Visit Your Local Craft Show

Summer brings with it arts and craft shows in the park, along with formal art showings. In South Dakota, craft shows include everything from handmade crafts to Home-based businesses selling their wares. I love to attend craft shows, but find I enjoy selling my crafts at local crafts shows much more. Not because I'm making money, but because of the folks I meet along the way.

My mother and I do a couple craft shows a year, usually holiday shows in the fall and winter. However, we're thinking about doing summer craft shows. We hand make placemats, napkins, table runners, dishcloths, nylon scrubbies and home dec items. We originally called ourselves, "Two Chicks and a Sewing Machine." But since my sister moved back to South Dakota and has joined us in our adventure, we now are "Hand Made For You!". While we run Handmade For You! as a business, it's just plain fun. We can usually break even after paying our booth fee and food, and sometimes have just a little spending money left over. I personally spend that extra on more supplies and always can find something new at a fellow crafters table.

But the people are what I enjoy most at the craft shows. I love to watch the folks walk by, chat with them and get to know the community where we have set-up our 'store' for the weekend. There are very interesting people in this world. And people with so much knowledge and information - I am always learning something new. Many who don't find themselves interesting, really interest me. I liken it to the CBS news story (the announcer's name escapes me at this time) that revolves around the fact that everyone has a story. I love to hear stories of old times, how a fellow crafter learned their craft, and just find it interesting to chat with the locals. I also am always happy to share how we make our crafts. We're not too territorial.

It is also amazing how many young girls who attend the craft shows (when I say young I mean 5-10 year olds) have not seen or used a sewing machine. Is it a dying craft? Most little girls reply, "I think my grandma has one of those" (referring to the sewing machine). I'm only 38, but boy does that make me feel old. I am always sure to share what I know about sewing and show the visitors how the machine works. Perhaps I'm touching their lives with something that can bring them joy in the future.

The next time you see an advertisement for a local craft show - stop in and visit. Try a little people watching. Strike up a conversation and truly listen to the folks around you. You'll be surprised what you learn. Happy crafting!