The 38th Annual Bow Craft Fair was held for both the weekend days this year and although Saturday was definitely a bigger crowd, Sunday was also a great day. I think given more time to be aware of the change will encourage attendance for the 2nd day next year. Regardless, the fun was still all around and the talented artisans and crafters were abound!
This fair prides itself on displaying the handcrafted workmanship of New England's finest artisans. From bright, colorful and useful tie-dye'd t-shirts, onesies, etc. to natural pumice stones and soaps, there's quite a variety at a craft fair.
Wild Ones Tie-Dye's
In addition to her tie-dyes, Sarah has a line of plant based skin care products called White Mountain Botanicals. Sarah's contact info is: wmbotanicals@gmail.com, phone 603-254-4188 and her shop on Etsy.
White Mountain Botanicals
Jean's country display
Jean's decorated tree items
At this fair there are established sellers and also the beginner sellers like Jean displaying her wonderful, handmade holiday items.
I made some evergreen arrangements while at the show and Jean saw me making a kissing ball similar to this one on Saturday and was my first customer on Sunday. I also made a few boxwood arrangements and log baskets.
Clayton's Way Farm natural pumice stones
Clayton's Way Farm soaps #1
Clayton's Way Farm's handcrafted soaps offer quite a variety and Sheryl (who handles EVERYTHING after the actual soapmaking) says that Rick the soapmaker is very prolific in producing soaps. Click on the soap pics to check out the many varieties and/or click on link at end of blog.
Clayton's Way Farm soaps #2
Jean bought a kissing ball from me, thanks Jean!
my kissing ball with just some white-tipped cones, silver balls and gold-backed red velvet ribbons
Boxwood tree arrangements are really an incredible value and last for months and into the next year.............water faithfully!
medium-size boxwood arrangement in square glass container decorated simply, in gold-backed red velvet ribbon and red and green balls
large-size boxwood arrangement in a tin container with white-tipped cones, large red berries and silver metallic bows
Linda-Jo and Pam each bought one of my newly made arrangements. Linda-Jo looks so small behind the log basket, but so nice and happy. Pam purchased this cute boxwood arrangement in a coffee cup with a holiday ivy design.
Linda-Jo, thanks for letting me take your picture....it looks great!
Thanks so much Pam!
log basket arrangement with a mix of Balsam, White Pine, Cedar and Juniper evergreens and decorated with white-tipped cones, gold-backed red velvet bow and gold metallic ribbons
DiZigns bare log basket with plastic tray and oasis block
log basket arrangement on fireplace mantle indoors by candlelight
log basket arrangement on steps
There were many vendors in many different areas; in the large gym where I was, in the smaller gym, in the cafeteria and down the front corridor. There was a 50/50 raffle and chances for donated items from the vendors.
My log arrangements are made in oasis, the foam that absorbs and holds water, and can go outdoors or indoors. My husband makes the baskets for DiZigns as to what I have requested to be strong, heavy and show the wonderful bark for a rustic look. They can be purchased ahead of time, kept outside (the colder the better sometimes and getting any rain/snow) and brought in for the holiday dinner or party. If they are kept indoors they need to be watered a couple of times a week and will last depending on the temp inside, etc., but sometimes for weeks. Also, different greens dry at different rates. The boxwood trees last for months.
log basket arrangment on railing
the cafeteria
the front corridor
My booth in the gym
My booth was in the gym. There is always adjusting to do with each new show and the size of the allotted area. Different or less tables and extras may have to be used to figure it out and make your spot look its best.
My view in the gym to the front
My view in the gym to my right
Ane Swift of Custom Creations
My vendor neighbor to the left of me was Ane Swift of Custom Creations. Her delightful items are holiday inspired to include some with warm sayings. I heard many great comments on her Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas displays under the Ho Ho Ho sign that are reversable to say each wish....just turn it around! Ane can be contacted at customcreations@gmail.com
adorable dog display of Too Dog Gone Cool
My vendor neighbor to my right was Deanna and Kerrie of Too Dog Gone Cool with custom coats, etc. for your beloved critters. Items for dogs are always popular. (see end of blog for contact link)
Ane's vintage spring bells
Ane's spring snowmen and candles
She had these different items on rustic springs: vintage bells, snowmen and candles.
Too Dog Gone Cool travel mats
Too Dog Gone Cool's many colorful choices of dog collars
The Country Craftsman's beautiful wood products
The Country Craftsman's intricate blocks
Across the way from my booth was The Country Craftsman's team with their wooden items and the lovely jewelry of DJK Ventures. The Country Craftsman has incredible varieties of butcher blocks, so beautiful and such interesting combinations (see link at end of blog). Denise from DJK Ventures makes the always popular at fairs... jewelry and includes necklaces, bracelets, earrings, etc. Denise Kitson can be contacted at DJKVenturesllc@gmail.com or phone 603-724-3171.
innovative wine rack from The Country Craftsman
DJK Ventures bracelets
DeNutte's DeLights bath salts
Denise from DJK Ventures
DJK Ventures beautiful necklace
A young woman from Denutte's Delights purchased a small heart from me for her daughter, but I didn't get her picture, so I took these pics.
my "Key to my Heart" with Yellowheart heart
Thank you Joan!
One favorite idea of mine is the "Key to my Heart" item. It consists of a small dot inlay heart with an antique skeleton key on a brass ring. Joan could be a hand model with that impeccable manicure. Another customer later on also bought one, but her husband was just across the aisle and it was for him, so I didn't take her picture as she was trying to be incognito.
Thanks so much Arleen!
my $5 dot inlay hearts
Thanks to the lovely couple Michael and Laura!
Speaking of dot inlay hearts, Arleen bought 2 for her granddaughters, I think. I had many different kinds of woods for these hearts as she chose hers: Lacewood, Bocote, Bubinga, Yellowheart, Big Leaf Curly Maple, Spalted Tamarind, Olive, and Mahogany. These small and sometimes tiny dot inlay hearts make great stocking stuffers and maybe to tie on a wrapped gift.
Wenge wood heart with open heart center and hanging jewel
This heart was my new design this week, a Wenge heart with open heart center and hanging jewel. I love it! I didn't use any grain filler on the wood so that I could produce the effect of the grain seen in the close-up. Michael and Laura thought it was beautiful.
And I don't know how people are resisting my adorable holiday gourd ornaments, but they are and I didn't sell a single one.............$5!? There's always tomorrow.....aaww I can hear Clarice singing it to Rudolph now.
What a great time at the Bow Fair! Looking forward to next year. Any links I have for the vendors are below, otherwise I have listed emails, etc., above. Please click on the links and find out more info on the vendors and like their pages. If you like my blogs, like my facebook page and you'll get each new one. Thanks!
djk ventures llc https://www.facebook.com/groups/662235663920797/about/
https://www.facebook.com/thecountrycraftsmanNH/ https://www.thecountrycraftsmannh.com/
https://www.facebook.com/claytonswayfarm/
http://critteritems.com/ https://www.facebook.com/Custom-Coats-For-Critters-133392203533144/?ref=hl
Please contact me to correct any errors in my post.