I will say I am tired of "tupperware" type ones. The best ones to go to are the juried shows. They will never have anything but handmade.
enjoyingspring
Original Author
10 years ago
Yes, Tupperware and Mary Kaye, how are those crafts??
marie_ndcal
10 years ago
That is what I have noticed recently. getting less crafts, and more commercial vendors. I do like the Pride of Dakota show, NO vendors, everything has to be made in ND. But the last one I went to lots of vendors, even a big weight loss one, and the embroidered white dish towels sets seemed grungy looking Even at the other shows, no one was looking at them.
littlebug zone 5 Missouri
10 years ago
I have just about quit going. I agree on the Tupperware, Mary Kay, Avon, Pampered Chef, etc. If I wanted to buy that stuff, I'd just order it from one of the many vendors hawking it on Facebook!

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