Kitsch printed fabric guitar straps by HouseOfWonderland
In an ideal world, half the products available to buy at Brighton Craftaganza craft and handmade markets would be designed for men, or have unisex appeal. It’s no secret that craft fairs and handmade markets are female product-dominated places. I’d love that to be different. For ‘handmade’ to really offer a viable alternative to ‘mass-produced’, products for guys is really an area that needs some attention.
Awesome silver tree ring made by Beth Millner
I spend a lot of time checking out designer-makers and hunting down potential sellers for future Brighton Craftaganza markets. But the comparative lack of locally handmade (or even UK handmade) mens or unisex ranges who’s makers sell in craft market situations makes my dream of a 50/50 ratio of mens to womens stalls unlikely for the foreseeable future.
Cartoon fabric padded iPad case by PinkOasis
That’s is not to say that there hasn’t been stalls catering largely or in part for men at Brighton Craftaganza in the past; there has been some fantastic stalls of this kind. I really hope that mens product sellers continue to apply to sell at Brighton Craftaganza, but I have to say, they are thin on the ground.
Green merino wool crochet tie by KoutureCrochet
Even at the awesome Renegade Craft Fair last weekend, guy-orientated products were scarce. Aside from some fantastic prints, the only items on sale you would be likely to buy for a man were these amazingly clever puzzles or these stunning leather shoes, and both these stall’s products are made in the US, so unlikely to be lure-able to Brighton for our Christmas Brighton Craftaganza!
Handknitted fleece-lined beanie hat by BulcherM
So I started to think about what I would like to see on sale for guys at Brighton Craftaganza! This is my wish-list, if you will, of male-orientated product ranges that would be perfect for the Christmas market season. All of these products are available via Etsy, just click on each link to take you to the product page.
Knitted stripy wool mittens by RainbowMittens
Really agree with this! So many times I have gone to craft fairs looking for presents for my husband/ Dad/ brother in law and come back empty handed. It would be great to have a better selection!
I am always on the lookout for stuff for my husband at craft fairs, but I agree that it can be hard to find things that are aimed at men. He loves owls, and there is soo much stuff for women with owls on, but they rarely seem to come in masculine colours, or on products aimed at men. I am determined to find him something at this Xmas Craftaganza!
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