Black Friday alert: Crafty ways to shop
Painted glass ornaments by Christina's World at the Deepwells Holiday Festival. Credit: Deepwells Holiday Boutique
You know the scene: Hordes of people grabbing as much 40 percent-off merchandise as possible. Toes will get stepped on. Children will pout. Parents will shout.
Ah, yes, Black Friday fervor is bound to continue for weeks.
If you crave the in-person buying experience but want to avoid the swinging elbows, try browsing at local art and craft shows for holiday gifts.
"Black Friday people are looking for clothing bargains and hustle and bustle," says Bobbie Janowitz, who coordinates the Art League of Long Island Holiday Fine Art and Craft Fair in Dix Hills. "This is a more relaxed atmosphere . . . it's a nice place to walk around and meet talented people showing their handcrafted merchandise."
If it's all about atmosphere, shoppers can look forward to live demonstrations and instrumental music at the league's fair next weekend.
Getting in the holiday spirit may also be easy at the Deepwells Holiday Festival, held at the Deepwells Farm historical home in St. James. Complimentary cocoa, coffee and cookies will be available in the butler pantry of the 1845 Greek Revival-style mansion, which will be decorated for the occasion, says Rachel Frislid, owner of Preferred Promotions Ltd., which is putting on the festival.
Most shows offer unique, handmade gifts you won't find elsewhere, show organizers say.
"What they'll find . . . are items that are not available in the stores and malls. And they will be at recognizable savings and recognizable quality," says Alan Finchley, owner of Nassau County Craft & Gift Shows, which has an upcoming show at Hofstra University's Student Center in Hempstead.
And shoppers support local artists by buying at fairs - a gift that keeps on giving, Frislid says. "In this economy, oh my gosh, help our artists!"
Holiday Craft & Gift Show
Presented by Nassau County Craft & Gift Shows
WHEN | WHERE 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Saturday-Sunday and Dec. 5, Hofstra University Student Center (North Campus), 1000 Fulton Ave., Hempstead
INFO 516-442-6000, nassaucountycraftshows.com
ADMISSION Free
ITEMS FOR SALE Handmade soaps, jewelry, Swarovski crystal encrusted figurines, leather work, floral arrangements, scarves, hats, pocketbooks, clothing and accessories
PRICES $5 to $100 and up
Harvest Art & Craft Festival
Presented by Preferred Promotions, Ltd.
WHEN | WHERE 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, St. Paul's Field House, 295 Stewart Ave, Garden City
INFO 631-563-8551, preferredpromotions.com
ADMISSION $5 (free ages 12 and younger)
ITEMS FOR SALE Handmade jewelry, organic beauty products, wood carvings, handmade leather pocketbooks, stained glass, painted ornaments, gourmet foods, pottery, metal sculpture, batik
PRICES $15 to $500 and up
Holiday Fine Art and Craft Fair
Presented by Art League of Long Island
WHEN | WHERE 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 4-5; Art League of Long Island, 107 E. Deer Park Rd., Dix Hills
INFO 631-462-5400 ext. 227, artleagueli.org
ITEMS FOR SALE Photography, jewelry, fiber, wood, paintings, tie-dye clothing, art lamps, fine art wear, watercolor, ceramics
PRICES $30 to "thousands"
ADMISSION Free
Deepwells Holiday Festival
Presented by Preferred Promotions Ltd.
WHEN | WHERE 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 4-5 and Dec. 11-12, Deepwells Farm Historical House, 516 Moriches Rd., St. James
INFO 631-563-8551, preferredpromotions.com
ADMISSION $5 (free ages 12 and younger)
ITEMS FOR SALE Oil paintings, jewelry, handmade dolls, florals, soy candles, ornaments, painted glassware, crochet and knitted clothing
PRICES $15 to $200
Great Neck Holiday Festival
Presented by Showtiques Crafts Inc.
WHEN | WHERE 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 4-5, Great Neck Community Center, 80 Grace Ave., Great Neck
INFO 631-724-5966, showtiques.com
ADMISSION Free
ITEMS FOR SALE Jewelry, painted glass, handcrafted ornaments, male and female sweaters, carved wood, wire sculpture, handmade cards, photographs and frames
PRICES $5 to $500 and up
