Craft Your Heart Out: Michigan's Ultimate Artisan Fair

Handcrafters Spring Fling Art & Handcrafted Market, Northville, MI

Those in Northville around April will get a look at a long-running craft event. The Handcrafters Spring Fling Art & Handcrafted Market has been running for over four decades now, and at last report featured juried artists from all around the United States showing off the best in handmade craft work.

Fiber Expo, Ann Arbor, MI

At a craft fair in Ann Arbor, the Fiber Expo brings together different exhibitors to showcase the latest advances in fiber. All kinds of fiber will be on hand, from plant fibers like cotton and linen to animal fibers like wool and alpaca. Visitors will not only be able to see examples of the animals and plants that generate this fiber but also examples of the end results of running that fiber through various processes.

Winter Wonderland Westland, Westland, MI

With over 100 crafters, Winter Wonderland Westland is easily one of the biggest shows the state has to offer. Crafters are actually selected by jury process, so expect to see some of the best around as judged by a jury of their peers. Best of all, it runs in early December, so those who would like to take a stab at finding a truly unique Christmas present can stop in right here.

Saline Craft Show, Saline, MI

Saline will offer two examples of this craft show, one in March that's the Spring Craft Show, and one in November, which is named for the month. The Saline show is said to be one of the best in Michigan, and not only features over 250 separate craft booths, but also boasts a bake sale, a silent auction, and more, ensuring that there's something here for just about anybody. It's a great show to support not only for the crafts, but also for the fact that many of the exhibitors are young folks who are offering up crafts as an early business venture.

Arts in Ada, Ada, MI

Every year, the Ada Arts Council in Ada puts on a grand exhibition of crafts and arts for visitors to check out. It's not just a craft show but a complete art show, featuring visual artists, musicians, photographers, and a host of others, all in the historic Bronson Street area. Throw in food and a set of kid-friendly activities, and this could be an all-day stay, even for a family visit.

International Glass Exhibition, Royal Oak, MI

Every year, Royal Oak plays host to the International Glass Exhibition at the Habatat Galleries, and it's an event that's been going on for over five decades. The International Glass Exhibition focuses on glass, as the name suggests, and draws in artists from all over the world, also as the name suggests. It's said to be the largest such event around, so for those who want to check out what's going on in glass, it's a great opportunity coming up.

MSU Arts and Crafts Holiday Show, East Lansing, MI

If you’ve already finished exploring the Westland show, consider following it up with the MSU Arts and Crafts Holiday Show in East Lansing. No matter what it is you've got in mind, chances are it will be somewhere in here. With furniture, candles, aromatherapy items and more on hand, you'll find your handicraft of choice right here. Throw in free admission and that makes for a show worth stopping in and at least having a look around.

Pentwater Juried Arts and Craft Fair, Pentwater, MI

Pentwater hosts its annual Juried Arts and Crafts Fair, boasting some of the finest crafts in the area. It's widely regarded as one of the best events Pentwater hosts, and features a variety of exhibitors all within a pleasant small town setting.

Detroit Urban Craft Fair, Detroit, MI

Home to independent crafters, the Detroit Urban Craft Fair may not be anything you expect, but for crafters, there will be no shortage of exciting things to see here. Home to a constantly shifting slate of attendees, with new exhibitors intermingling freely with old favorites in almost every field from textiles to pottery and beyond. If it can be made by hand, it probably will be at the Detroit Urban Craft Fair!

Elf Shelf, Troy, MI

Elf Shelf, an annual craft show in Troy, is the Troy Women's Association's primary fundraising activity. Featuring a variety of crafts ranging from toys to jewelry and beyond, the event allows patrons to not only check out a wide array of handicrafts, but also do some good in the process by contributing to an organization that in turn supports local youth and scholarship efforts. Since it's on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, shoppers can skip the Black Friday mayhem and instead check out something a little more positive.

Key Insights at a Glance

• Handicrafts are a great way to pass time and create beautiful and useful objects.
• Michigan craft fairs are a great way to connect with a community of artists and explore handmade crafts.
• Events like the Handcrafters Spring Fling Art & Handcrafted Market in Northville showcase the best in handmade crafts.
• The Fiber Expo in Ann Arbor highlights different types of fiber and the processes involved in creating crafts.
• Winter Wonderland Westland features over 100 crafters and is a great place to find unique Christmas gifts.
• The Saline Craft Show in Saline is one of the best in Michigan, featuring over 250 craft booths and supporting young entrepreneurs.
• Arts in Ada in Ada offers a complete art show with visual artists, musicians, and more, in a family-friendly setting.
• The International Glass Exhibition in Royal Oak is the largest event of its kind, showcasing glass artists from around the world.
• The MSU Arts and Crafts Holiday Show in East Lansing features a wide variety of crafts, including furniture, candles, and aromatherapy items.
• The Pentwater Juried Arts and Craft Fair in Pentwater features some of the finest crafts in the area in a small town setting.
• The Detroit Urban Craft Fair in Detroit features a variety of handmade crafts from independent crafters in different fields.
• Elf Shelf in Troy is a fundraising craft show by the Troy Women's Association, supporting local youth and scholarship efforts.