Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Craft Fairs

Well we have another Craft Fair coming up this Saturday, May 5th. I am truly hoping this one turns out better then the last one. I know I haven't done these in over 20 years and things change, but it just doesn't seem like these events get very much foot traffic anymore.

Truly, doesn't anybody like handmade items anymore ? I truly think Walmart has cheapened what we do, when I do get people to look in my booth the expression I hear the most is, Why so expensive ? It is a total waste to try and explain to them that the materials are expensive and when you include the labor it just adds to the cost. I was told by a person at the last event, well I can go to Walmart and pay 29.99 for a whole quilt set, and I was polite and did not tell her what I really thought, which was, be my guest, but remember you will be replacing that 29.99 set in a few years because the workmanship is not there.


I am left wondering how people can actually quit their day jobs and do this. I love what I do, but I truly do not ever see it supporting me. My husband finds these events to be a nice diversion from what our full time jobs are, and so we will continue to participate, but I am not getting my hopes up that anything will come out of doing them, other then meeting other crafters and drooling over the gorgeous items that they make :)

17 comments:

  1. Wishing you well at the Craft fair, even if it may not be what others want, what counts is that it's what you like. :) xx Enjoy and hope you get many sales. Handmade is from the heart and human craftmanship at it's core.

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  2. I hope that this craft show goes better for you. Remember there will always be people who LOVE what you do, there will always be people who HATE what you do (and think it's too expensive), and there will be those who are indifferent. It's in your attitude. Be positive, even in the face of the nay-sayers and let them see that you are PASSIONATE about what you do.

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  3. I hear you there! Argh! A $29.99 quilt set from Walmart will be replaced in WAY less than 2 years. What ever happened to the "You get what you pay for" mind set?

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  4. All fairs are different so don't be discouraged. Some people want something for nothing but I think most have a true appreciation for the craftsmanship. I hope your next show will be better.

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  5. Newly following from promotional frenzy!

    I hear you as well, it's hard that other people don't seem to understand the difference between factory made and hand made. It's a shame they cannot understand.

    I wish you well on the craft fair! It sounds like fun - hope it makes you a lot of sales. I hope to do one in two years or so!

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  6. I hope you have a successful trip! I hear the same thing and not just in handmade situations but even at the retail place im at, "I could get this at costco/walmart for XX price it is so expensive here..."

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  7. Lots of luck and tons of sales this coming weekend.

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  8. I love handmade items and it is all I want to buy anymore. After my husband and I both lost our jobs in January, all I am doing now is my etsy shop and shows. I have faith we will make this work.

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  9. Good luck... I love craft shows! Some I will do ok some not but never will I be able to quit my day job!

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  10. Good luck! I'm going to venture into my first show next month!

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  11. nothing beats my hand made blankets and quilts form my mom and grandma!! - Bill PaganCellarJewelry.etsy.com

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  12. That's so sad to hear a person say such a thing to you about your hard work. I'm not a big fan of Walmart and someone people wouldn't know quality if it hit them in the head!

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  13. People who "would like a bargain" are , sadly, not the target customers for handmade items in general:) Of course at these fairs everyone shows up for their own reason and you can't tell them so.. But don't let them bring you down, there are people out there who appreciate what handmade means and there are still some willing to be "educated" with good results:)

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  14. good luck at the craft fair! sara and I are about to do our very first one for nashpop in a few weeks, and we are so nervous about people complaining about prices to our face. Eeek. hopefully that won't happen too much. :)

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  15. Quilting is one area I have yet to explore. When I see a handmade quilt I see the persistence and patients that has gone into it! It's sad that others can't see that. Keep up the good work!

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  16. A bit late in sending my supporting comment, but life has been hectic at home recently. Calling in from Blogging Buddies and urge you not to be down-hearted. As a quilter myself (until the toys described at www.ColdhamCuddliescalling.blogspot.com took over!) know just how you feel. How do you price your craft? Difficult, but if you feel comfortable with the price - and would pay it for something similar - then go for it. Hope you get better support elsewhere. It's ignorance on the part of the so-called customer!

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