Here we are in the middle of August, but we’re talking about holiday art markets? It may seem too early, but artisans have to think ahead to get product ready for that all-important holiday sales season. When you are making stuff, you can’t wait until Christmas Eve to get ready!

Karen and I have five art and craft markets coming up in the next several months. Although the market is depressed due to the uncertain state of the economy, we are gearing up for an active holiday selling season. I’ve stepped up my pace of completing paintings (check out https://hughdanielart.com for the latest acrylic on canvas paintings), Karen has been crocheting new hats, fluffy animals, and other decorative crochet items to make great gifts, and I’ve been painting more little 2×2 paintings and making rock dioramas.

New for this year are some cute Christmas dioramas made with a foundation smooth river rock covered in white cotton, resin figures and tiny wrapped gifts. Each one is different and makes up a little holiday scene. You can see four of them at https://danielartandyarn.com/product-category/holiday-gifts/christmas-dioramas/

Among the items Karen is making are a crochet Snowman, holly leaves ornament, and a toy puppy in a Christmas gift basket (these are always BIG favorites with kids and she sells every one she makes!). She is also crocheting items for Halloween (pumpkin coasters) and Hanukkah. Soon we’ll be starting on a new batch of dreidels for the Handmade Hanukkah market.

People are already beginning their holiday shopping and September will kick off the season. Our next market will be on September 20, 2025 at the Hasentree Fall Market. Hope to see you there!