Doggramma

I guess I'm the only one who buys more expensive things! I rarely go to craft shows though. I've spent up to $10 for a really cute potholder or a cute squirrel Christmas ornament. And I've actually spent over $20 for a Halloween tablerunner - it was cute and I thought I could make one but for that amount it was cheaper to buy it. Also I bought an apron that was over $20.

solstice3

I usually look and talk myself out of buying by saying, "I can do that."

ctrysass2012

I also mainly look but do purchase certain items each yr. for gifts to send back to MI that are locally made. Goat milk soap & just found a local honey that would also be a good gift item. Most sewn items I could probably do.

Wonnie

I buy whatever jumps out at me and is unique, made well and/or is in colors and designs I cannot duplicate. Yes, it's true, most things we see we can duplicate at home but, the truth is, we say that, but rarely do. It's fresh in our mind for maybe 24 hrs and then details get rather fuzzy. And, I've found that to duplicate, in the end, costs more sometimes, especially if we only make one, than what we could have paid at the craft show.

Angellight

As a "crafter", I look for quality first. Some times I wonder when I see some of the offerings.? As for purchases over the years, it is usually for gifting. I have purchased for others, hand made wine stopper, a friend who decorates southwest has been the recipient of pottery that is painted turquoise and chile peppers. Another friend, my sister and I received a birdhouse carved out and made from wood kill. It looks like the branch, with a roof, and clean out hole. I have one that shows the worm channels in it. I have purchased jewelry, and hand dyed silk scarves. I really just depends, however like most, if I can make it, I probably won't buy it.
Happy quilting.
Susan

localgirl1

I usually a looker, and I look at almost everything. If I do buy something, the price, difficulty making, and the size will determine if I spend my quilting money, lol, but one thing I always buy, fresh kettle corn popcorn!

bearisgray

Sign seen at one booth:

"Of course you can make it -
but when?"

cookiemonster

What I buy at craft's related item.. Small items, food related... I like the testing demos, ie dressing mix, cider mix, soaps, jams, fudge, Wpg has craft sale before Xmas Oct/Nov. which is getting cold something sew related clothes ie hat, polar fleece outfit.. If summer craft sale bags, totes.. can never get enough of totes once sick of them I re-sale give away as gifts.

JoyceHoopes

lclang I love your post. I too manage to kill off any live plants on a regular basis That's why I have silk inside and nothing outside. The only exception is gifts from my grandchildren. The flowers I got for Mother's Day just went the way of all the rest LOL. Joyce in Delaware

Oops, sorry. I missed the topic again. Because of mobility issues, I rarely go to craft fairs. If it's a high quality one (as opposed to ones where the predominant items for sale are clothespin crafts at 5/$1), then I gravitate to the woodworking and enameled items; if something jumps off the shelf into my arms, I'm likely to spend whatever it takes to get it. And handcrafted quality jewelry actively seeks me out

Please don't get me wrong, juried fairs are better for me because my own issues. If I could spend more time looking at the other vendors, I'm sure I could find something either for myself or as a gift. I admire anyone who risks putting themselves out there and wish they could all sell out their stocks. Joyce

Nerys

I make a lot of things myself so if I went I would buy things I do not make myself like a wreath or silk flower bouquet.