Several years ago, my mom and I started selling our handmade craft items at local craft shows. We hand make placemats, table runners, dishclothes, tea towels, pot scrubbies, wine bags and various home dec items. We never intended on turning a huge profit with our business, and really haven’t. But the joy we get from sharing our craft with the local folks is more than we ever expected.
I truly enjoy people watching, chatting with the locals and learning from those around me. It is amazing what wealth of knowledge there is in those around us. I’ve learned the history of small town South Dakota, I’ve seen many a photo of first grandchildren and I’ve learned how my fellow crafters were taught their trade. It is amazing how many crafters learned their trade from a parent or more often a grandparent. We may be in the 21st century, but the tradition of passing down a craft, be it sewing, weaving or canning, still survives.
I don’t find our sewing and crafting too out of the ordinary until a young child says to me, “I think my grandma has one of those (referring to my sewing machine). And this happens many times a day when we are at a craft show. I’m only 38, but that comment always makes me feel old. Pushing that aside, I am sure to share my knowledge about sewing, as well as information on how the sewing machine works with everyone who will listen. I hopefully am touching someone’s life and hope that they will be enriched and take up a craft for themselves.
But the people watching is what I enjoy most. So, the next time you see a craft show advertised in your home town – take an hour or so and visit. Walk through – touch the crafts – ask questions – listen to the folks around you. You will be surprised what you can learn and who you will meet. Happy crafting.
