PLATTSBURGH, NY. (WCAX) – When hobbyist Richelle Spaller was preparing for a craft fair hosted by Sacred Heart Church in Chazy, she tailored her wreaths and centerpieces to the season.
“Once you hit the cold weather, everybody’s looking for Christmas. What I like about these wreaths is that you can keep them up for more than just Christmas because they’re not exactly screaming Christmas, but like if you wanted to have a winter decoration in your home,” said Spraller, “If I get that feedback, it keeps me encouraged to keep doing it.”
Spaller says it’s nice to make money on the side, but what she likes about craft fairs the most is seeing what people think about her work.
Some vendors, such as photographer Sue Carusone, do rely on craft fairs for income.
“Oh, it’s important. It’s what keeps my business going,” said Sue Carusone of RaknSak Photography.
The artists support each other, too because every piece is unique.
“Not to take anything away from corporations, but I would rather buy small and local,” said Spaller.
At the same time in Plattsburgh the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship held a fine art and artisan craft sale and auction.
Shaun O’Connell’s art is largely personal a highlight of her display is Christmas cards made over 40 years of her life.
“His spirit animal is an owl, there’s an owl in the tree. My spirit animal is a fox, and there’s a fox here. It’s about being partners, this one is about being partners and walking into the future together,” said O’Connell.
Michelle Ouellette displayed art from her whole family including poetry and illustrations by her late mother.
“I’ve retained copies of so many of them, and I need to have room in my house, so it feels special for them to go to someone else who will treasure it,” said Ouellette.
For the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Plattsburgh, the craft show is also a way to raise funds to sustain their fellowship and outreach.
“It’s a place that has at its core the idea of the inherent worth and dignity of the individual in everything we do. And having a place like this at a point in time when there’s some people who maybe don’t feel as valued, it’s really important,” said Ouellette.
The craft fair that vendors are most excited for will be hosted November 16th at the SUNY Plattsburgh Field House.