Craft shows can often act as an amplifier, increasing the tame and modest whisper of one's business to a strong recognizable voice among the craft business cohort. Paul and Floreen Smith are owners of such a business. Floreen Smith Canvas Works relies on craft shows to not only make sales but to also propel its popularity. The couple started out years ago at farmer's markets in Saskatoon but after some time craft shows became their preference. Since then, they have never looked back. Last weekend the couple attended the 2013 Homespun Craft Show in Carlyle, an event they've been a part of for more than 10 years and said they're impressed by how the show has maintained its quality.
"They're getting a very wide selection of people so virtually anything that's being produced by the people you'll find here," Paul Smith said.
"As exhibitors we really appreciate the volunteers and the spirit behind putting on the show, we do a lot of shows, where you're just an 'exhibitor"
Hundreds of shoppers turned out for the 27th annual Homespun Craft Show and Sale held at the Carlyle sports arena in Carlyle, SK on Sept. 21 -22. The show that's dubbed the "biggest little craft show in Saskatchewan" had over 80 vendors with products ranging from clothing and jewellery to home decor fixtures and skunk hats.
The two day event which was a winner of the Saskatchewan Tourism award of excellence back in 2011 also featured two additional events over the weekend. On Saturday the 6th annual "Show n' Shine" classic car show was held at Merit Ford and the 11th annual quilt show was held on both days at the Carlyle Memorial Hall. Homespun committee member Judy Riddell says the show offers more than the typical craft show because of Carlyle's warmth and hospitality. She also added the show provides a lot of opportunities for businesses in Carlyle.
"I think it has been recognized across Western Canada practically as 'the biggest little craft show in Saskatchewan...' it is kind of a Saskatchewan tourism destination point for a lot of people. We used to have and maybe still do a group of nurses from Saskatoon who would come and stay and have a little reunion and then they'd go shopping here...," she said.
Riddell said the committee makes sure the exhibitors are well taken care of as well, explaining that a golf tournament was organized for them as well as meals. She said the committee also provides hostesses that help them out during the show and that this assistance can hardly be found at others craft shows.
"That's what small town people are, helping each other making everyone welcome, 'come on in now'..." she said.
The show is a popular pastime for many people from across Saskatchewan come September. The exhibitors are selected by the committee and each year there are businesses that are featured for the first time at the show.
One such business is "Brainchild Designs," a small company that sells "Scarfitt," colourful, stylish and functional winter hats that double as a scarf and hat. Designer and owner of Brainchild Designs Tara McPherson got the idea after snowboarding and losing her hat whenever she fell. Her husband Geoff McPherson said he has been helping his wife with the business for the past 10 year but said she has been in operation for 14 years. This is just one of the many innovative and interesting products that were found at Homespun. And like any art and craft event patrons were able to find products that they wouldn't normally find at your typical corner store.
Other businesses found at the show were Homespun regulars that many have now come to expect every year. Lorene Broeckel is the owner of "Smelly Stix," a pliable scented playdough made from high grade concentrated non-toxic edible products. She has been attending Homespun for the last eight years and said there is a demand for her product and each year she enjoys the experience at the show.
"It's been wonderful ...It grows a little bit more each year," she said.
One of the popular locations at the show was the "Homespun Pantry" where exhibitors were offered various tastes from various cultures, such as jams and pastry to the favourite among patrons, Italian Gelato ice-cream.
Homespun began out of a want for a quality show to promote crafts created by the community and to build a marketplace that would attract patrons from Saskatchewan. By all accounts, they have done just that and surpassed all expectations. The small town of Carlyle was the centre of attention for the weekend.
