Jackie Jahfetson/For the Gazette Hand crafted jewelry such as these braided bracelets were spotted from different sellers.

From homemade jams to Pampered Chef tupperware, a variety of 50 vendors showcased their merchandise in the first Spring Craft Show this past Saturday at the Copper Country Mall.

Hosted by the Daily Mining Gazette, the craft show attracted many vendors from Mary Kay, 31 Backpacks and Dawn’s Designs along with various homemade crafters from the Upper Peninsula.

Though attendance was low, vendors like Teresa Palosaari of Chassell found the event rewarding. Palosaari’s merchandise included homemade banana bread, jams, nisu and prune tarts and other household items. Bakery proved to be the biggest take-home for consumers, Palosaari said.

With over 16 years in experience, Palosaari said she enjoys doing these events because it provides a “social outlet.”

“I’m not one bit sorry that I went,” Palosaari said. “People get to see what’s up and about. You get to see people you haven’t seen in a while and catch up with them.”

For Sherri Wiitanen, the craft show was a way to showcase her homemade decorations of driftwood art, bird houses and rock flowers she made with her husband, Mark, and her granddaughters. Though it was their first craft show, Wiitanen said this is something they want to pursue again, adding, the diverse selection of merchandise and the ideas people came up with were enjoyable to see.

“I like crafts that are made from nothing,” Wiitanen said. “That’s what I call crafts. It’s more personal.”

Many vendors such as Mark Jasper from Carney, Michigan, and owner of Poppy’s Homemade Products, said Saturday didn’t have the best turnout for attendance but still found success in his produce of honey, maple syrup and salsas.

When other vendors sold a similar collection of items, it was beneficial having something different to sell such as his stock of honey which is always a “good seller,” Jasper said.

Though competition varies from vendor to vendor, the best part of these events are the people that come out, he added.

“I like to figure out what people like and don’t like and offer them a fair price,” Jasper said. “I like talking to people because everybody has a story, [and] it’s nice to see the mall utilized.”