Arts and Crafts Fairs/Markets: I'm giving some thought to doing a few craft shows this fall and looking for "stock?

Arts and Crafts Fairs/Markets: I'm giving some thought to doing a few craft shows this fall and looking for "stock". I don't do much of this sorta thing, don't have the patience to be inside all day in one general spot, but thought I'd do some craft markets this fall. I have my photos and a new book to market, but wondered what else you might suggest I have on hand.

Alaska has some incredible artisans, so Alaskana is everywhere, so it'd have some tough competition, but figured I'd branch out from the ol' tried and true photos this year and try something else. So, what do you think might be "hot" this year for the early Christmas shopping market? "Cute" sells well, as does gift type items and decorative home decor items, I know, and, of course, the always popular fuzzy, cuddly teddy bears in "costume" of some sort.

Any ideas, including suppliers? Feel free to answer anywhere. Asked by Tundra 53 months ago Similar questions: Arts Crafts Fairs Markets giving thought craft shows fall stock Arts > Sewing, Craft & Hobby.

Similar questions: Arts Crafts Fairs Markets giving thought craft shows fall stock.

Craft Shows Now we are talking my area of expertise! I did craft shows for oh,...maybe ten years? I haven’t done one for several years now, though--it’s too much work on top of everything else I have to do, and the shows are down so much compared to how they used to be, at least around here.Ok.

Craft shows. Oh, did I mention teddy bears are kind of my specialty, too? Only painted ones, not the little fuzzy stuffed ones.

And "cute" does sell pretty well. I pretty much focus only on painting, though, but some of what I tell you I’m sure you can adjust to what you want to do. I’ve always had the best luck selling things that are decorative, but also useful.

That way the buyer can justify the purchase a bit more--"oh, I "need" a new candle, so I might as well get this $20 painted ono! " The can rationalize paying a bit more if it’s something that somehow they can use. Another of my "secrets" is to provide something that they can’t buy anywhere else.

Something that only YOU have created. Having "one of’s" is also good. People seem to love having something that their neighbor or friend doesn’t!

It’s very competitive for some shoppers! You might make 6 of something, but don’t put all 6 out. Plus, that helps those "indecisive shoppers" who can’t decide when there are too many to chose from.

Of course this means you need to be constantly restocking your booth, but that’s good as it means you are out there and can also talk to the shoppers. I’m not sure if you are planning to use your photography for your items or not. In addition to some framed prints, you might want to consider making note/greeting cards with your photos.

Or postcards. You can do most of it with your home printer. Alot depends on if you have time, or money.

If you have money, you can purchase all kinds of things for resale, which are generally imports from China. Just remember, if you can buy them, so can 10 other people...and so who will make the sale? There is more risk involved when you re-sell, but it’s easier money if the items do sell.

If you have time, and not so much investment money, you can make your items. There is much less to risk in doing so, and also, if you do the right things, a better chance of selling them as they will be unique and you will not have any competition. Also, it's important to know who your target customer is.

Generally, it's women. You things need to appeal to them. To speak to them.To draw them into your booth.

Things with sayings on them have always done well for me, even little blocks of wood with a funny, loving or contemporary saying on them. Things with dogs and cats always do well! A large dog bone shaped sign, with ______'s Yard, is cute, and can be personalized on the spot.

Speaking of personalization, people LOVE that! And things on a stick! We would get so frustrated at shows when we would see all these people walking by with a "thing on a stick"!

(I never did any! ). They seem to like stuff to stick in their yard and garden.

Ornaments are usually quite popular. Now, sources for all this stuff...alot of people use Ohio Wholesale, if you like a primitive look. The quality of their imports is pretty good.

Crazy Mountain is another place that has some cute stuff. Craft Wholesalers--a fun place I've been to! They have really good prices on their stuff.

Primitives by Kathy is another one--specializing in primitives, of course! Alot of people go to the gift shows around the country to buy more unique stuff, but I don't think there are any in Alaska... I have a friend who does handpainted glassware that she wholesales.. www.blueberryhill.biz. Check out this forum that has a lot of primitive crafters and links to their websites.

Many wholesale candles, dolls, bears, etc. I'm tired....this is all I can write right now.... I would love to help you out more, but this is a crazy time for me as I'm leaving for a painting trade show tomorrow! If you want to call me sometime, that might be helpful too. Or email me for more specifics.

Would love to see your new book, and hear more about it!.

I can give you some photos with wise sayings to make into cards if you wish This is my first time answering questions so I've no idea whether I'm doing the right thing and whether you're able to e-mail me (without my giving my address here). I've taken about a dozen photographs of my own roses at their best, and added some little words of wisdom, like 'It's our successes that make us clever, but it's our failures that make us wise,' and 'Be gentle with yourself ... change takes time. ' I'm happy to share them with anyone who could use them (no, I don't want money) and will send them to you if you can work out how to reply to me - as I said, I'm an Askville virgin.

Take care and good luck.

When I was doing the craft markets... I found a wonderful selection of items that actually look 'hand made' from Oriental Trading Company. The prices are really low. Check out their website orientaltrading.com I remember getting dozens of jointed teddy bears and making little outfits for them...they were great sellers.

Another favorite was a standing jewelry case with drawers and doors...They come completely finished so I just hand painted some flowers and decoraive designs on them. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised with their prices....and good quality. Hope that gives you some ideas Amazon List Price: $9.24 DALLAS COWBOYS PLUSH "HOODIE" JERSEY TEDDY BEAR!

Amazon List Price: $9.95 .

Because of the long nights and difficult traveling during the winter, I suggest ..... things that a family can do at home together -- primarily, ’sociable strategy’ games.

1 Tundra--I have several ideas for you--I'm working on this question off and on today as I do my other work! .

Tundra--I have several ideas for you--I'm working on this question off and on today as I do my other work!

I want to sell crafts at craft fairs and flea markets. Do I get a Special Events License or need an actual Resale Licens.

Has anyone had a hobby or craft they used to do years ago for example and would like to start doing again, but.

I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.