Today, after a sobering trip to the doctor, I headed to a craft bazaar in Sunway. I have never been to one and was excited at the goodies I may find. Also, I expected hefty bargains because the bazaar featured fellow crafters selling as individuals and not large retail stores. Such sellers had fewer overheads and thus, passed the savings on to the buyer.
Firstly, I must point out how impressed I was by the turnout. The bazaar was tiny with very few sellers but even at opening, the room was already filling out with customers. It was heartwarming for a crafter to see how the hobby has taken off.
As a proper review, let me give you a rundown on different areas.
Variety of stalls
Mind you, the space available was very small. Approximately 15 stalls selling sewing craft items, miscellaneous bits n bobs, charms and jewellery findings and one large stall for papercrafting items.
There's no surprise in where I was first!
Washi tape was definitely a hit with 3 out of the 15 selling quite a variety. Prices varied greatly but the fun part was that the assortment rarely overlapped. Washi is made in such an abundance of designs that it was perfectly possible for variants to rarely overlap!
Many sold rubber stamps, stickers and postcards but were mainly cheaper China made stock and were not acid free.
Prices
Here's where I found myself disappointed. I cannot pass much judgement on the sewing or jewellery making items because it isn't my forte but I can attest for the prices of the papercrafting products. Memory box, spellbinders and dienamics dies were being sold at quite frankly, rather high prices much akin to that shall not be named craft store in Tropicana that I avoid.
I found this disappointing. The selection available was good and vast but rm80 for one patterned die seemed quite ludicrous. I only bought one and quickly came home and checked Joanna Sheen's online store. Although the die I bought was not available, similar sized dies sold for 10 quid - rm50. Joanna Sheen was already making store profit, this lady was adding another rm30 to that profit (I'm assuming she is getting her stock from a supplier and not buying off a store herself and selling secondary market).
She also sold 12x12 paper packs divided in 2 for rm60. So if you want a full set it's rm120. Spellbinders dies at rm130-rm145. Magnolia stamps at rm69.90 each. Again, all the same price as Tropicana.
Papier sells spellbinders dies at rm120 plus you get a 10% member discount. Shocking!
Sad. She had a lovely variety of dies but much too expensive for a private seller. Tropicana store has rental and salaries to pay so you can justify such prices. Sorry sweetie, an avid crafter just gave you a thumbs down. Booo!
Washi tape sellers were a little more generous with their discounts. Rolls were sold at rm9 ar Hearts & Craft's stall and rm25 for 3 at Maeday's (regular stores sell these 3 for rm40 or 1 for rm16 so it was quite the bargain). There was another stall but I only bought the large washi from her at rm15 (regular stores sell these for rm20-29).
Location
As a Subang-ite, the place was easy enough to find for me but I can see how an unfamiliar could get lost. You would also have to heavily rely on advertising prior because the 3rd floor shop is unlikely to be found by passersby so walk-ins will be few if any.
The shop was small but cosy. Sellers were warm and friendly. I love that abt crafters. Everyone treats each other as friends immediately. It's the hobby that brings you together.
I only took a few pictures but here's some eyecandy of the stalls.
And of course, my haul for the day. RM250+ spent on washi tape, patterned paper, 1 die, postcard pack, key charms and stickers.
