13-04-2025
Spring Craft & Gift Festival takes place at Bayfront Convention Center
Over 90 small businesses from the region have set up shop at the Bayfront Convention Center.
They're showing off their best handmade items for the Spring Craft & Gift Festival.
'Mother's Day is coming up, so you can find that great gift for mom, or if you're just ready to redecorate the house for spring, get ready for summertime, there's lots of great decor and other items here as well,' said Ed Snyder, general manager of the Bayfront Convention Center.
One thing that all these artists have in common is the dedication to their craft. Some take hours, days or even months to produce their merchandise.
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Not only is it important for the customer to be satisfied, but the artists want to be just as proud of the product.
This commitment is why Snyder said it's important to support small businesses.
'These vendors and artisans are from the region, so you're supporting local businesses, especially now with Amazon and so much stuff coming from all over the place, it's cool to support local folks,' said Snyder.
There's a wide variety of unique things to shop for and you might even find something with your name on it.'
'Each candle is handcrafted carefully, and I make sure it's good quality,' said Danielle Knight, owner of Handcraft Island. 'Like, coconut and soy and fragrance is phthalid free, so it's not like something that can interrupt your hormones.'
Knight has been making extraordinarily detailed candles, wax melts and room sprays since February of 2022.
She began her business when she noticed the joy a fresh lit candle would bring to a room.
Her candles range from sugar cookie and almond cupcake to fruity loopz and lavender dreamz. She's come up with every scent and name on her own.
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'I have people that keep it for a year, and they still walk past and smell it, or if you decide to light it right away, it makes the whole room smell good,' said Knight.
Knight also doubles as a stay-at-home mom. She said the aroma of her candles motivates her to clean her house.
'I know other women know this feeling when you're cleaning and you've got a candle; it's just relaxing,' said Knight. 'If you feel like you're defeated, just take a breather and get right back up; anything can be done. It takes time and dedication.'
The show continues on Sunday from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m.
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