Trevor Melody
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Artists from all over the San Luis Obispo area gathered in Templeton this past weekend for the annual Central Coast Handmade Market. More than 21 vendors from as far north as King City and as far south as Pismo made their way to show their unique handmade items.
Sisters Karin Smith and Jamie Cheney are the pioneers of the annual event. They created it in hopes of highlighting Central Coast artists who specialize in handmade items and décor.
The craft market had everything from homemade jams and handmade jewelry to cloth baby diapers and Christmas decorations.
Vendors enjoy coming out to the show to sell their products, meet customers and network with other vendors. Jasmine Dexter, co-owner and designer at Koco and Viking, appreciates that other vendors support each other.
“Everyone’s just always enthusiastic, and that’s always contagious,” Dexter said. “It’s just really great to meet other makers for more marketing ideas and collaborations.”
Mary Beth Wagner, the owner and designer of The Little Bee Co., enjoys meeting with customers at the fair because it allows her to show them what her business is all about with them.
“(The customers) have been positive and encouraging,” Wagner said. “Even if they don’t have a need for it, they’re taking cards and passing them to friends. It really feels like a network and there’s a really good community support vibe.”
Craft fair patron Candy Millett enjoys going to small fairs because they give her a chance to stumble upon ornate crafts.
“It’s nice when you can come across these that are local and the vendors make their own crafts,” Millet said, “since I do the same thing and do craft shows, too.”
Even those who do not live in Templeton, such as Gale Dyer, enjoy coming to the market because of the great community spirit.
“I think this is a great thing for the community and for the town,” Dyer said. “This is why I love Templeton — it’s just so friendly.”