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Craft Trends Part Five - Trends to Watch

Current Trends Noted by the Trend Watchers

The trend watchers note several existent trends that you can cash in on. These are broad trends that span age groups and present a large market to be filled.

Ethnic and Artisanal Foods

There is growing interest in different types of foods and cooking. Ten years ago, how many people even knew what chayote or kiwi was, much less had tasted one? How about sushi? Who would have thought of eating ostrich or buffalo meat?

There are several factors driving this trend, not the least of them being that people seem more cautious about splurging on big ticket items. They’re looking for smaller, more affordable pleasures.

A clever crafter can cash in on this trend by making complementary items such as sushi plates and trays, cheese plates, tableware (from napkins and napkin rings to wine glass collars and place cards) in ethnic patterns, or decorated oil and vinegar bottles or spice jars.

Security

Increased security consciousness has created a large market for things that can be handcrafted, like purses with security features, secret compartment items to hide extra keys or valuables, travel document security pouches to be worn close to the body, all types of travel cases or clothing with added security features.

Gardening

It seems many of those breaking out of their cocoons are going no further than their own back yards. The market for garden-related products is booming. Notice the larger gardening sections in any of the home style magazines. For this market, the crafter could start his own craft trend making wind chimes, bird houses and feeders, lawn sculptures, plant tags or stakes, gardening gloves and aprons, gardening signs and calendars.

Objects Themed Around a Trend

People often like to identify themselves with their hobbies. A woman new to Mexican cooking might like to sport a pair of chili pepper earrings or a chili pepper necklace. The avid gardener might like a garden-themed tee shirt.

Many would proudly hang a decoupage plaque with a saying about their hobby. For the Spicy cook: Barbara’s Burn Center.

For the gardener: Welcome to my Garden Green; All that in this delightful garden grows, Should happy be and have immortal bliss. (Edmund Spenser, 1590); We are stardust, We are golden, And we’ve got to get ourselves Back to the garden. (Joni Mitchell, 1969); or All of the flowers of all the tomorrows are in the seeds of today.(Voltaire, 1770).

Craft Trends

Craft Trends - Part One: Introduction
Trends come and go. Stay on top of the current trends to keep your craft business sales flourishing.

Barometer One: Your Personal Marketplace
Listen to your customers. They might be leading you to the latest trend.

Barometer Two: The General Marketplace
The general marketplace is where major trends are set. Follow the lead using new styles, colors and techniques in your craft business.

Barometer Three: The Trend Watchers
Watch the watchers. Learn from what they say and do.

Emerging Trends for Things Custom or Handmade
More than ever the handcrafted and unique are sought after.

Differentiate Your Work
Even if you follow the trends, you work has to stand out to be saleable.

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