Christmas is in the air at holiday handmade market
By Justin Seward - Lethbridge Herald on November 7, 2023.
While it’s early November, there was a holiday feel around the Multicultural Centre on Saturday.That’s because the Domesticated Divas hosted their Handmade with Love in YQL Holiday Edition market.
“It is amazing to be out here first in the holiday lineup,” said Melissa Hengerer, co-organizer.
“It’s really, really great. The Divas have a lot of great markets coming up. So if people miss this one, there’ll be a ton more they can come too.”
Hengerer spoke about the importance of the Christmas aspect of the market.
“A lot of our vendors, these Christmas markets are their year goal,” said Hengerer.
“It is what they work towards all year. So for us to be able to give them a space to come and sell their wares is just amazing. It is the focal point of almost every vendors’ year,is the Christmas season. The earlier we can get out and get to it, the better off everybody does.”
Hengerer said the focus was handcrafted everything.
“Whether it’s been handcrafted or baked, it’s all home done,” said Hengerer.
“There is no actual marketing businesses here or anything. It is all just the labour of people’s hands.”
Hengerer says it is becoming quite large again, when asked about the handmade community in Lethbridge.
“A lot of people are going back to making things, and enjoying crafting and it’s every year we’re noticing that it’s getting larger and larger,” she said.
Attendees could view and purchase an array of handmade products including Christmas, leatherwork, epoxy work, crocheting, woodwork and medal work.
Troy Fleming of Crafty Brat Creations was at the market with her handmade wreaths.
“This is the best variety I’ve seen at a market because we have everything (from)purses to wine, like how much better could it get,” said Fleming.
Fleming is gratified if she gets new customers when she sets up at a market.
“It’s all repeat business, that’s what most craft sales are,” said Fleming.
Doug Mann moved to Lethbridge from Calgary and was uncertain at first what the markets would be like here.
“And this one has been really good,” said Mann.
“There’s a variety of stuff and some things I haven’t seen elsewhere.”
There were 42 vendors. 2
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