FREE NEWSLETTER

DISCUSSION FORUM

Thursday, Nov 20, 2008 Updated 9:19 AM ET

Fairs and Festivals Boost Economies

By Jared Willaby

In a time when economic times are tough, one bright spot is craft shows, fairs and festivals. In the second quarter alone, local festivals impacted the local economy and brought in an estimated $4.1 Billion to United States neighborhoods, according to the Craft Organization Directors Association (CODA). Not only do craft shows financial asset to economies, but the events rekindle the foundation that supported societies for decades: local arts and crafts.

Craft Shows in Today's Economy

By Kerry McKinsey

Today's economic conditions have spurred a change in both artists and craft show revelers. A rekindled outlook on the "sustainable" and locally fresh grown products is coming to the forefront. Such a phenomenon may include the desire for more organically produced foods; they are blockbusters at this year's fairs and festivals. Local art and constructed craft goods are also a hit. From hand made clothing to jewelry, craft show goers are now more inclined to purchase green and sustainable art.

Fairs and Festival Calendar

We'll help you make sure that you get into the festivals that feature your art and that you choose the best fairs and festivals that represents your target audience.

Craft Show Checklist

Be prepared before you head out to your show. Print this checklist for a stress-free show day allowing you to devote more time to your artwork.

Craft Shows and Taxes

The benefits of your own crafting business include getting those well deserved tax breaks. We'll show you how to account for your taxes as a small business owner while keeping your hard earned money from the grasps of Uncle Sam.

Pricing Your Art

Putting a price tag on your arts and crafts can be intimidating. We'll show you how to value the heart and sweat you put into creating your art.

Etsy Success

Part 1 in the Series: Your own e-commerce website or Etsy? In this article we list the pros and cons of crafters who build (or who hire to build there own website) versus selling through an online marketplace like Etsy. Amazon and eBay have dug their own niche in the online shopping and selling market and Etsy is on its way to becoming the industry standard for selling handmade art. Buyers and shoppers of such crafts are raving about the many features of Etsy and we'll show you how to take advantage.

Kids and Art

How you can get your kids involved early. Events such as home craft shows will stimulate your kids to become artistically creative. Money management lessons can also be taught at an early age through fun crafting projects for kids and hands-on interaction.