slo’s FRIDAY 9/15 poll - Craft Shows

[design_mom]

I don't love craft shows, but I will go along if someone else wants to go. Occasionally, I'll find something unique and will buy it, but most of the 'folksy' crafts are not my style. It's been a long time since I've been to a craft show (pre-COVID for sure, and I think several years before that even.)

 

[georgina]

No, I don't generally need any more stuff, and if I am looking for something, wandering craft shows is almost as bad as garage sales and thrift stores. Too much I don't want to see just to find something I might. I really don't enjoy any kind of shopping. I just ordered a new fall door wreath off etsy, easier than going out to look for one.

 

[Micca]

Crafts seem to have been what people give as gifts when they feel an obligation to give a gift, but have no idea what we would need or want.

I don't disagree, but usually DW and DD find clothing and jewelry that people actually like and wear. There are usually some food purchases, DW is a regular customer of a place that sells coffee cakes at these shows. She does mail orders most of the year but she'll stock up when they come through town.

 

[E&Cmom]

I enjoy going around Christmas. I don’t buy a lot but usually get something Usually a Christmas ornament or decoration for myself . My eldest is in art university so I also go to the student art sale every year which she take part in.

 

[Turn the Page]

I used to go to one in our local area but now I tend to work on that day so I haven't been in a few years. Which is ok because more and more over the years it seems that there are fewer actual craft booths and more MLM type booths. I don't go to a craft show to buy Pampered Chef, Lularoe, Arbonne, or any of that stuff. If I want that all I have to do is hop on facebook.

 

[auntfrannie]

Haven't been in a long time plus most craft shows are more like vendor shows.

 

[BlueStarryHat]

There usually aren't any craft shows in my area, so I don't go much. Sometimes at the two flea markets my sister and I regularly go to there are a few crafts booths and we'll stop and take a look but rarely buy.

 

[LoveSpringsteen]

I don’t enjoy going to craft shows. I find them very overwhelming and feel guilty if I stop to look at something someone made and I don’t buy it.

 

[LuvOrlando]

Used to adore going to a big one in NJ back in the 90s but it vanished. So many people used to buy handmade furniture and curtains etc. from artisans who had booths at these things. No idea why they stopped, but I'd go if they ever came back near me. These days we enjoy markets and fairs, it isn't the same but people at least make their own jams and such. I prefer US artisan made everything 100% of the time if given a choice, pffft I'd just settle for knowing things were made in the US with US stuff to be honest. I miss what used to be, it was nice.

 

[georgina]

I don’t enjoy going to craft shows. I find them very overwhelming and feel guilty if I stop to look at something someone made and I don’t buy it.

It can be a bit uncomfortable if you are looking at a booth and the artist is right there looking at you! I go to our local farmer's market most Saturday mornings, and there are some craft people there but I usually buy my vegetables and make a quick exit.

 

[Imzadi]

I love craft shows. I used to sell at local craft shows pre-pandemic with a business partner. But, my work has changed and I switched mediums so I don't sell at those particular venues anymore.

 

[leebee]

No to all. I don’t craft, don’t appreciate crafted items and therefore would never go to a craft show to browse or buy anything. It’s just not my jam.

Yup, totally.

 

[RedAngie]

I don’t go out of my way to attend “craft shows,” but often at weekly farmers markets or festivals there are booths selling crafts and I occasionally buy something that strikes my eye.

 

[RedAngie]

I don’t enjoy going to craft shows. I find them very overwhelming and feel guilty if I stop to look at something someone made and I don’t buy it.

The vendors are well accustomed to lookers. No need to feel guilty. Probably fewer than 25% buy something.