Patronizing the Arts
Ponderings of a Stay-at-Home Woodworker. News and views from the DustyNewt Workshop 05/29/2026
Today’s “17 Step Commute” Dashboard…
Temp: Currently 84 degrees. High of 90 today 😎
Humidity: 4 on the “Soup” scale. (1=light broth, 5=thick chowder).
Today’s Playlist: Jimmy Buffet shuffle.
Conditions: Sunshine/Rain is 50/50 from now until October 😎
Estimated Travel Time: 17 seconds
Food: Ham sandwich and chips for blunch. Leftover something-or-other tonight.
Coffee Level: 1/4 Tank
Patronizing the Arts
Once upon a time, before the internet, there were arts & crafts shows. They were joyous occasions where discovery was the word of the day. Artisans and makers got together for a few days of socializing, camaraderie and perhaps a little mayhem.
Some of these artists and creators logged thousands of miles, showing their stuff professionally from show to show. They did not see home for six months (or more) per stretch. They were entirely confident and dependent on the sale of their work to ride a success roller-coaster from town to town, balancing feast with famine. Regular expenses included; a place to stay, restaurant meals, vendor fees, fuel and vehicle maintenance. Mail was slow at catching up. Email and cell phones with the internet were non-existent, so a handy supply of quarters were kept on hand for payphones. Between shows, they caravanned together, watching each other’s backs.
Other artisans were more local. They only did four or five shows a year within an hour’s drive from their homes. They rub elbows with peers after months of solitary studio time, catching up on new trends, materials and methods of survival. Generally, these were makers with other sources of income. Sales were not as important to them as the connections and friendships that they made. An invitation to the travelling artist of a spare room or supper at their homes was common.
And then you had newbies. Local folks that may have had some flea-market experience were stepping up their game into the craft show world, with courage and pride. They set up card tables to display their products for the first time. Ages ranged from teenagers trying to earn enough for a bandsaw to further their craft, to dad and his whirlygigs or grandma showing off the excellent quiltwork she’s secretly been doing for years. Learning by doing, they brought rebirth and inspiration to the entire artisanal community. Talent and originality quickly overcomes a first-timer’s meager display. Finding new-to-you artists and makers is exciting.
At whatever level you were at, you always found people willing to help you and ways for you to contribute to your common goals of self-resilience. While competition could be a bit testy for some, it was for the most part friendly, as everyone had a uniqueness of handwork.
Drawing a Crowd at a Live Venue
It must be stressed that artists and makers who demonstrate their work while in their kiosk draw larger crowds, interest in what they are doing and sales by at least 2 to 1. Activity and making noise draws attention. Save some process of your work to do while you are in your booth. Leatherworkers that bang out names on belts always outsold the premade stocks that were displayed. Julie regularly had 15 to 20 onlookers asking questions while she carved her candles. She kept a squirt bottle of water handy for stupider questioners. I set up my saw, sander and vacuum to make my woodstuffs as needed. Although I kept about 1,200 different, ready-made wood name keychains on my racks, 80-90% of my sales were custom ordered and made on the spot while they watched and/or shopped for other names. People love to see handwork and art being made.
Oooh… Ahhh…
If we truly love their work and want to encourage them in the business. Here are some happy-making ideas on becoming a patron of artisans, whether “in person” or online.
Put your wallet where your compliments are. Even small purchases bolster the maker’s ego and encourage them to do more.
Don’t haggle over prices. They aren’t flea marketeers or antique dealers. If you want to get a quote on 30 pieces, GREAT! But, their “best price” is likely the amount currently on the sign, listing or label. New makers agonize constantly over what their works are worth according to time, materials and demand. Don’t be a “striped-whistler”.
Even if you can’t buy from them now, you can get their business card or look them up online. Bookmark them. Add them to your Pinterest. Follow and share their Facebook page on your socials. Every step of virality is helpful to a struggling artist or craftsman.
Communicate with them (however is most convenient for you). All of us need kind words and ideas to grow. Your message may be just what they needed that day.
Subscribe and comment on their blog or newsletter to watch their progress, get previews of new activities and interact with them. The algorithms that boost a post (blog or product) focus on interactions with readers and shoppers.
If you are family or close friends of the maker and want to help them, find their listings on whatever venue they sell on and purchase full retail. This raises their visibility on the venue and allows for a great review that others will see. It makes things easier for the artisan. Order details, payment, taxes, bookkeeping and shipping are usually a breeze for them when it goes through whichever platform they use. Contacting them directly through email or stopping by their home is fine if you need a quote on a bunch of stuff, but for one or a few items the crafter is likely to feel they have to give a deep, “family and friends” price. Ironically, this usually results in them undercutting themselves and actually doing damage to their business.
Order early. Handmade takes time. A production period of two or three days during most of the year may turn into two weeks or more during holiday gifting season.
Even if what they do is not your particular groove. You can still reward their initiative by being kind and supportive. I haven’t collected baseball cards in over 35 years, but I enjoy the banter and memories shared on my brother Dave’s “Happy Hobby” Substack.
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I currently sell my work on Etsy And now on Amazon Handmade. Beware of spoof sites, using my photos and descriptions. You will be disappointed ordering from them.
DustyNewt World ~ A map of where I have shipped my woodstuffs. See if your town is represented.
If you are enjoying what you see… I like it hot and black. 😉
