I cannot believe that a year has gone by already and another craft season is upon me. So many things have happened this past year (some better than others) in our business. For one thing, we really have been working on expanding the furniture line of our business. My husband, who is a major force (really the only force) behind our furniture line, can see something and redesign it to work for today’s market. I am always amazed at what he can do with a piece of wood, a vision and tools.
What I wish to share with all of my readers as we start the season of holiday and seasonal craft shows, is to be aware of how a craft or a piece of furniture is made. In today’s economy, we are all feeling the pinch. Now is the time we need to search for the best value for our dollar. When you are looking at crafts and furniture during the many shows and festivals, you may think you are getting a good deal when you see an item priced low. However, if you look around you may come to another booth that is offering similar items, but at a different price. Many times the difference in price is the time and attention, that craft person dedicated to producing the best quality product they can. Many times, it is in the better quality materials and/or construction of the craft that produces a slightly higher price. Nevertheless, in the long run, most of the time, you are getting a better value in that item because it will last you. One of my habits (may not be the best) is running my hands over furniture as I look at them. I want to feel the piece and I can tell a lot about the quality of material and the finish work. Also, look underneath a piece, open things up and see how it is constructed. If you are unsure, ask the owner of the craft booth and they should welcome the question and be willing to answer.
If you have specific questions, post them and either my husband or I will be glad to answer them. Check out some of last year’s blogs titled “The Long and Winding…Craft Road”.