Handcrafters Unlimited in Michigan is a 29-year old handcrafter’s organization consisting of 75 artists and craftsmen selling unique and one of a kind gift items. The group maintains a website – handcraftersunlimited.com. Just like other handcrafters organization, they offer an environment that allows artists to develop and improve their work of art. Their products are displayed three times a year at various venues on weekends (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday). For the year 2010, the show dates are on October 8 to 10 for Fall Fair artists, December 10 to 12 for Tinsel and Treasures, and April 15 to `7 for Spring Fling artists.
Handcrafters Unlimited Tinsel and Treasures Artists mainly include handcrafters specializing on woodworks, glass design, pottery and floral art. The Tinsel and Treasures artists’ directory for 2009 consists of more than 70 craftsmen. Some of them have websites where customers can view products. One handcrafter that stands out is the “Relax… with Flax,” maker of Herbal Aromatherapy Comfort Wraps. One customer commented on their website saying how Relax with Flax Finnigan dog helped him cope up with paraplegia/diplegia. There are favorable feedbacks from parents with autistic children. They say that the herbal pouch helps a lot in bringing children to sleep better.
The Spring Fling batch of handcrafters will hold their next show on April 15 to 17, 2011 at the Artisan Market. Handcrafters under this group include pottery artists, book writer, glass decor artists and more. One of the notable participants in this event is the Country Home Creation, a gourmet business owned by Shirley Kautman-Jones. The business features handmade dips, cheesecakes, beverages, and “smellables.” This Michigan based business has gone global since its modest beginning 30 years ago. Among of the products that receive outstanding feedbacks are the “Spinach Dip Mix,” “Dilly Dip Mix,” and, “Fruit Dip Mix.”
If you are looking for folk art, country decor, and antique decors, “Wren in the Willow” is one good choice. This store can be found at Goodrich Michigan. “Wren in the Willow” is also an active member of Handcrafters Unlimited. Annually, this craft store organizes number of marketing events to showcase their daily changing products. Take for example in April 24 – 25, 2010 they held a Spring Open House; in September 11 – 12, 2010 they held a Fall Open House; and, in November 6 – 7, 2010, they held a Christmas Open House. Events may be one of the things that keep this handcrafter store but with the myriad brands they carry like McCalls, Warm Glow, Kristin & Crossroad Candles, Thompson, C.R. Design Candle Sleeves, Olde Century Paints; you wouldn’t get bored grazing through their store.
So how handcrafters in Michigan take part in Handcrafters Unlimited Shows? Upcoming year’s shows are planned starting November. The application form is available at the office on Mid-November and the deadline of submission is every 15th of January. Like any other handcrafters organization, prospective participants are reviewed by the juries. Among of the criteria important for the juries are quality, uniqueness, authenticity, salability, and a lot more.
