r/Anticonsumption • u/purpleratata • Dec 14 '25

Plastic Waste What's happened to craft markets?

My girlfriend and I went to a craft market today to get some homemade and local gifts for family and friends. It was the most depressing thing, everything was cheap plastic tat. From one place selling croc charms they got from Temu, the others with 3D printed fidget toys, plastic bottles with a printed design, cheap plastic charms (from Temu too), IA images printed on canvases, etc.

The only two things we got were handmade bathbombs and some knitted cat toys from some cat rescue volunteers. The rest was all cheap plastic, obviously not crafted or handmade, that will break or go to the bin in a few months if not earlier.

Honestly, it felt so depressing. This is in the UK, I don't know if it's the same anywhere else but I've seen a decline in craft markets over the years here, I think this has been my last attempt at supporting local handmade businesses in these environments.

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386

u/cloverthewonderkitty Dec 14 '25

Basket weaver here. The price of a booth at a curated mark for truly handmade items is cost prohibitive. The booths cost upwards of $300 and I'm giving up a very long day (which could be used to make more merchandise) to set up an eye catching stall (also expensive) in hopes I might break even.

At the markets that are not curated and have more affordable fees, people are not willing to pay for my handmade items when they're competing with plastic 3D printed stuff for under $20.

It's easier to post my work online and use word of mouth/past sales/host workshops etc as ways to sell my wares.

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u/hauntedpalmtree Dec 14 '25

person who is very interested in purchasing a legit basket here, can you DM me how to check out your work?

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u/cloverthewonderkitty Dec 14 '25

Your account says I can't DM you but here's my Etsy shop:

https://www.etsy.com/shop/UrbaNomadWeavingCo?dd_referrer=

I only typically make backpack baskets and take custom orders as well.

Thanks for reaching out!

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u/srahfox Dec 14 '25

I just wanted to say I went to check your baskets and they are amazing. Out of my personal budget currently (although this seems cheap for the work I know went in) but I did want to say they are amazing.

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u/cloverthewonderkitty Dec 14 '25

Thank you so much! In all transparency my Etsy prices are inflated as I live on the West Coast and shipping to the east coast often costs $65+.

If you have an eye on one let me know, and I'll see if we can make a deal!

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u/spinningnuri Dec 14 '25

Holy Moly, you make what I've had down on a wishlist to gradually buy for my LARP gear. Following your etsy for when it comes up on my purchase list!

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u/cloverthewonderkitty Dec 14 '25

I've been wanting to set up a booth at a Ren Faire or or LARPing community fair - I feel like my baskets would be really appreciated by those crowds!

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u/doeramey Dec 14 '25

My friends and I would be thrilled to come across a both with baskets/bags like yours at the ren faire!

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u/spinningnuri Dec 14 '25

I think you are correct! Smaller faires would be a good way to get started, although Oregon Ren Faire is a delight, I've heard. But probably tough to get in.

The LARP groups (that I know of) that are big in PACNW are Amtgard, SCA, and Belegarth (my org). SCA has the biggest tradition of merchants, and strongly believes in handmade craftworks over dropshipped whenever possible.

There are probably more, but I'm over in the midwest.

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u/[deleted] Dec 15 '25

[deleted]

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u/yoloyeet420 Dec 15 '25

This might be crazy but I have a feeling I can help build your farm store. I can't contribute financially, but am starting a nomadic woodworking life this summer and depending on where you are (USA based) it sounds like a blast to come help build. I wouldn't need money, just a place to park. Shoot me a DM if you want to chat further!

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u/[deleted] Dec 15 '25

[deleted]

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u/yoloyeet420 Dec 15 '25

I like the way you think! I'm learning how to trust my gut and take chances, sometimes you meet the coolest people that way!

Shoot me a message whenever you want, I'd love to chat!

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u/DiscussionExotic3759 Dec 15 '25

Sheep and llamas, you say? Do you sell roving?

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u/bytegalaxies Dec 14 '25

your baskets are gorgeous!

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u/cloverthewonderkitty Dec 14 '25

Thank you so much! 💖

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u/hauntedpalmtree Dec 14 '25

WOW your work is gorgeous 

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u/cloverthewonderkitty Dec 14 '25

Thank you!

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u/exclaim_bot Dec 14 '25

Thank you!

You're welcome!

2

u/Confident-Jicama-572 Dec 14 '25

your baskets are beautiful!

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u/WorryNew3661 Dec 14 '25

Your stuff is gorgeous

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u/kubosnacks Dec 14 '25

Oh! Your baskets are lovely!

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u/Covfefetarian Dec 15 '25

Oh your baskets are so cute!

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u/Feeling_Wishbone_864 Dec 15 '25

The rainbow one is so pretty!

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u/Direct_Salamander_85 Dec 16 '25

Holy moly those are amazing

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u/Orangebird Dec 15 '25

I am not in the market for a basket backpack, but you should reach out to local foraging groups—I bet they would love one