What’s YOUR Path Ahead?
When I was first starting out as a surface pattern designer, I wasn’t selling my art online. Instead, I got my start the old-fashioned way: at a local craft fair.
There was a beautiful co-working space in my small town that had a cabinet up front to showcase local artists. From time to time, they’d let someone display their products there. Around the holidays, the owner invited us to set up tables for a special shopping event.
I kept it simple: I brought notebooks, mugs, tote bags, greeting cards, wrapping paper, and a few art prints. Everything featured my surface pattern designs, and many were print-on-demand items I had ordered in advance.
And guess what? That little four-hour event turned into a couple thousand dollars in sales. It was my first time putting my artwork into the world in such a public way. And the feedback was invaluable. In particular, people absolutely loved my wrapping paper, and I left with so much confidence and clarity about the designs and products that worked best.
This experience taught me something crucial: you don’t need a massive following or fancy website to start selling your designs on products. You just need a way to get them in front of people.
And that’s what we’re talking about in today’s blog post: the power of craft fairs and church bazaars, especially during the busy holiday season.
Why This Timing Matters
If you’re thinking about selling your designs on products this year, now is the time to get serious.
I mentioned this a few weeks ago but it’s worth repeating. According to the National Retail Federation, Q4 accounts for over 30% of annual retail sales for many businesses. Whether you’re printing tote bags, selling greeting cards, or licensing your designs for holiday products, fall is a key prep window for creative entrepreneurs.
Why Craft Fairs Are So Powerful
Holiday shoppers love discovering unique, handmade, personal gifts. And craft fairs or a church bazaar are the perfect place to reach those buyers. In-person events let customers see, touch, and connect with your products and your story.
Here’s what makes them especially powerful in Q4:
High sales volume: People are shopping for gifts.
Impulse buys: People are more likely to buy in person, especially when prices are under $30.
Real-time feedback: Watch what people are attracted to that you’re showcasing on your table and what questions they ask.
Brand exposure: Even if they don’t buy, they remember you and may follow you online.
👉 Want a full checklist to prep for your next craft fair? Download my Craft Fair eBook. It’s packed with tips, display ideas, and product insights that will help you maximize your next event.
Key Things to Consider Before Your First (or Next) Craft Fair
Let’s touch on some essential steps:
1. Find the Right Event
Not all craft fairs are created equal. Some are high-end, juried shows. Others are small community pop-ups. Ask these questions:
Is participating as a vendor free or is there a participation or table fee
What’s the vendor mix
What’s the deadline to apply to participate
2. Plan Your Products Strategically
Start with 3–5 product types. Choose items that:
Feature your designs to optimal effect
Are priced for gift giving (under $50)
Can be bundled together (for example: a bundle of 3 notebooks, a pack of 5 gift cards, a gift pack that includes a tote bag, a mug and a notebook)
You’ll also want pricing variety. It’s okay to include a few higher-end items.
3. Prepare Your Display
Your display is your mini-store. A few tips:
Make your table visually appealing by placing items at different heights; place some items on top of boxes to create height variety
Have a banner or sign with your name and website
Cover your table with a large table cloth so you can put extra inventory under the table where no one can see it
4. Make Purchasing Easy
Accepting credit cards is a must (Square or Stripe make it easy). Also:
Bring change for cash, just in case
Have custom tissue paper with one of your designs on it - a nice extra touch when wrapping customer purchases
Include your business card along with each purchase so customers can reach you after the event in case they need more gifts
5. Collect Emails
Bring a sign-up sheet or QR code to encourage people to join your email list.
It’s Okay to Start Small
Craft fairs helped me:
Refine which products sell best
Build a customer base
Develop my brand voice in person
And eventually grow into online selling and licensing
If you’ve never tried a craft fair, the holiday season is the perfect time to start.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re just starting out or looking for a seasonal revenue boost, craft fairs are an amazing way to showcase your art and connect with buyers in real time. You don’t need a giant inventory or fancy setup. Just a few products that showcase your designs and a willingness to show up.
If you’d like more tips on choosing your products, pricing, creating your display, and even a checklist for what to bring…
🎁 Grab my free Craft Fair eBook
It’s packed with practical tips to make your next (or first!) event a success.
And remember, it’s never too late to create.
xo,
Anne
It’s Never Too Late to Create®
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MEET ANNE
Hi…I’m Anne!
My creative inspiration comes from a lifetime of observation. I grew up in Paris on the Place St. Sulpice and walked to school through the Luxembourg gardens. And that was only the beginning… Learn more by watching the video on my About page.
