Christmas Craft Fairs

As an editor for a crafting website, I certainly encourage people to make their own gifts and decorations for Christmas. Crafting saves money, demonstrates a special level of care and is a surprisingly therapeutic leisure activity. But, I understand that many people do not have the time to make all their own Christmas gifts, or would like to devote more time to a special few handmade gifts. That’s where Christmas craft fairs come in handy.

Even those who do have the time to craft all their own decorations and gifts should attend Christmas craft fairs as a way to support their local communities, support struggling artists and have a bit of fun. These fairs or shows almost always have food and often feature entertainment such as live music and activities for kids. Some of the bigger Christmas craft shows are worth a road-trip, especially when you can do all your Christmas shopping in a single day.

Christmas craft fairs are a great way for crafters to meet people with their same interests. If you find a crafter whose work you like, introduce yourself and share your own work. You could even propose a swap or barter of any un-sold merchandise, such as ornaments. Swaps are one of the most popular ways that artists and crafters create a collection of handmade items. Best all, attending Christmas craft fairs and being surrounded by such creativity is sure to inspire crafters in their own work.

If you are one of the crafters looking to sell at a Christmas craft fair, you can likely still sign-up as a vendor at a smaller, local Christmas market. The bigger shows require applications, entry fees and advance preparation. You can attend a few Christmas craft fairs in your area and talk to a vendor about how they started selling, when they are not busy of course. Here are some tips for selling at Christmas craft fairs:

• Smaller fairs will provide you with a table for set-up. You will need to purchase a large tablecloth that reaches to the floor or make your own. You can store boxes and extra items to sell under the tablecloth. Select a solid fabric which will not distract from your items to sell.
• Bring your crafts closer to eye-level with tabletop shelving, display units or simple plastic cubes. These can be purchased inexpensively and covered with additional fabric or tablecloths. Use holiday colors for Christmas craft fairs.
• Decorate your table with Christmas accents. If you are selling ornaments, purchase a table-top Christmas tree and display the ornaments hanging from the tree. Drape Christmas lights around the table or make “Christmas Lights” from paper.

Make sure to check your local paper or look online for Christmas craft fairs in your area.

By: Caley Walsh