Delaware Tech hosts craft fair event
Delaware Technical Community College, Owens Campus hosted the 32nd Annual Craft Fair on Nov. 14 in the Arts and Sciences Center and Student Services Center.
Kristen Bacon, event coordinator, said the turnout for the event was good that day.
“I think it’s a result of combining the annual village shops and the annual craft fair this year.”
Bacon said there was easily upwards of 300 people on campus for the craft fair and village shops this year. The village shops are set up by local established businesses, and were set up in the Student Services Center. The craft fair consisted of more homemade style items, and was set up in the Arts and Science Center.
“This has definitely been one of the more successful years,” she said.
In terms of signing up to be a vendor at the craft fair, Bacon said it’s a fairly simple process.
“They can just reach out to us and fill out the vendor agreement form and that’s really all it takes,” said Bacon.
“Luckily, we end up with a good mix of retail business.”
Businesses that set up at the craft fair ranged from providing jam and jellies to scarves and homemade jewelry.
Bacon said people should come out and support events like this.
“It’s all local Sussex County businesses, and I think people should support local businesses,” she said. “It’s also a good way to get started on your holiday shopping.”
Al Bradley, an electrified wine and liquor bottle crafter, has been a vendor for four seasons at the Delaware Tech craft fair.
Bradley’s display of electrified bottles takes approximately two hours to set up. “It’s a process that takes a lot of dedication,” he said.
“I would say that crafters don’t do it for the money, but because it’s either just something to do, they enjoy doing it, or a combination of both,” Bradley said.
“My favorite part of the craft fair is talking with people, and getting a smile,” he said. “The whole idea is to be with people.”
Amber Davis, known by her artist name as “Amber Starr,” said this was her first time at the Delaware Tech Craft Fair, but she has been selling her paintings at shows for two years.
“Art is my passion,” Davis said. “I really like when I see that someone is excited about my work, or if something I’ve created makes them happy,” she said.
Portions of the cost of Davis’ paintings go towards nonprofit organizations in the Delaware area.
“With every portrait that I get commission to do, I’ll donate five dollars to the SPCA if it’s a dog, and five dollars to Bethany Town Cats if it’s a cat,” Davis said. “I really want to help and make a difference.”
Al Bradley’s electrified wine and liquor bottles can be found at www.facebook.com/BackBayBottles, and Amber “Starr” Davis’ paintings can be found at www.facebook.com/NaviiDesigns.
For more information on how to apply for the craft fair, visit Delaware Tech’s “News and Events” page for further details.
Sports team themed bottles are some of Bradley's best sellers and make great gifts for the holidays. Submitted photo
Amber Davis hard at work painting an American flag on a client's chicken coop. Submitted photo
Back Bay Bottles owner Al Bradley converses with his customers. Submitted photo