My girlfriend and I had every intention to merely shop with our eyes. We certainly didn’t intend to buy anything this year.
My daughter knew better; her text said it all.
“Ha ha. Good luck with that.”
On Thursday Lynda and I hit the opening day of the 40th annual Vancouver’s Circle Craft Christmas Market located at the scenic oceanside Vancouver Convention Centre West. Our intent was to browse “for an hour or two.”
We stayed … and shopped … for six.
How could we not? As always, there was just so much to see, taste, touch and enjoy. The brochure put it best. With over 300 Canadian artisans offering gems created “from all disciplines, including pottery, wood, glass metal, fibre, fashion, jewellery, and more, there will be much to explore.”
There was. However, I hasten to assure potentially concerned family members that we didn’t go crazy with our shopping. Not like that first year together in 2003. Lynda and I so “enjoyed” the items on offer, we had to pull her car up to the loading bay.
I’ve been a fan of the market for at least 25 years. What draws me back year after year? The quality and originality of the items for sale and the fact that I can talk directly with the Canadian artists who make these delights and man their own booths. Most are more than willing to discuss their creations. Some point out curious items, several explain how they were made, while others express genuine surprise and delight that their pieces are valued. It’s such a personal shopping experience.
Over the years, my purchasing habits have certainly changed. Initially, I searched for items for me and my friends. Then with marriage and kids, I sourced unique clothing for my husband and toys, clothes and treats for our children. While I can’t remember everything I’ve ever bought, there are a few I’ll never forget. One would have to be that wooden “ping pong ball shooter” destined for my son. Silly me. He tormented his poor sister relentlessly until the day it “mysteriously” vanished. A wiser and more peaceful gift was always found at the food booths. I’ll never forget those perfect stocking stuffers of the delicious Tickleberries chocolate covered fruit.
I now tend to give the children’s booths a wide berth and head for ones more suitable for young adults of 18 and 19. On the off-chance that my children actually stumble across this post, I’m forced to remain mute with regards to the potential candidates on offer.
I can reveal that the Circle Craft Christmas Market is about so much more than shopping for Lynda and me. We go to be enriched, to learn what others throughout Canada are creating, to expand our horizons. There is simply a wealth of artistic talent on display.
I offer up but a mere fingernail of the items at this year’s five-day market.
Check out this ceramics booth. I love the soft pastel colours and the twisted shapes of the mugs and the vases.
One booth was devoted to glass window hangings. I particularly loved this one. Look at the laundry blowing in the wind and the brilliant details of the house. The frame itself is a work of art.
This booth sold cheeky metal signs. Anyone for a “wine-a-licious?”
This booth certainly caught my eye. Giant “dream catchers” floated whimsically. Can you sport the polar bear, eagle and fish? Magical.
Honestly , you can find something for everyone here. From coats for dogs, to exotic Indian spices and kitchen utensils for the foodies, to one of a kind sweaters for uncles and even cranberry Christmas puddings for desserts on Christmas day.
How silly of us to forget.
Vancouver readers – this is the last day of the market. It is open until 5:00 PM. I urge you to pop in “for an hour or two.” You won’t be disappointed.
As for the rest of you, is there a similar market that you visit every year? Or are you a clever shopper who only shops with your eyes?
15 Responses
Oh I could spend hours and plenty of money at these places. In fact a friend and I used to exhibit at fairs and spend all our profits and more on the other stalls.. returning home with way more than we set out with in the morning. I once had to phone my husband to bring his car along because we couldn’t fit everything in mine! Anyway, it’s good to support crafts people and buy unusual and unique gifts. Our Christmas market starts later this week and I’m planning on getting in a couple of visits before Christmas – I just love the atmosphere of these places.
Me too Helen! I completely understand how you’d spend your profits on other people’s stalls. SO true. Lovely to meet another craft fir fan. What did you sell>
I love handcraft shows like this. Yes, they can be overwhelming but I love to see the talent on display. My sister-in-law and I used to go to a giant show like this in Chicago when we both lived there. It was always a totally exhausting day of fun!
Oh boy – I’d love to see the Chicago one. That’d be fun. They are exhausting and exhilarating at the same time, no?
Wonderful post Kelly ! I just returned from 4 hours ( would have been longer, but it closed at 5 ) at Circle Craft with my daughter. I am in absolute awe at the talented artisans we have in this country. We came away with some treasures, and a wonderful appreciation for the many hours of hard work and imagination that have gone in to all of these creations !
Beautifully put Jane. They are indeed talented. So glad you also go a chance to visit.
We have a Christmas craft fair here every year that I LOVE. I get my comfy walking shoes, some tote bags, and get to shopping. You can always find the most unique and perfect gifts there. I can find things for at least half the people on my list. It’s a given. I am always exhausted by the end, but I can’t leave until we’ve made our way around every corner. You never know what awaits you around the bend, and I wouldn’t want to miss it!! I’ve never taken my daughter yet, but I’m thinking this year (or next) will be her first time. I know she’ll love it! –Lisa
Exactly – you have to visit every booth. My mom was shocked to read we spent 6 hours there on Thursday but for us the time sped by in a blink. I always plan on taking tote bags and never, ever remember. Hopefully next year. At your craft fair can you get a two day pass? If so, maybe you could buy it and take your daughter once and return on the second day by yourself? I used to do that. It worked because I didn’t feel like a bad mommy hustling my guys away from the finger puppet man in order to drool over at the jewellery gals.
What treasures you found on your day out! I love the pictures 🙂
Oh but you should see what I didn’t photograph. In all honesty, I felt a bit odd snapping pictures. Kind of along the lines of “I’m stealing your ideas…” etc. So I announced each time in a loud voice as I took a pic “I just know she’ll love it. Must forward her a pic so she can see for herself that she needs to buy it.”
That is too funny!!
Oh how fun! Those kind of artisan shows delight me to no end – it’s like being in a giant treasure chest. Love the photo peeks – I would have had a hard time leaving that ceramics booth empty-handed.
Hmm. I read this post a few days ago but never realized that I hadn’t commented. Sorry about that! I have three sisters and we are meeting up in Chicago in a few weeks for a sister vacation with our daughters. One of our shared loves is craft fairs so this post was fun to read and remind me of what is coming! We will be visiting a craft fair while we are in Chicago. Super fun. I think I know the exact place where you were for this fair. Was it the big plaza right next to the conference center? I walked through there! I wish the craft fair would’ve been going on while I was there!
You are so very blessed to be meeting up with the sisters and daughters. How fun! I’ve heard about one Christmas craft fair in Chicago – folks tell me it is amazing. Wonder if that’s the one you’re going to? The Circle Craft fair here is in the conference center. Are you thinking of the outdoor plaza where the 2010 Winter Olympic torch is? I wish they had it there – that would be fun. However, I think with all the rain we get here, the organizers prefer for it to be inside.
For the last few years, a German Christmas Market has been set up outside a few miles away. It is fantastic.