How to Find Collectibles at Craft Festivals - By: J.C. Banks

Types of Craft Festivals

Craft festivals may be specialized, or offer a range of products. Most craft festivals also offer a variety of foods, drinks, artwork, gifts, collectibles and sometimes even entertainment. Specialized festivals cover subjects such as regions, history, holidays and other categories. Collectors usually enjoy exploring a variety of offerings in search of the perfect item. Artists and crafters may offer paintings, prints, photographs, posters, decoys, carvings, models, jewelry, gifts and other collectibles.

What to Bring

If the craft festival is held outside it is a good idea to pack a few items even if you don't plan on needing them. Items to bring include lightweight collapsible chairs, layered clothes, sunglasses, sun block, sunglasses, hats, water, ice, snacks and a camera. Weather can change suddenly, so having a variety of clothing can save the day if unexpected weather affects an outdoor event.

What to Expect

Before attending a craft festival for the first time, it is advisable to read about past events, check reviews of festivals or locate first hand accounts of other people's experiences. Some festival enthusiasts will have a network of friends that can share information.

How to Choose the Best Crafts Festivals

Craft enthusiasts can find out about the top festivals in their area by visiting hobbyists and collectors websites, news portals and regional blogs. Other sources of festival information include newspapers, specialty shops, clubs, newsletters, online searches and word of mouth recommendations. Social media can be an excellent source of information. In addition to a website, festivals, crafters, hobby enthusiasts and collecting associations now have a presence on one or several social media sites. These can include Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, LinkedIn and other social media sites.

Festival Shopping

Craft festivals offer plenty of some shopping opportunities. Most events will have a large selection of crafters and other vendors. Some festivals will have items that are appropriate for any time of year while others may focus on seasonal crafts. Holiday-related crafts are extremely popular at shows. These specialty crafts include items for Easter, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Hanukah, Kwanza, Christmas and other celebrations.

At Craft festivals, artists and crafters may offer paintings, prints, photographs, posters, decoys, carvings, models, jewelry, gifts and other collectibles.

The author maintains Nautical Art and Saltwater Fish T Shirts.