moonrise

I've been selling at craft fairs for several years now. It's definitely interesting sometimes!

As far as buying, I actually buy very little for myself, although, if I see someone who isn't selling anything, sometimes I'll buy a little something from them to help them at least make their booth fee back. Sometimes I buy raffle tickets for door prizes or little trinkets that kids come around selling. DH usually spots some yummy food that he wants, so he loads up at the food vendors. My mom, who often helps us, loves to shop. There's no telling what'll follow her home. ha ha

I completely welcome shoppers to check out my workmanship, and if they want to take a photo, that's fine. The vast majority of people have asked for permission first. In most cases, they're sending the photo to a friend to see if the friend is interested in buying the item. A lot of times it results in a sale.

It doesn't bother me if they want to try to copy my stuff, because I have all kinds of little "trade secrets" that I keep to myself. They can probably figure it out eventually, of course, but it'll take some trial and error to figure out the pattern and the techniques. As of yet, I've never seen any of my exact items being copied or sold.

I did have one guy come in and take a number of photos of an item, from different angles, opened and closed, front and back, etc., and he did so without asking. It was pretty obvious what he was doing. I'll admit it annoyed me a little since he didn't ask for permission first, but I had to chuckle to myself because that particular item is one that's especially difficult to replicate. It took months to get the pattern and measurements just right. I still wonder if he ever tried to make the item himself, and if so, how much fabric and time he spent trying to figure it out. I bet it would've been cheaper for him just to buy it from me for $7! LOL!

Cactus Stitchin

When I go I mostly look for trends of what is selling and new ideas for products/projects. I but items for Christmas gifts or other occasions. If I find new ideas and they are well done, I just may purchase one to examine or copy in the future. If I haven’t seem the item before, I generally ask the seller if it is original or if they found the idea somewhere; if original I ask about using her idea before I leave.

DonnaC

moonrise, seriously, seven bucks?! Hopefully he spent a week trying to figure it out and failed miserably LOL.

There's a woman in my area who makes beautiful purses out of hardcover books, but the prices are sooo high I could never afford one. Wish I could though!

SusieQOH

I haven't been to any in a long time. Columbus is famous for having the biggest one on the hottest weekend of the year!
I'm in a minimalist mindset these days anyway

Rose_P

This says it for me, although I have found some really neat things. Probably 10 years ago I bought a handmade leather purse that I still have and sometimes use. They recycled a tooled part of a cowboy boot for the front pocket, and I couldn't resist. I don't know why, because I'm not really from Texas (though we've been here for decades and a couple of my kids are native Texans). I've never been to a rodeo, where that purse would be in its element. Anyway, it's not so much my style, but it is so nicely made, and it just spoke to me. Usually, I just buy a few little finds that will work as stocking stuffers. Craft fairs are a big draw for me because I, too, go around thinking, "Maybe I could make that." Then I don't, but I'm pleased to know someone does.

quiltingcandy

I love going to craft shows and if I find something I think I can make, I usually buy one as a sample. My friend can figure out a lot of things by looking at them, but I usually need instructions or at least a sample and write out a plan. One thing I really like to buy are the covered composition books that people use for journals or notes, etc. My DH teaches a 4th/5th grade class and I donate them to her treasure box. The kids get tokens as rewards for doing good deeds, homework, good test results, etc. and she said the kids love the books. I really should just make some myself for her students, but it's easier to buy them at a show.

KalamaQuilts

In the 70's I looked forward to Bazaar season kicking off, usually the first weekend of November. It was one more way of enjoying the season. I started downsizing in 2001 and have very seldom been to one since except for three years I actually had two tables at the Kalama one, as part of parting out an estate. Ruth loved christmas decor, had 400+ santa tree ornaments just to begin with and a truck load of outdoor decor plus much more.
It was like having a garage sale, fun for the first few hours, boring as heck the rest of the time
I did dress somewhat outrageously and always stood, interacting with every person that went by.
Something I'd recommend to booth sellers anywhere. Hard on the feet but sellers loose so much opportunity with their heads buried in a book, screen, or knitting.

so to reanswer no I don't buy, because I don't go. Stuff holds me not.

CookieZenmilk

i absolutely love wind chimes. a woman that i follow makes wind chimes out of wine bottles. the sound is so sweet.

Irishrose2

I don't buy much unless it's glass or beaded. Last Summer, I would have bought a crocheted shawl if I hadn't been on a dog walk with no money available - i don't walk Moira with anything I don't need. By the time I walked back to the car and returned with cash, I got over wanting it.

Onebyone

I always buy the item I find interesting enough to pick up and examine.