Try the magic of craft-fairs,
you won't be disappointed!

Craft-fairs are held all over the country, indeed all over the world, and are an excellent source for adding to your "stash".

Inspiration flows out of every stand, and it's not all about cards.

You can sample handmade chocolates, cookies and cakes, sweets and biscuits (always very tempting) Oh! the chocolate fountain is to die for mmmmmm!

Try some unusual cheeses, and stuffed olives. Yoghurt covered nuts and fruit

Sniff the hand produced perfumes, and the gorgeous shaped soaps, that look so realistic.

Look at some top quality handmade jewellery, and leather or wooden goods. See the pottery and ceramics that people have created to delight you.

Admire the beautiful photography, and the sketches that are done in front of you, from live subjects.

Browse the stalls to your hearts content. Purchase all kinds of goodies, gloves, scarfs, knitted baby wear, charms, flowers, paintings.

Why don't you contact me to let me know your experiences at a craft fair near you.

Where was it, how big, what kind of stalls did you visit.

Tell me what you saw, what tempted you to buy. Which demonstrations fascinated you. What did you stuff yourself with. Did you take the kids and did they enjoy it.

There maybe workshops going on that you can join in with, or just watch.

See the artist produce a painting in front of your eyes and buy it if you like it. Some offer classes that you can join, to learn a particular technique.

And if it is within your distance of your home town, and you like the work the artist is creating, then pick up a leaflet for more information on the private classes that are run.

The "Creative Stitches & Hobbycrafts" website is worth a look. This will tell you where some of the major craft-fairs are and what the theme is for that show.

The atmosphere is lovely, as are the people and we had a really good day out. There will be somewhere for that cuppa, and something to eat if you need to replenish.

Everything you need to produce your own creations is there for you to touch, and see, and imagine using on your own work.

Just remember that all this can end up you costing more than you planned. So go with a list of the supplies you want and stick to it... I stuck to my list rigidly, despite all the temptation!!

Glitters, glues, buttons, bows, ribbons, brads, eyelets, gemstones, mirror and glitter card are all there and usually cheaper than in the shops, with no compromise on quality.

The list goes on and on, but for the card maker it is truly wonderful.

Select ready made cards to send if you prefer, there are always several stands with crafters who are there to sell their cards.

And if you are a card maker you will apreciate the hours of work that has gone in to producing the cards that you see for sale.

But if you make a lot of cards yourself, and you want to sell some of your work, then why not attend some of these craft-fairs.

First to see what is on offer, and secondly to look at the quality of the products. This will give you a good idea of your competion.

If you fancy the idea then pick up a leaflet of the organisers contact details, and give them a ring. They will tell you where and when the fairs are to be held, and how much it will cost you to rent a stall for the day.

Here in the North West of England, the "Creatve Crafts Association" have many craft-fairs running, and their website will give you an up to date list of forth coming events.

Contact them here to see venues in this area. Take a look at their site to see where the local events will be, pop along and enjoy.

Your area will do the same kind of thing, just take a look in local papers, and craft shops as well as the web.

The bigger craft-fairs that are run around the country, are well worth a visit too. They are the "Make-it" shows and they are huge.

There you will get some of the famous names in crafting, and the larger companies, that are in all the magazines.

They are for cardmakers, scrap-bookers, jewellery makers and carft lovers.

Take a look at their website to find an event near you, but take your cheque book coz they are truly tempting!!!

All the links to the craft information websites will open up a new window, and will be updated for the new year each month.

See you when you come back!

Creative Stitches & Hobbycrafts.
Creative Crafts Association
"Make-it" events
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