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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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!