Boost Your Income This Christmas by Crafting for Craft Fairs

As Christmas draws near, it's the perfect time to think about ways to boost your income. One fantastic and fulfilling option is to turn your crafting skills into a profitable venture at holiday craft fairs, pop-up markets, and online shops. 

Handmade items are more popular than ever, and there’s a growing appreciation for unique, thoughtfully crafted goods. Here’s a guide to getting started, finding the right products to make, and maximising your sales.

1. Find Your Niche

Finding a niche is key in the world of handmade crafts. Think about your strongest skills and what’s most enjoyable for you to make, whether it’s knitting, woodwork, pottery, jewellery, or paper crafts. Trends can influence demand, so take a look at what’s popular this season. In recent years, there’s been a strong interest in sustainable items, vintage-inspired Christmas decor, and practical, personalised items.

By narrowing down your focus, you can create a cohesive collection of products that reflects your unique style. Having a speciality will make you stand out at craft fairs and establish you as a go-to for those types of products.

2. Craft with Quality in Mind

Customers at craft fairs are drawn to handmade items because they offer something distinct from mass-produced goods. They expect quality, so aim to create products that feel worth their price. Choose materials that are durable and attractive and pay attention to details, such as finishing touches. Whether it's a handmade knitted scarf or a custom ornament, quality craftsmanship and unique design go a long way in winning over customers.

3. Christmas-Themed Products Sell!

Christmas markets are all about the festive spirit, so give your products a seasonal twist. Here are a few Christmas-themed ideas to inspire you:

Ornaments and Decorations: Try your hand at personalised ornaments, wreaths, or even miniature Christmas trees.

Stocking Fillers: Small gifts like soaps, candles, hand-warmers, or miniature notebooks make fantastic stocking fillers.

Gifts for Pets: Pet owners are often looking for unique, festive gifts for their furry friends. Think pet stockings, holiday-themed bandanas, or catnip toys.

Gift Wrapping Accessories: Create a line of handmade gift tags, wrapping paper, and gift bags.

Adding a festive touch to your creations can make them even more appealing to shoppers in search of the perfect Christmas gift.

4. Plan Your Pricing Strategy

Deciding on a fair and attractive price for your crafts can be tricky. You’ll want to account for your materials, time, and any overheads such as booth fees if you’re attending a fair. Research prices for similar items, and ensure yours are competitive while still providing a worthwhile profit. Offering “bundle deals” or discounts for multiple purchases can encourage people to buy more and help you stand out in a market filled with other stalls.

5. Prepare a Professional Setup

Craft fair shoppers often decide to browse a stall based on its appearance, so put effort into creating an inviting setup. Display your items thoughtfully, grouping similar products and using attractive props or seasonal decor to highlight your Christmas theme. Good lighting, organised displays, and clear signage for prices and payment options are essential. If possible, add a small sign with information about you and your crafting journey – customers enjoy buying from makers they can connect with.

6. Market Yourself

A social media presence is invaluable, even for local craft sellers. Use Instagram or Facebook to show off your products and the process behind creating them. Let followers know where they can find you at fairs or encourage them to reach out for custom orders. If you don’t already have a brand name, now might be the time to think of one, along with a simple logo or label to give your products a professional finish.

7. Don’t Forget to Enjoy the Process

Creating crafts to sell can be rewarding both financially and personally. Remember to enjoy the process and embrace the festive spirit that makes Christmas markets so magical. Engaging with customers and other crafters can be a brilliant way to find inspiration, learn new techniques, and grow your crafting business beyond the holiday season.

Final Thoughts

The festive season is one of the best times to make extra income through crafting. By choosing the right products, paying attention to quality, and presenting your creations attractively, you can transform your crafting skills into a Christmas success. So dust off your craft supplies, start creating, and get ready to make the most of the Christmas markets and fairs near you. Happy crafting!

You can also look at selling on sites like eBay (https://www.ebay.co.uk) or Etsy (https://www.etsy.com) to reach a wider audience for your crafting skills.

Buy special handcrafted wooden gifts from Stephen Watson of Watson Woodworks

 Leah, a very good friend of That's Christmas, has asked us to promote her Dad's business and we are pleased and proud to be able to do this.

Stephen Watson, of Watson Woodworks which is based in Norfolk, handcrafts sustainable chopping boards, musical instruments and bespoke items all using carefully selected and expertly reworked reclaimed wood.

What about an Edge Grain Chopping Board? 

It's a true must-have accessory for the cooks in your life.

It's crafted with high-quality mixed hardwoods and is ideal for both preparing and serving food. 

The intricate patterning is a genuine "wow!" factor and will really make a good impact in the kitchen of the recipient and will really impress their guests.

It's smart, rectangular design and colours means it will fit in with just about any kitchen decor or style. 

The size is 46 x 30 x 3cm and it will cost £130.

Or maybe you are looking for the perfect gift for someone who is a bit of a percussionist on the quiet? (Yeah, that's almost certainly a non sequitur!) 

If so, this unique gift will certainly give them something to liven the mood a little bit. It's a gorgeous Mini Crazy Grain Shaker.

Small enough to easily fit in the hand, they are made using a combination of hard and soft woods. Each one is filled with 40 ball bearings giving a delightfully woody sound when they are shaken. A real fun stocking filler and a present that will really make a wonderful sound if the lucky recipient shakes their parcel, in the traditional way employed by people trying to work out what their Christmas present might be! 

Size is about 4cm square by 6cm tall and they'll cost £20.

If, like me, you need a bit of help when carrying cups of coffee, tea, etc into the conservatory or out into the garden, then Stephen can also help you with his amazing hexagonal serving trays.

They not only look fantastic but the raised edges really help you to get the goodies out into the garden without too much fuss!

They are carefully crafted using only high quality and very durable materials which are ideal for our eclectic (or eccentric?) British weather, being made from weather-resistant materials.

They are designed to withstand the elements, whilst at the same time adding more than a touch of elegance to your conservatory or your outdoor garden space. 

The hexagon shape will provide the recipient of this gift a look that is both unique and modern, yet without being too much, if you know what I mean. 

Looking after your pot of tea, keeping your cocktails safe, or holding your BBQ snacks in a tidy, orderly fashion  they are a genuine must have accessory for the person who loves to make the most of their garden space.

There are two designs, oak rustic or red cedar look. The red look ones are a bit smaller at about 21”.

Looking for a gift for the musically inclined? Then That's Christmas believes you have to plump for the Crazy Grain Cajon.

These amazing, handcrafted genuinely one of a kind Cajons are crafted using many different colours of hardwoods and softwoods.

They come with a fully adjustable snare system so that they'll be able to achieve a natural box sound with the snares off, and also set to a loose snare for a Jazz mode and a tight snare for a normal feel. 

There's also a clever damper system so that the snares don't rattle when the snares are set to be completely off for that natural box sound.

The cost is £230 and to see and hear Stephen demonstrating this, please have a look and a listen here:-https://www.watsonwoodworks.co.uk/musical-cajon

To order any of the above items or to discuss placing special commissions visit https://www.watsonwoodworks.co.uk.

It's practical, stylish and the perfect Christmas gift. A fresh, new umbrella

Introducing their fresh new umbrella Colour. 

Introducing Heating & Plumbing London’s meticulously hand-assembled ivory umbrella with exquisite burgundy detail. 

Combining timeless style and craftsmanship, this long walking stick umbrella is a statement piece for those who appreciate both style and function.

Stay poised and protected in any weather with their latest creation, which is carefully hand assembled in London.

The RRP is £145.00 and they ship globally.

www.heating-and-plumbing.com

Introducing buyindie for Christmas gifting

Handmade items from buyindie are typically one-of-a-kind or only produced in small batches. When you buy handmade, you're getting a unique product that isn't mass-produced, thus making it special and distinct.

A spokesman explained: "Our shops all have a high level of craftsmanship and attention to detail. Our artisans take great pride in their work and they are fully committed to producing high quality items, which  results in longer-lasting and durable products that will be cherished for many years to come.

"Many artisans offer customisation options, allowing you to get a product tailored to your preferences. This can be especially meaningful for special occasions or personal preferences. In fact, it makes for the perfect gift!"

Buyinie was launched in the Autumn of 2022 and has already been short listed and won awards for its outstanding website designs and high quality of craftmanship. One to watch as it continues to grow in the future. 

To learn more visit www.buyindie.co.uk.

Eco Christmas decoration and a reusable gift tag in one

This is a great alternative to standard, ordinary gift tags. You just write your personalised message on the reverse of the tag. 

And it's also a gift in its own right!

It's a really nifty and very nice Christmas decoration and a reusable gift tag in one. They are fantastic  ceramic star hangings that will add more than a splash of sophistication to your Christmas tree or your Christmas gifting. 

They are carefully designed so that they can be cunningly used as a gift tag and then hung on a Christmas Tree, or as a wall hanging. Maybe buy several to make an interesting Christmas display and a fantastic Christmas centrepiece? 

Incidentally, they are handcrafted in the West Country of Devon. 

You'll be interested to check out their other wide range of handcrafted items including:- Air Plant Holders, Air Plants, Bowls, Candle Holders, Coasters, Dog Bowls, Jugs, Magnets, Match Pots, Mugs, Oil Pourers, Paintbrush Pots, Personalised Planters, Plates, Soap Dishes, Spoon Rests, Table Décor, Trinket Dishes, Tumblers and Vases.

They also make and sell a wide range of handcrafted jewellery, etc. If you are interested in learning more, they offer workshops, too.

Check them out at their website:- Www.habulous.co.uk.

Handmade in Britain for ideal Christmas gifts

Everyone wants to be able to gift their loved ones something interesting, something different, quirky, homemade and of high quality, especially at Christmas time.

One such supplier of these type of special gifts is Handmade in Britain. Which retails a wide range of eclectic and very special gifts that are, as they state, handmade in Britain.

Why was Handmade in Britain launched? A spokesperson explained: "Handmade in Britain was established to challenge today’s throwaway culture and encourages slow living and quiet luxury through its curated range of unique products."

Established by skilled textile designer Piyush Suri back in 2007, Handmade in Britain showcases the work of independent British artists and creators, plus emerging artists and creators, who specialise in handmade homewares, jewellery and gifts. 

Clearly fiercely passionate about British artistry, every piece within the Handmade in Britain’s eclectic range is handpicked and selected to ensure each piece is of the highest quality and also principled. 

And equally all its designers, creators and producers boast a genuine and heartfelt commitment to using only sustainable practices and offering support to British industry.

Apart from retailing products online, Handmade in Britain operates two crafts fairs during the year: Handmade Chelsea and Handmade Oxford.

To join in the pleasure of purchasing gifts that really are Handmade in Britain please visit https://www.handmadeinbritain.co.uk

Cherish has handmade Christmas decorations you will love

"Welcome to my Christmas collection," says Cherish of Cherish Handmade. 

She went on to say: "I have a range of handmade felt characters that make great additions to the Christmas tree or for hanging anywhere around your home during Christmas time. 

"They're small and cute enough to send as a small gift or stocking filler for an animal lover.- and there are certainly many of those! 

"My fabric decorations are carefully hand-stitched using only high quality fabrics and they feature exquisite little details like tinkling bells, wooden collar beads, heart motifs and other festive touches. 

"They're available as a white Westie dog, a black Scottie dog, a black dachshund, a brown dachshund, and a black or a brown cat. At £5.95 each they are great value for money and I'm sure your readers will love them." (EDITOR: We are sure of that, too, which is why we are featuring them.)

Cherish also has a gingerbread man and felt heart decorations available, too.

https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/cherishhandmadeshop

Say it with Ceramics this Christmas with Gallery Thea

Personalised Tree decorations, various sizes and shapes, from £15.

These hand-painted ceramic Christmas decorations from Gallery Thea can be personalised with a name, theme or message of your choice. They make for a truly individual, thoughtfully chosen and inspired gift.

For example, what about Napkin ties £8? Or a 36cm platter £110?

And for your Christmas table this year, order some napkin ties or place settings, personalised with the name of each guest.

They are available mail-order and via www.gallerythea.co.uk items can be sent nationwide. Phone 01502 722 433 to discuss your commission.

But do please make a note that the last order date for Christmas delivery is 10th December 2011.

And you can make this Christmas that will be one of the magical Christmases that everyone will remember fondly for the rest of their lives.