Popular Items to Sell at Craft Shows

  by Craft Alive | 4 minutes, 28 seconds read

Nothing beats the feeling of walking through a bustling market, seeing people admire your work, and making a sale. And where else can you do this but during craft shows? These events primarily aim to strengthen the craft industry, although they’ve become effective sales channels for vendors and craftspeople, too.

But let’s face it. You can’t just put your items on display without knowing what appeals to the audience. So, what popular craft show items actually sell? Here are some crowd pleasers that pull more people to your booth, whether you’re at an exhibit in Western Australia or the rest of the country.

Textile Goods

We’re not just talking about T-shirts, but an extensive range of fabric products. Handsewn items like tote bags, tea towels, and embroidered pouches appeal to a broad audience and are great for gift-giving. Quilted beddings are evergreen favourites as they serve decorative and practical purposes in Australian homes. Texture-rich knitwear and crocheted phone cases are also making a comeback.

Learning sewing, knitting, embroidery, and quilting helps you stand out in the market. If you want to start dabbling in the latter, attend mini quilt workshops or learn advanced techniques like Foundation Paper Piecing and precision sewing. Pair this with a mastery of unique fabric placements, and your products will surely command premium prices in the next craft show.

Keep your eyes peeled for annual events like the WA Quilters QuiltWest 2025 Exhibition, which also offered craft lessons last 03 August 2025 at the Robinson Pavilion, Claremont Showgrounds along Graylands Road. Don’t fret if you missed it, as next year’s class bookings for Craft Alive Perth are already open.

Cards and Scrapbooks

Cards and scrapbooks remain popular even in the digital era. That’s because they offer a tangible and heartfelt way to preserve memories and connect with others. The time and effort that goes into making a handmade card or a carefully curated scrapbook make them a unique keepsake that their electronic counterparts can’t replicate.

You can offer these products already assembled or as customised as your customers want them to be. Better yet, leave them with the freedom to make their own card or scrapbook. You or your assistant can act as craft teachers if they’re stuck. 

Pottery and Ceramics

Pottery and ceramics have historical significance in Australia. Aboriginal peoples have produced fantastic pieces made from these materials for centuries. This legacy continues today as the demand for pottery and ceramics endures.

Ceramic vases are the first thing that comes to mind, but small items attract craft show buyers, too. Hand-thrown mugs, trinket dishes, and unique planters often sell well. These items combine form and beauty, something that buyers don’t hesitate to invest in.

Wood Products

Hand-carved kitchen utensils, serving boards, and furniture are sales magnets in Australian craft shows, too. Craft lovers are drawn to the unique grain patterns and rich colours and textures of wood. They also love to know the story behind each piece.

When displaying wood products, use a neutral background and let the light focus on your items to amplify their beauty. Add a small note about the type of wood and the process involved in making it to establish connection.

Candles, Waxes, and Soaps

Most people go to craft shows to buy gifts. Items that look great wrapped, for instance, candles, waxes, and soaps, are big winners. Moreover, they possess scents, which are powerful purchase drivers.

Create unique, eco-friendly handmade candles and wax melts with delightful fragrances. Floral fragrances are great, but don’t forget botanical aromas like eucalyptus and lavender, too. Your soaps can carry these scents, too. Make sure they’re beautifully packaged and made from natural ingredients to fit buyers’ preferences.

Gift Sets and DIY Kits

Craft designers can make the most out of their skills by taking a few of their smaller items and bundling them to create bespoke gift sets. It’s a great way to share your passion and show your skills to your potential buyers (and suppliers).

A care pack, for example, could contain a scented wax or soap, a notepad, a teacup, and a wooden pen wrapped in a nice pouch. You can even sell craft supplies that newbie crafters find interesting. That said, you can also ask your customers to assemble their own gift set.

Handmade Jewellery

This is a classic for a reason. Jewellery is personal and wearable art regardless, whether it’s made from polymer clay or delicate sterling silver. If you want to stand out, consider creating a collection with a theme. Minimalist pieces that feature the Australian flora are always a hit, so long as it’s ideal for daily wear.

How to Get Started

If you have a passion for the craft industry but think you have zero skill level, begin your journey by attending online and in-person lessons organised by professional experts. Choose classes that really interest you. Enhance your learning and gain some tips and tools by attending craft events regularly.

Check out CraftAlive’s YouTube channel (@lovecraftlivecraftalive) to gain access to craft tutorials, inspirational designs, and the latest news. There, you get fresh content every week and learn from world-class teachers and in-person activities for free, anytime and anywhere. Subscribe now to join the online craft community and keep up to date with the most recent and the hottest topics!