Two things you must do to determine if your crafts have "saleability". First, be a harsh judge of your crafts quality, functionality and beauty. Your family and friends mean well but, they won't risk hurting your feelings by criticizing your work. Their "ooohs and aaahs" are great moral boosters but, don't take them too seriously.

You may make the most adorable little Yellow Gerbil Snatchers in the world but, if there is no demand for them, they won't sell. If your work is shoddy: glue splotches, pulled seams, poor stitching, unsanded edges or a sloppy paint job, they won't sell.

However, if your craft is recognizable as a true craft: if it has form and function, each piece well designed and made and reasonably priced, you will find a ready market and willing buyers.

Second thing is to test your craft's saleability. Participate in a non juried craft show. You must submit your art/crafts to the cold, empersonal eyes of prospective buyers. This is the quickest, most educational (your education) and (almost) painless way to find out if your craft will sell. And if not...why not.

The terms craft shows, art fairs, craft festivals and other similar terms are used in various parts of the country and refer to basically the same craft selling activity. Booths or spaces of approximately 10'X10' are rented to craft persons for a flat fee or a percentage of sales, allowing them to display and offer their crafts for sale to the public.

The promoters of the show do all the advertising, assigning booth space and seeing to the hundred and one things that go into a successful show. In order to participate in the show, you will call, write, email the promoters requesting an entry form and rules and regulations. Complete and submit form, photos or slides of your crafts (if a juried show) and the entry fee.

The entry fee may or may not be returned to you if your work is not accepted or if you cancel. Be sure to read the fine print on the entry form and the rules and regulations before submitting the application. You will be notified when/if your application is accepted (juried show) otherwise consider acceptance upon their receipt of app and fee.

I've referred to two types of shows: juried and non-juried. You should be familiar with both since you may be exhibiting and selling at both. The juried show requires each crafts person to submit his work. usually by means of a few color slides or photos of representative pieces. A panel of jurors will determine of the work is acceptable for their particular show.

By all means, submit your work to a juried show! If it is accepted, it is a feather in your cap and is a real indication that your work is marketable, since juried shows only accept top quality work.

If your work is not accepted, don't take it personally and become discouraged. There is no such thing as failure...only education! You learn from the experience. It happens to us all sooner or later. Some shows are listed as "Fine Arts Only" and even excellent crafts are excluded. Other jurors may be limiting the types of work to be exhibited at their show (only accept five woodcarvers, etc.). So, continue to improve your work, especially if improvements were suggested by the jurors. Be brave! Try, try again!

The non-juried shows usually accept any and all crafts. The only requirement is that each item must be hand made by the exhibitor. These types of shows are most numerous and accessible. There is probably one near you. If your craft is new and untested in the marketplace, this should be your first show. You don't have to worry about passing a jury, just load your things and go.

Trust me. Exhibiting and selling your crafts is more fun then chasin' hogs! You enjoy making your crafts and when you connect with another person who enjoys your art work as much as you do...sort of makes you jump up and down on the inside.

That person admired one of my craft pieces and...gave me money for it! Yes, you can do this. There is a craft show coming to your neck of the woods...go for it!

My wife Rebecca at gourd show. For more "How To Sell" info, see my manual How To Grow, Craft & Sell Hardshell Gourds at auction on ebay.