Once garage sale season winds down, craft bazaars and craft fairs get started.I really like shopping at craft bazaars, mostly because I like buying local and supporting local crafters just like myself.However, I have been noticing some sellers selling things that just shouldn't be available for purchase.So in my attempt at my very best public service announcement, to those crafters out there toiling away,here is a list of the things I wish I no longer saw at craft fairs.
Needlepoint tissue holders
These plastic form, needlepoint tissue holders were fantastic back in the 80's.
But like side ponytails, leg warmers and acid washed jeans
{oh, wait, I think those are all back in???}
the needlepoint tissue holder should be retired.Along those same lines, so should anything made out of that plastic material.Like this baseball ornament, 
and especially these cat coasters!
Fleece Tie blankets
At this point, I think everyone over the age of 10 has had the opportunity to make a fleece tie blanket at some point in their life.They are so easy even a monkey could do it.Don't get me wrong, these blankets are great no sew projects for those who want to get their craft on,I just don't think they need to be sold at craft fairs anymore.There are six zillion tutorials out there if you have been hiding under a rock and really want a fleece tie blanket.Make one yourself.As they say, the best gifts are handmade.Knit top dish towels
I love a good dish towel, but these knit top dish towels have come and gone.If you are over 75 I will allow you to still have one.You are welcome.They are cute...for you.If you were born in the last century, please move on.Also, any dish towel that also disguises itself as a dress or an apron should also be avoided.It's like a guy in a scarf. You just can't trust them.
Independent Consultants
I come to craft fairs for their local handmade goodness, not to buy from independent consultantspushing their party goods. I have purchased something from each of these companies at some point in time,{o.k., that's a lie, I haven't, but I know where to find them if I wanted to buy them}I just don't think that having them at a craft fair improves the quality of your craft fair.I'm looking for unique handmade items, not items I can find in a catalog.Paracord bracelets
My son learned how to make these paracord bracelets at a Boy Scout event. They are fairly easy to make, and kids can whip out a dozen or so in about an hour.I went to three craft bazaars, and two of them had booths where the adults were only selling custom paracord bracelets. They had their table full of paracord where you could select your color and they would make a custom bracelet for you as you shopped.Sort of like getting your name written on a grain of rice at the zoo.Sort of.Last year, my craft booth buddy sold a zillion of her 10 year old sons handmade paracord bracelets in addition to her handmade goods.If you are a child, selling paracord bracelets {or rainbow loom or embroidery floss friendship bracelets or whatever}more power to you.Pat yourself on the back for getting out there, making a product and selling your goods.If you are an adult over the age of 18, leave this market to the children.It's like a lemonade stand.I will buy a cup of lemonade from the cute little five year old in pig tails but I ain't stoppin' at the lemonade stand with the adult sitting behind it trying to make a buck.Anything made with ugly fabric
I went to a craft bazaar where the majority of the sellers were able to get a senior discount at any store they would want. These crafters are some of the best seamstresses out there.Problem is, they don't usually have the best taste in fabrics.You can make even the coolest hippest thing ugly and rejectable if you use the wrong fabric.There are great fabrics out there.If you aren't sure what is cool, go ask your granddaughter.I'm sure as craft fair seasons continues on, I will have many more items to add to my list.Do you have anything you would add that you are tired of seeing at craft fairs?
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