Local Craft Shows

[Former_Member]

Hey Everyone,

Thought it would be nice to share some local craft shows with one another.

Waldorf School of Philadelphia- 7th annual holiday craft fair.
http://www.uwishunu.com/2009/11/friday-seventh-annual-holiday-fair-the-waldorf-school-in-mount-airy/

[designAnn]

The links on this page don't work. I found the info by googling "waldorf School Mt airy"

[Former_Member]

Thank you for the information about the 7th annual holiday craft fair. Do you know how many craft vendors attend this craft fair ?

[Former_Member]

Here's one that was just announced today in Fishtown for Dec 22nd. It's the weekend before Christmas and has always been a lucrative vending opportunity for me. Hurry deadline is Nov 20th. I am already confirmed...I hope to see Philly Love there!

https://www.facebook.com/#!/events/296156293823597/

[Former_Member]

I am debating whether I should do local shows, as my items are a higher price point. I did a street fair in a high end neighborhood in New Jersey, and mostly it was families just out enjoying the weather together, not a lot of shopping. Which meant no sales for me, and it was an expensive show to do! Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

[SwartzBrothersArt]

Stacey,

I can tell you from experience that the majority of people at craft shows are just lookers and many don't even look much. That being said, you can still do well with the percentage of the crowd that actually does stop. You need to know your market, so I would suggest researching the event and seeing if it fits. One trick that I use is to do a Google Images search of the event and profile the crowd from that. It actually works well for us because we know that we do best with a younger audience. It could work for you as well. A couple of events in particular that you could potentially do well at with high end items 1.Chestnut Hill Fall for the Arts Festival which just passed. I think they have a mailing list and could let you know when the application is available, it comes out in June I think. 2.Manayunk Arts Festival - the application for that is available now through Zapplication. Zapplication is actually one of the best places to look for shows that target people who buy original art or high end crafts - many of the best shows in the country use them. I hope this helped. If you have any more specific questions, feel free to message me or post to this thread. Good luck!

[SwartzBrothersArt]

Thanks for the mention of the upcoming craft shows. I don't know of any that are still accepting spaces that I would recommend right now. However, I will definitely post as I find them. Please do the same everyone.

[Former_Member]

Regina Angelorum Academy (RAA) in Ardmore is hosting a
“Holiday Shopping & Social Soiree” on Monday, November 19, held at the St. Colman's School auditorium, from 6 – 10 pm.

The evening boasts a relaxing night of socializing, wine and cheese, hors d'oeuvers, and shopping for both men and women. Twenty-five local artisans and crafters will be represented offering everything from jewelry, orna
ments, clothing, gourmet foods, home goods and everything in between. Live musical performance by local singer/songwriters, Jean Coppa Milani, of Drexel Hill, and Christine Wittman, of West Chester, have made quite a name for themselves performing at many Main Line venues, over the years.
Come join us! 105 Argyle Ave., Ardmore, PA. 19003, 610-649-1730.

[ministercoleman]

My church is sponsoring a Christams bazaar December 15 at 71 S Union Avenue Lansdowne, PA. Space is limited and cost $25. If you are interested please let me know; first come first come basis.

[Former_Member]

Jon, Thanks for the advice. You have a great point about researching the crowd before attending a craft fair as a craft vendor. Certain areas and places aren't for every vendor's items. Certain crowds want certain items. The same goes for pricing. Some customers are willing to pay more at one location than another. Some will try to get you to bring your prices down during some craft fairs. I was shocked about that, although "most" customers will appreciate your work and understand the time and skills involved and gladly pay for it.