Preparing for a Holiday Art Market

almost 2 years ago

^{photo credit: @crosheille}

So why am I talking about a holiday fair in the middle of Summer?

Last year my cousin invited me to sell my crochet items at her daughter’s school. Every year they hold a holiday art market where you can sell handmade items during the holiday season.

Well it didn’t work out for me last year. She invited me in September but the market was being held in November. Since I don’t always have items on hand to sell I would have needed WAY more time to prepare.

So I declined and told her I’d be ready this year.

That is why I am preparing for it mid Summer. I plan to build up a nice supply of items and I will be sharing my ideas on what those will be with you today.

It would also be nice hearing your opinions if you have experienced selling at one of these fairs. I’d love to know what worked for you and open up room for any suggestions.

My Plan

Of course my mind went crazy into all sorts of directions when I first started contemplating what to do.

I decided instead of making so many different items to just stick with three categories. I get less stressed when I have a central focus. I figured I can make multiples of the same few items and make them to the best of my ability.

I will be making two different items in each category.

Category 1: Accessories

^{lacey crochet scrunchies}

I plan on making tons of scrunchies in different colors.

Scrunchies are one of those hair accessories that has been around for years but will never get old. Women love to have these on hand and I see many of them wearing these around their wrists to keep near.

I don’t doubt that handmade ones will do well at this market. They are great for a self gift or to gift to loved ones. They would make great stocking stuffers too.

I will also make hat and scarf sets. Since the sets will take longer to make I will probably only make up to three.

I did read how shoppers look for matching sets so it’s best to provide them instead of just making a variety of separates. Sets make for great gifts too!

Category 2: Kitchen Aids

^{crochet towel topper}

I’ve always wanted to make towel toppers for my kitchen. I think they are cute and helpful all in the same.

I always have a towel hanging from my oven and it constantly falls off which gets very annoying. My first one will be for practice and it will stay in my kitchen 😁.

I’ve seen many different types but I like this original idea made in a modern sophisticated way.

The other kitchen aid I will be making are crocheted scrubbies. I like the idea of having a scrubby you can wash and reuse that doesn’t come with any chemicals on it. I am one that loves a traditional scrubby (the two-sided yellow and green one) but I know things are added to it that might not be health friendly.

There are scrubby yarns out there for projects like this. I want to find a bright green, blue and yellow color so that these scrubbies can be vibrant and look amazing on the kitchen sink. I may even do a bright pink one for practice 😛.

I can see shoppers buying a couple for themselves as well as for gifts.

Category 3: Seasonal Decor

^{snowman friends

photo credit: @crosheille}

Who doesn’t love decor?

Many people look forward to the season change in order to put out new decoration pieces for their home. Whether it’s hanging, sitting on the counter or laying across a table, handmade decorations are always a must! 😃

I’ve shared these snowman friends with you before. I made them to decorate the tables for our homeschool co-op. I still have them here in my possession (stored nice and neatly) and I plan on selling them at the market place.

I will be making more of them with different colored hat and scarf sets.

I haven’t decided what the second decor item will be. I wanted to make those pumpkins with the cinnamon sticks again but the fair is in November. Pumpkin decor is usually being put away that month and winter decor is coming into play.

Do you have any ideas of what else I could make for my other decor item?

Please let me know in the comments. 😉

I think the ideas I have all make for good gifts and self gift items. I know when I shop at places like these I tend to always grab myself a gift as well.

I plan to start shopping for yarn soon and working in the order I listed the categories. I feel the demand for items is in the proper order.

Stay tuned these next few months as I share my progress with you. My mother and sister will also be setting up tables to sell their handmade items too. My mother will be selling her quilted and felt blankets along with other items and my sister will be selling her wreaths and quilling work.

I am really looking forward to this! 😆

As a crafter, what would you make for a holiday market?

As a shopper, what would you be looking to buy at a holiday craft market?

Your feedback and help is greatly appreciated ~ 🤗

^{All projects and photos that are not mine have been sourced with links for credit.}

Thank You Hive Fam! 🩵

needleworkmonday needlework crochet photography art market fair business entrepreneur adventure

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39 comments

@artsugar 75

almost 2 years ago

What an excellent way to organize this project, and although at the beginning you mention that your head started spinning, I think you have it all pretty clear.
Personally I liked everything, but especially the decorative part, it's my favorite, it would be nice to include Christmas designs, and although it's almost half the year before that season, the fair will be in the last quarter, so people will be encouraged to buy their ornaments for the Christmas season.
Greetings and best wishes for the fair.

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