We did another bazaar this weekend, this time in the great Michigan city of Frankenmuth. The show was held in the high school gymnasium. It was a bigger show than last week. More vendors and we were packed in like sardines. This one was virtually all crafters, unlike last weeks which featured some commercial enterprises.
As I was setting up my tables the vendor next to me was admiring some of my work. "It's very beautiful" she said. "Do you use a laser?"
"NO MAM" I immediately responded. "These were all cut by hand by me on a scroll saw. Laser
cutting is not crafting, it's manufacturing."
"But laser is acceptable." she replied"
"Not to me it isn't" I said.
It is a sore spot with me and most scroll sawyers. We work hard, our products take a lot longer to make and then we get to a craft show that supposedly has ONLY hand made items and there is a laser cutter there with his mass produced items selling for far less than we can afford to sell ours for. Most scollers won't go back to a show like that.
Anyway with that explained it's time to talk about this show. As I mentioned there were plenty of vendors. Only two other woodworkers that I saw. Most seem to have clothing type items and wreath decorations, a guy selling dog treats and some others I can't remember right now.
The crowds were really good and sales were excellent though not as good a last weeks. That kind of surprised me because I had low expectations for last weeks show and high for this one.
Last week, however, was so good that I drew down a lot of my stock and didn't have enough time to replenish it. Still I made a few things and they sold any way. Puzzles, ornaments, and word art were among the things that sold. I also sold a few letter openers I had made.
I think that's gonna do it for craft shows for this year. I had really soured on them after some
poor sales in 2010 but things seem to turn around this year and I may try a few more next year.
We'll see how things go.
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