Craft fairs rule the event circuit at the holidays, and many vendors sell mass produced products. They can take on so many names – fair, bazaar, boutique, open house, festival, celebration. How can you see through the products to find crafts made from reused or recycled items? Here are some tips.
What is a makers market?
This is a newer title to events you may have seen in the last handful of years. Makers markets are like craft fairs in that they both offer vendors that sell homemade goods, but the makers market takes it one step further: Curating vendors that are often local, independent artisans that only offer handmade goods. This can include everything from canned and baked goods to handmade clothing and quilts or homespun pottery and art prints.
How about a bazaar?
Bazaars are traditionally permanent open-aired markets, but they can be defined regionally. In Minnesota you will also find bazaars as events at the holidays. Bazaars not only include homemade goods, but they will also include vintage and antique sellers mixed in. Bazaars can be a great way to find used goods or items made with reused items.
How to spot reuse at a makers market, bazaar or craft fair
- Name of the vendor: If a vendor specializes in reused goods, they will often have it in their shop name.
- Look for “made in” tags: Sometimes something will look old or reused, but in fact it is a remake to make the item look old. Look for manufacturer tags or labels. Chances are good that if it is mass manufactured, it isn’t reused.
- Look for tags with a story: Often the artisan of handmade items will tell you where they sourced the materials for their craft or have a story behind the fabric used. Handwritten initials or information on the bottom of the item can also tell a story of how the product was made.
- Look closely at the item and the other identical Items displayed: Do they have the same exact look? Does the pattern match exactly? Is the weathering the same on all pieces?
- Ask the vendor: Do they reuse or recycle items to make their crafts or goods? If yes, have them show you. They are often very proud of their handmade goods and will likely have a story to go along with it. Don’t be afraid to ask vendors where you might not typically think that they are using reused items – jewelry, glass, even art prints and portraits artisans can use recycled or used goods.
- Locally made: If you don’t find something made from reused or recycled items, buying something from a local or regional artisan is still a great buy. You are supporting a small business and helping the local arts community thrive.
Upcoming craft fairs, bazaars and makers markets
Richfield Fall Boutique
Saturday, November 16, 2024 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Richfield Community Center, 7000 Nicollet Avenue S, Richfield
The Richfield Fall Boutique is held at the Richfield Community Center each fall and features handmade goods from local artists and crafters from Richfield and the surrounding area.
Minneapolis Makers Market & Bar Hop
Saturday, November 30, 2024 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
NE Minneapolis, locations listed below
Products will be a wide variety of handmade goods such as jewelry, knit goods, home decor, metal working, prints, soap, paintings, candles, and so much more.
This event is free to attend! You only pay for the items you wish to purchase and the drinks you want to consume. This is a family friendly event, however, please note alcohol will be present due to the nature of the venues.
Locations:
- Indeed Brewing Co., 711 NE 15th Avenue, Minneapolis
- Padraigs Brewing, 945 Broadway St NE, Minneapolis
- Tattersall Distilling, 1620 Central Avenue NE, Suite 150, Minneapolis
- Dashfire Distillery, 1620 Central Avenue NE, Suite 152, Dock #10, Minneapolis
Nicollet Island Winter Market
Sunday, December 15, 2024 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Nicollet Island Pavilion, 40 Power Street, Minneapolis
Explore unique offerings, from upcycled lamps and fair-trade clothing to handcrafted jewelry and stunning local arts, pottery, and fresh flowers. Discover special gifts that tell a story and make your holiday season better.