The Craft Craze & Student Market held its first Craft Fest on Nov. 8 from 6 – 8 p.m. and on Nov. 9 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. The event was held in the ABC Room of the Hoag Student Center on the University of North Georgia’s Dahlonega Campus.

In an effort to support student entrepreneurship, Craft Fest aimed to give student artists a platform to promote their work and grow their small businesses. Many students and faculty stopped by to peruse and purchase unique items.

During the market, patrons had the opportunity to speak with artists one on one, creating a meaningful interaction that allowed discussion on the creativity and artistic process behind each unique craft.

The items for sale reflected the diversity of student talent through handmade crafts and creations. Shoppers had the opportunity to buy various items from over a dozen vendors, such as pottery, crocheted animals, keychains and more.

For participating artists, Craft Fest provided more than just an opportunity to make sales.

Sophia Huck, junior psychology major and Craft Fest admin, had a table selling air dried clay, “Desk Buddies” and trays. Huck started her craft only three months ago and found a passion for it.

“I really enjoyed using air dried clay as a hobby, so I decided to start selling them as a way to share my creations with others and make a little money too,” said Huck.

Huck also expressed the sense of community that she found through the group.

“I enjoy the encouragement of the other girls in the club,” said Huck. “It’s open to guys too, but right now it’s been only girls who’ve signed up.”

“A lot of times we’ll send our artwork in the group chats and we’ve been super encouraging towards each other. The community and people in the club are so encouraging.” – Sophia Huck, UNG junior psychology major and Craft Fest admin

Another artist, Sara Blair, senior and visual arts major, had a table selling pottery. Her art included various ceramic creations like mugs, cups and a few small animals.

Blair shared the glazing process for some of her work. “Well, for a lot of them there are big buckets of glaze that you can dip them in,” she said. “So, [for] that purple one, I dipped it in a certain glaze and then I dipped halfway in another glaze so it drips down.”

Craft Fest is one of the few pop-up student markets that have been planned to be held in the upcoming months, which have yet to be announced.