craft shows
 

I have been in some craft shows this fall. There has been low attendance. How has it been in some of the shows you have been in?

In Texas, attendance was great and so was the buying. I usually quit before Thanksgiving. Others are still selling, as long as weather is nice.

Craft show attendance dropped 10-15 years ago around here. Prices to rent spaces have gone way up in price. Makes no sense to me.

Craft shows are basically for lookers and people looking for cheap buys it seems in California these past few years.

I don't do them but have a person in a water wellness class that does. She says that buyers have dropped. Many lookers but not many actually buying. The stuff that sells is that which is very unique and "new". She says that many of the sewn item patterns are readily available and even free on the internet--and that there seem to be more and more sewers out there. My guild does a booth at our show and seems like the stuff that sells is either gift items that quilters buy for themselves (jewelry for instance) or gift items for people to give to others (i.e. appliqued tea towels, baby quilts)

I was at two Holiday Botiques this weekend. Both were incredibly crowded, but it wasn't just quilting things. There were lots of heart shaped coasters, Xmas table runners, wall hangings, towels, stockings, oven mitts and a few quilts. It was definitely Xmas themed, and each table/area was definitely a cohesive theme. Buffalo plaid items were very popular. Victorian, rustic, silver, gold, reds, and blues each had their spot. Most tables had some form of quilted items. Things seemed to be selling pretty well.

I think the Bazaars are getting slower and slower...
I don't think people want to pay anything to have a handcrafted item. Plus, you never know what will sell and what won't.
I do a Direct Sales company and all my stuff is 25$ and under and I have had a hard time with my Gift Sets/Packaged, even the little stocking stuffers are hard to sell.
I think all the jewelry is gone out of fashion as I have a friend that makes handmade and it' hard for her to cover her booth fee.
But, You are getting your name out there, it is a fun time and you never know...you might get a huge sale!
Kirsten

My daughter and I attended as many craft shows as possible - it was our "thing".
We live between Cleveland and Akron so with the surrounding areas there are plenty of shows.

This was the first year we cut way back because the good shows have the same vendors in the same places selling the same stuff. When there is something new and original we jump on it, but mostly it's the same old items. Lots of overpriced jewelry and paintings. I miss them.

I used to go to a lot of them but haven't so much any more. Lost interest. My sister and I will go to one on Sunday though. It's smallish and there is a woman who makes awesome cat toys that we get for all the furry kids in our families.

I think people are just burned out on craft fairs. They have been around a long time and I think people are going thru a phase of getting rid of stuff. I know I am. I still go occasionally but rarely find anything new or something I really need or can use. I also do believe many of us go to get ideas and crafters don't make money on us. What is big in our area are repurposed things, especially "farmhouse" style items.