Last post I talked about how to spot hand painted crafts. I did hear from a few of you that they did not know what to look for in painted items and was glad I did that post. I thought this post would address clay figurines. Many of my friends and followers do know that […] Read more…
The Long and Winding…..Craft Road (Part 1)
With fall approaching and many of my readers attending arts and craft shows soon, what better time to break down crafts by medium and learn what other crafters know about their trade. I always feel that an informed consumer is the best consumer. This week I will focus on hand painted crafts. One thing I […] Read more…
Battery or Electric – Whatever Should I Do?
As I sit in my studio with wood parts surrounding me, I cannot decide if I want to make my lighted houses and hangings with battery or electric lighting. These are small houses and shelf sitters, so I am thinking that they should be battery operated so that it does not limit the possibilities of […] Read more…
Up To My Elbows In Clay
The summer season has been wonderful in Maine this year (compared to last year), but it is going too fast. Not because I do not want to wish away the season (I enjoy the Fall season much better), but craft shows are looming upon me. Many people when they make an item, it is usually one […] Read more…
Christmas in July?
We have had a few inquiries about offering specials (Christmas in July) and exhibiting at arts and craft shows in July featuring some of our Christmas items (holiday items if you want to PC). Do consumers really buy these items so far in advance that it is worth featuring them in shows? I recently exhibited […] Read more…
Antiquing And Distressing Furniture
Being in the business of creating reproduction furniture, there is a strong movement to create the “look of old”. I personally do like the look, but that does not mean that the piece should be in poor quality, especially when you are technically creating a “new piece”. How far do you go with the distressed look? Is […] Read more…
Grungy Candles And Crafts
It is amazing how expensive it is to buy grungy candles and crafts. Visiting various shops across New England, it appears to be a very hot item, but to pay $6.00 a piece for one battery operated candle, I feel is a bit much. I know, we all need to make a living, so I […] Read more…
Mitten Boxes And Other Interesting Cabinets
I visited my old stomping ground in New Hampshire to see what country craft stores survived the economic down turn and if any new ones sprung up. Upon stopping at our first shop, it had a lot of the country, folk art and primitive style of crafts that my husband and I love to collect. […] Read more…
What Crafts Can’t You Find?
I am always fascinated to learn what consumers purchase? It seems that each year we seem to buy the same type of items to decorate our homes? Is that because we see friends and relatives doing it, so we feel we must? I would like to provide items that people wish they could have, but […] Read more…
Are Craft Shows Now Only Jewelry Shows??
As an exhibitor and attendee to arts and craft shows, I am beginning to feel that painted furniture, ornaments and such are no longer needed or desired for the “new” craft fair attendees. It appears these new craft seekers are mostly looking for the latest necklace or cloth hand bag to buy? Some jewelry is really […] Read more…