So I was thinking of thinning out my stash, by signing up to take a 'table' space at my town's Holiday Craft Fair.

But um... I don't have a clue what 'crafty' things to make. Or what to sell them for.

So far, I see that people make purses, pincushions and pillowcases. How much does one charge for these items? What other items do people make? Or perhaps, more importantly... what items to people buy?

Anyone doing craft fairs want to advise a newbie? Thanks!

I have never done a crafts fair yet but I have been to a lot of them and watched my wife spend lots of money at them (okay I helped too). I would say anything Holiday oriented would sell really well and I think the purses are really neat.

Good luck in your endeavor and keep us posted!!

Billy

Gosh...you'll be under the gun to get enough made for a sale now I'd think. Is it worth the "pressure" to get stuff made at this point. I believe most that do the holiday sales start up early in the summer so they have a good stash of items for sale.

This year, you might want to browse them so you have an idea of what is being offered and just chit chat them as to "gosh how long ago did you start making this...etc etc".

Don't want to be a bummer on your idea but also know it can put loads of stress on you at this super busy time of the year.

It's always hard to know what will sell. I try to do things that if they don't sell will make good Christmas presents. Aprons, pot holders, tablerunners etc. Sales here have been difficult the last couple of years but it really depends on the economy in your area. Good luck.

What people will really buy are team items. You are from Florida, make things for the Dolphins. Our wonderful team is the Cleveland Browns (hahahaha) otherwise known as the Dawgs. So I used to make dogbone pillows, large and small from Cleveland Brown fabrics, stuffed Christmas trees from the same fabric. Everything we made had to do with the Browns, Cavas, Indians. People will just buy that stuff up. It may not be what you have in your stash, but that is what sells.

Smaller things seem to sell easier, esp. if the economy is not good. Potholders, coasters, Mug rugs, Cloth napkins, runners, etc. Good luck!

Good luck. I never found the key to selling anything at craftfairs.

Some people seemed to do really well and others including myself were there to look good. :lol:

I've been doing craft shows. For 17 years and there is no right thing to sell. You have to have a variety of items and prices. Like the lady said team items always seem to sell, I think its because crafters don't make items with men in mind so wives and kids buy anything that's got the favorite team on it. Check around because there is usually more than 1 team that sells well. Christmas ornaments do well. A lot of people buy ornaments as gifts for their coworkers as well as family and friends. Always have something you can let go at just pennies, children love to buy for their parents and if you have something you can let go for whatever they have, you'll. Get the parents buying from you too.

I agree. I used to do craft shows for over 20 years. I usually started making items in February. You need a variety of of items at different price points. This year just scope out the market and get ideas. Good Luck!

Maybe it would be a good idea to find someone to share a table with. It's kind of late to begin making things for this year. You need a large amount of items. I used to share a table with a friend who made completely different items, so we didn't compete with each other. Good luck if you decide to do this.
Sue