It's Beginning to Look Like Christmas!
This week I'm working on an application to a local winter holiday craft show. I want to try selling some handmade ornaments, in addition to jewelry, so guess what? Yep, during this beautiful, sunny week, I'm inside making Christmas ornaments! (Note: The photo is an ornament from my personal collection, not one that I made.)
Have you started thinking about holiday craft shows? Last year, it never occurred to me until late summer and by then, there weren't many options. Holiday shows can fill up to a year in advance. I don't want that to happen to you, so I thought I'd share a few resources.
How Do You Find Craft Shows?
Here are a few places I've looked:
- Etsy: If you're on Etsy, joining a local team for your area can be the quickest way to learn about craft shows in your area. Some teams even host their own craft shows. (You might also check out the Etsy Team Craft Fairs . . . It's a Living! if you want some general advice on selling at craft shows.)
- Online directories: I've found these of limited use. Indie Craft Show Directory lists shows by date, but doesn't seem to have many listed. Festival Network Online and My Fairs and Festivals both require you to join in order to see the contact information. However, once you have the craft show name, you may be able to find more information on your own with a little work.
- Blogs: I use Google blog search to see in any local bloggers are talking about craft shows. Blogs can be very helpful since the blogger sometimes will give a follow-up report on whether or not the show was worthwhile. (Be warned, those in Colorado, that you'll also pull up a lot of blogs about craft beer in addition to craft shows!)
- Websites: I found that I could limit the blog search to websites focused on craft shows. This pulled up lots of large craft show such as the Renegade Craft Fair.
- Talk to people: This may seem silly (or obvious), but let everyone know that you're looking for a place to sell your work. One of the shows on my list this year came from a non-crafty former co-worker who casually said, "Of course, you must sell your jewelry at the XYZ show." I had to admit that I'd never heard of that show even though I'd lived in the area for years.
- Newspapers: Look in the "Events" section for upcoming or current craft shows. This could be your town's official paper or one of the "free" entertainment papers that some towns have. Yes, you'll likely be too late to apply (although maybe the hosts would let you fill in for a cancellation), but you can add the shows to your list for next year.
- Other sites: Polka Dots and Rosebuds has a short list of recommended places to look, including craigslist.
What are your tips for finding craft shows?