Virtual Craft Fair Organized By Local Small Business Group

EAST WINDSOR, CT — As is the case with most businesses large and small, the effects of the coronavirus pandemic have been particularly devastating to local artisans and small shop owners, who obtain most of their sales through attending craft fairs and shows. The majority of those events have been canceled this year, putting even more financial strain on struggling vendors.

Erica Giroux of East Windsor is owner of the Playful Peacock, comprised of a handmade jewelry line and the Bee Happy Candles line of Beeswax goodies. After being one of the many artisans to take a huge hit following show cancellations, she decided to try organizing an online marketplace where dozens of similar vendors could be found in a single spot.

Giroux created a Facebook page called Handmade From the Heart - New England, and organized a virtual craft fair in the spring, which generated considerable success.

"We wanted to create a space where vendors and shoppers could interact from the safety of their own homes," she said. "In May, I asked a few friends who owned small businesses if they would have any interest in working together to try to put on a virtual craft fair. None of us knew if the idea was even plausible. The small idea grew and grew, and we ended up with over 30 businesses reaching out and 800 people on our page."

With just over a thousand members now having joined the page, Giroux and company are preparing for their next big online event this Saturday. The Fall Virtual Makers Market, operating from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., will showcase about 30 crafters, artisans and direct sales reps, offering everything from jewelry to wreaths to fudge. Each business will be posting links to sales and specials.

"We are using our page as a hub to direct shoppers to each business," Giroux said. "From there each business will have instructions on how to buy their products online."

Among the participants will be:

• The Playful Peacock - sterling jewelry, art, boutique items

• Giroux Woodworking - custom wood decor

• Chalkin With Beth - chalk couture

• Kelly's Kandles - soy candles

• @fairycraftymommy - baby and kids plus holiday items

• @thefreshchick - homemade sugar scrubs, goats milk soap, chap stick, bath bombs, dog treats

• Pallett Grannie - reclaimed wood signs and crafts

• erin_mother_hustler - epoxy sealed tumblers

• Taking Flight - Cheryl Woodmansee, wine guide with Traveling Vineyard

• Jennifer East Art - cozy pastel paintings

• Lenore Kalotai Photography - CT landmark landscape and lighthouse photography

• Lana - Life Expressions Decor - home decor craft projects

• Renee Pinto Color Street - nail art designs and colors

• KT Designs - unique bows and accessories

• Helen Belkin - Pink Daffodil Jewelry - jewelry artisan mixing vintage and new beads

• Artwork by Emily Schanowski - art prints, stickers, buttons, magnets and pins

• Lisadoordecor - wreaths

• Keenan Shamrocks and Shenanigans - handmade keychains and lip balm holders

• Busy Bee Sustainable Kitchen Wares - reusable kitchen wares

• Little Red Pennies Jewelry - unique handcrafted beaded jewelry

• Author Allia Zobel Nolan - author of over 150 books

• Kettlepot Soap - artisan soaps, lip balms, lotions, sugar scrubs, perfumed oils and more

• Handmade Papercrafts by Laura - unique stationery

• Naked Essentials - whipped body creams and butters, lip balms, body scrubs, Mosaic tile washroom accessories

• Lulus Candle Shades - painted glasses and assorted crafts

• Serge's Wood Turnings - hand turned beautiful wooden items

• @sandraspaintedglassware - painted glassware

• Savannah Danielle - Paparazzi - lead and nickel-free jewelry

• Kim Thompson- Fudgelicious - fudge

Anyone with questions may contact Giroux at ealbs21@gmail.com.

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This article originally appeared on the Windsor Locks-East Windsor Patch