Who does not love to attend local craft sales, especially this time of year? I know I certainly do! And this year I decided to approach these craft sales in a totally different way. I wasn’t simply looking for treasures (although that was at the top of my list ;) I was looking for inspiration, I wanted to immerse myself in other peoples creativity, I wanted it to rub off on me.
At the top of my list of craft sales to attend this year was the Indie Handmade in St. Albert.
Because the sale wasn’t too busy when I arrived, I took the time to talk to the artisans. I simply asked a few questions about their product and they took it from there. Little did they know I wanted to hear not so much about the product, but how they felt about it. They couldn’t know I was soaking up their enthusiasm and joy … their passion.
I was soaking up some of their passion (sounds almost evil doesn’t it … but I assure you I am not evil ;)
Here are a few tips for navigating craft sales like a boss so that you can find what you want … whether it be treasures, or inspiration!
9 Tips for Navigating Craft Sales Like a Boss
- Do a little research ahead of time: check out parking, admission, and hours of operation.
- Go alone or with like-minded friends, people who don’t mind if you disappear and do your own thing. Keep in touch via texts as in “let’s go for coffee or a bite to eat.”
- Attend opening day since it will likely get busier as the weekend progresses. I’m retired so I have that choice.
- Arrive early.
- Wear a light coat, comfortable footwear, and perhaps a scarf to keep neck and shoulders warm.
- Carry a purse that isn’t too large or bulky. Consider using a backpack.
- If the show isn’t too large, plan to walk around at least twice. If its really huge, make small purchases as you go, or make note of the booth and go back later. Many vendors will gladly hold your purchases until you are ready to pick them up.
- Scan booths and stop only at the ones that most interest you. You literally don’t have all day … exhaustion will set in sooner rather than later.
- Use cash as much as possible to help the vendor reduce their costs.
I almost passed by this young woman’s booth, thinking I was much too old for anything she was selling. But her sweet face and obvious talent drew me in … she reminded me of Kelly Rae Roberts and her “Wear Your Joy” series.
Meet Leonie of Maple and Oak Designs
So here are three vendors that inspired me enough to make a purchase:
Maple and Oak Designs
Funky fashion accessories.
Handmade from vintage, reclaimed and retro fabrics in Calgary, Canada.
Definitely unique and mostly one of a kind.
Yes, I bought a triangle scarf from Leonie; a young woman whose style is at least 40 years younger than mine! You just never know! Truly, keep your mind open people!
****
The Collective Scribble
Create books that others are excited and proud to art journal, scribble, write, hope and dream in.
I not only purchased a journal from The Collective Scribble, I’m taking a book binding class from them in January.
*****
Shadowpots
Ruby is an Edmonton based Potter who is passionate about carbon-trapped Shino glazes, pushing the boundaries of firing in a gas kiln. Shino is one of the oldest glazes and demands diligence and patience to perfect.
Ruby’s pottery was exactly what I was looking for: unique, one-of-a-kind pieces made with love.
Next weekend: The Butterdome!
#NaBloPoMo
We travel a lot (it seems) and if I used that as an excuse I would have had to quit “my job” a long time ago. So how do I manage it?
