Wax and Bubbles

There are lots of things to consider when you decide to try your hand at selling your handmade soap and candles at craft fairs. We’ll get into the nitty gritty details in upcoming posts, but the first thing you’re probably wondering is how you can find these craft shows and sign up for them.

Start locally, especially if you’re new to the craft show circuit. You’ll have a shorter distance to travel, and making contacts locally can help your business to take off. The first and easiest place to look is in your daily newspaper. Check both the classified and the arts sections for upcoming shows, and contact the organizers to find out the details. You’ll need to know the dates of the show, the cost of the booths, what you’ll be supplied with (table, chairs, etc.) and the size of your table or booth.

Craft supply stores often carry booklets or printouts of local shows that are coming up. These can be a treasure trove of listings for the budding craft seller. If you can’t find them in plain sight, ask an employee if they have such a thing for you to take home. Even if they don’t, they might be able to steer you in the right direction.

Schools and churches often hold seasonal craft shows in the spring, summer, and before Christmas. Get out your trusty telephone book and start making some phone calls! Ask if you can be put in touch with the committee or chairperson in charge of fund raising, or whoever is responsible for organizing this type of show. If there is nothing on their schedule when you call, ask if you can be placed on a notification list so they will contact you when a fair is being planned.

Of course the internet is a terrific place to search for craft shows. Check local news and community sites, or try a search for larger listings. There are a few handy sites that list shows you can view by state or province. Try Craftesite.com, Craft Lister, and Art and Craft Shows for listings in the US. In Canada, check out Craft Canada, Arts and Crafts Net, and My Canadian Yard Sale.

Perhaps the best way to find craft shows is to go to a few and make some friends there. You’ll want to buddy up with some successful crafters, ideally those who work with a different medium than you do. Give them your contact information and mention that you’re interested in finding more shows to be involved with. Experienced craft show goers will be able to tell you the shows that are worth your time and money to attend, so take their advice seriously. Most local crafters are happy to support their fellow artisans, and you’ll end up making new friends in the process.