Top 8 list: Favorite things about craft shows

The first time I did a craft show I was terrified, worried about dealing with bad weather and mean customers.  Happily I can report that I have never encountered a single mean customer at any show and have had pretty good luck with the weather. (Knock on wood!)  Going to craft shows has become really fun for me.  Here are the top reasons why I like them.

#8. The food

There's usually something delicious to be found at fairs and shows.  Whether it's a chowder made by the ladies of Saint Paul's in Ludlow or amazing chocolates from the vendors at stART on the Street, there is something yummy to keep me energized.

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#7. Visiting different towns

I'm not a particularly adventurous person. Give me a weekend with nothing to do and I'll stay at home 95% of the time. Craft fairs get me traveling around the state, seeing towns that I've never visited before. I get to see them at their best, usually from their downtown or another prominent location.

#6. Getting out of the house

Related to number 7, craft fairs get me out of the house for a day. I love my family, but it is nice to step away from the role of mom for a time to interact with other people.  Good thing my husband is so great about being home with the kids!

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#5. Recharging my creativity

Walking through a craft fair with dozens of artisans, I can't help but be inspired by the creativity on display. A jeweler's insect ring might give me the idea to make a dragonfly puzzle, or a sculptor of recycled metal might inspire me to include some steampunk parts in my next design. I also love to see how different vendors display their wares. I never thought much about that until I started selling at craft shows.

#4. Knitting time

It might sound crazy, but I keep myself entertained during the slow times at fairs by knitting.  I can get through the better part of a sock at a rainy, poorly attended show.  I'd much rather be selling puzzles, of course, but hand-knit socks are a welcome consolation prize.

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#3. Live entertainment

Many fairs have a concert stage or street performers. I have seen fire-breathers, acrobats, roller derby teams, hula-hoopers, and stilt-walkers at various fairs. I even caught this Chinese dragon at Celebrate Holyoke last weekend.

A video posted by Holyoke Puzzles (@holyokepuzzles) on Aug 27, 2016 at 10:23am PDT

#2. Meeting local craftspeople

Did you know how many amazingly talented artisans there are in Western Massachusetts?!  It's insane! I love to slip out of my booth for a few minutes to chat with other woodworkers about the technical details of how they create their products. Being neighbors with anyone selling fragrant soaps is also a favorite. I've made some great acquaintances at various shows and it's like a little reunion when we see one another at different events throughout the year.

#1. Meeting my customers
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Of course the top reason why I love craft shows is the chance to meet my customers! I love to talk with people about my craft and what goes into it. Hearing directly from them about the new designs they would like to see and what they appreciate about my work is invaluable. It's also fun when puzzle owners stop by to say how much they enjoy what they bought last year or how happy their loved one was with a puzzle gift. Those are the interactions that put a smile on my face and give me the energy to go back into the shop to work on new creations.