The author’s daughter selling beach glass and Petoskey stone jewelry at a craft fair. Photo: Valerie Chandler.
Editor’s note: Look for craft shows and area art centers offering holiday shows and sales in the daily and ongoing sections of our Event Calendar.
By Valerie Chandler
Once fall arrives, craft shows start appearing around the area, almost one every weekend until Christmas. We avid attendees have our favorite locations and probably our favorite vendors and handcrafted somethings to give as gifts.
It happens every time. You walk through the doorway and immediately smell that homemade, sweet, cinnamon-like fragrance that is so inviting and makes you instantly think of the holidays. Cue the holiday music, some lights, and you’re ready for the festivities to begin. I always start with the vendors on my right and weave my way around and up and down the rows, looking for that exquisite gift that catches my eye.
Often the sparkles of homemade jewelry or the heavenly aromas of soy candles or goat’s milk soap lure me in to take a closer look. I’m also attracted to soft-looking knitted scarves and intricately stitched tote bags and change purses. I keep an eye out for homemade dog treats or a seasonal, pretty wreath for my front door, maybe a travel mug with the perfect saying on it for my co-worker.
With some sleuthing, you might find freeze-dried candies and sweets. I’ve never been a fan of Bit-O-Honey candy because of its stickiness in my teeth, but I recommend you try it freeze-dried; it is my favorite! I’m often drawn to the home-baked breads, cookies and sweet jams or honey in small jars that are perfect for gift-giving.
Most of the craft shows offer lunch or baked goods. Since you’re not having to do the cooking or baking, why not treat yourself? You can find some amazing sloppy joes, deliciously hearty soups and the tastiest cookies and banana bread.
During the holiday hustle and bustle, I like to people watch and will take a break if a bench or chair is available. Seeing kids’ faces light up at the excitement of a cute toy or Christmas lights blinking, or hearing the laughter of a few friends trying on handmade aprons and hats, can be quite entertaining.
Some vendors cater to their customers with Manistee or Ludington lighthouse and beach mugs, ornaments and pillows. Sweatshirts and t-shirts are always great gifts that I look for, especially if they have catchy phrases.
Our local crafters are incredibly talented, and I feel good knowing I support our community instead of the big box stores. Handcrafted gifts feel more personal and enjoyable both to give and receive.
I always seem to find a friend or three that I have not seen in a while and end up chatting and sharing laughter and smiles. And I always leave with bags in hand, a full belly and a smile on my face, ready to visit the next craft show in search of another cool gift or item I didn’t know I needed.
Valerie Chandler lives in Wellston with her husband Matthew and their border collie/Australian shepherd. She is a citizen and employee of the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians. Valerie is also a cancer survivor who loves to spend time with her family and has many interest
