Go to a Craft Fayre
A former Craft-Fayre-Phobic’s guide (or Fair, obvs)
Honestly, these things used to fill me with dread.
Let’s get into this.
I’ve been roped into helping with Toddler Group/School/Brownie/Dance School/Football Club/Community Centre ones so many times, I genuinely lost count.
I must point out – I have many flaws but I am pretty sh^t-hot at running events. I have decades of previous with all kinds.
Therefore: “Tanya’s good at running things, she’ll help…”
I would turn up at the planning meeting I initially was cajoled/dragged into against my will. People would often be (in my opinion) wifty-wafty and reluctant to take charge, because they were super-dupes genteel and polite.
I am neither of those things. With hindsight, these ladies knew exactly what they were doing, and were pulling a genius move.
Curses.
I would, predictably, step up, take over and offer to do all the stuff no one else would put their name down for. And often all the other stuff. The result would be me, at 10:45pm, swaying about, up a rickety ladder, staple-gunning bunting to trees outside village halls, sweeping floors, chopping up bits of paper for tombolas, ‘negotiating’ about keys with caretakers,
(just let me have the key, I am neither going to turn the centre into a crack den nor a brothel between now and tomorrow 9 am. I just want to be able to get the urn hot in time),
sorting out PA systems and icing any number of cakes. Oh, and the face painting. So very, very much face painting.
Me – thinks: “Please don’t ask for Spiderman, it takes forever, and there’s a massive queue.”
Ethan’s mum: “He wants Spiderman”
“Oh, you want Spider-Man? Of course you do, Ethan. That has lots of lovely details; we can have a lovely long chat while I paint.”
It was fine for the first decade or so. So, that particular first-world problem was entirely my fault.
Nevertheless.
These days, where I have joined the ranks of people congratulating the young, enthusiastic organisers (aww, bless them) rather than being amongst them,
I rather love a craft fayre now. We went to one the other day. We had lovely conversations with the stall holders, who were charming and helpful, whether you bought from them or not. We aimed to buy a little something from as many people as possible. Times are tough out there.
Unlike shop workers, who you can’t always expect to be super passionate by default, the folks manning these stalls often showcase products that matter to them. These items represent their dreams, inventions, and creations—the stuff they’ve eagerly shared with friends, seeking feedback. They’ve hauled these treasures in the back of a car and set them up here, hoping to find someone who loves them enough to buy.
Note: No disrespect to retail workers. I’ve done it, and I think everyone should at some point. It teaches you to deal with difficult people of every persuasion, sharpen your bants, and be resourceful – all great life skills.
I know it’s romantic and a bit soppy but I think that when you’ve met that person, found out their story, the story behind the ‘thing’, every time you use it – you remember. It makes it much more special than something mass-produced and sent through the post in a much-too-big cardboard package.
As the world gets more automated and generic—as every high street starts to become interchangeable—buying a hand-finished cork yoga mat from a handsome, long-haired yoga teacher called Moon, who shows you a genius posture for indigestion and a handwritten instruction leaflet with doodles on it, is unarguably special AF.
Maybe things might be a few pounds more (not always, often you’ll get a bargain), but they haven’t racked up air miles. They’ve been produced locally by people being paid directly for their work.
And they are often unique. There was a wonderful Zimbabwean father and son there too, who produced jewellery from vintage cutlery and told us the story of how they came to be. Utterly gorgeous.
The jewellery was nice too.
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SIDEBAR:
If you want to, a craft fayre is a brilliant way to make connections. I met a woman at one once, who turned out to be an amazing sculptor (big exhibitions in London etc) who I hit it off with immediately and we swapped cards. She texted me the following week to ask if I wanted to go fairy hunting with our respective pre-schooler without any explanation.
I just had to say yes or no.
I had no idea if I was signing up for a cult,if it was a euphemism or she was going to kill us – but I said yes because I liked her. She took me to some woods near where I lived – and it was AMAZING. I was led to a little glade with fairy doors, animals carved into the trees, toy fairies, elves, and leprechauns nestling in crevices, ribbons, scarves, and wind chimes swaying in the breeze.
There were letters from the fairies in little scrolls sealed with wax, bushes decorated with stars and rainbows, and little solar-powered lanterns dotted about that lit up when it got dark.. I had no idea it existed.
We left letters for the fairies and when we came back – they had been answered.
(A local lady and her sister did all of this for the children, I later found out)
I have since shown other people the fairy glade, who also fleetingly thought I might be leading them into the forest to slaughter them and were similarly enchanted and relieved.
5 Tips for the Craft Fayre
1. Haggle Politely
People usually expect to be a bit flexible with the price, but don’t lowball them so much that it’s insulting. They’ve put love, time, and care into their work. 10% – 20% won’t be outrageous, you’ll see quickly if they are up for a bit of negotiation.
If they look mortally wounded, back off. They might have an artistic temperament, so don’t make them cry. (We need them to be in touch with their emotions so they can be creative and wonderful).
2. Bulk Buy
Another way to get a great price, if you’re watching your budget (and who isn’t?) and you like the wares, stock up on gifts. If you’re buying a few items, sellers almost always happily offer a discount. They would really rather not put everything back in the car and take it home.
3. Bring a Friend
Take selfies with your new loot, compare notes, split costs, enjoy the food, help each other carry bags. It’s a lovely, friendly, low-key hour or two that helps you feel connected with your local community. You could also tag a photo of you with their product in social media if they’re that way inclined and they will love you forever.
4. Bring Cash
Even though most people take cards – they will delightedly take cash. The reasons are obvious. Another route to a great price.
Also: Stick it to the man.
n.b. it is my official advice that everyone pay all tax on all income, at all times.
Also: Smash Capitalism.
Keep an Open Mind
Craft Fayres are for discovering… not necessarily filling a pre-existing shopping list. If you know you are looking for a present, it’s fun to think about what that person might be delighted by, and how creative and clever they’ll think you for finding it, rather than the usual flowers or gift card. Don’t worry if you don’t find anything. Relax, have fun browsing, chatting, and the creativity and craftsmanship of the local artisans.
Happy Hunting.