Vendors get crafty at annual Spring Fling

COLUMBUS - People looking for unique items were able to find it at the annual Spring Fling Creative Crafters Craft Show.

The two-day event started Saturday and will continue today at the 30 Center Mall.

Sharon Pohlman, owner of Creative Crafters Promotion, the host business of the event, said the weather put a slight damper on the occasion. The snow-covered roads made it impossible for some vendors to make it. But the weather didn't effect the mother-daughter duo of Lynn and Corrin Davison of Central City from making it to Columbus.

The two had a booth set up containing several of their handmade items, like candles, stitched plastic, pins, key chains and plaques.

They travel to 10-12 craft shows each year across the state. They usually come to Columbus twice a year.

Lynn has been making crafts for about 30 years and Corrin got into it about eight years ago.

They said getting involved in the craft-making business is pretty easy, as long as you have the skills.

“You have to be able to spend the time and believe in yourself, too,” Lynn said.

Pohlman said there are a variety of items available at the show from handmade jewelry and clothes to specialty items like the Watkins products she sells.

This isn't the only craft show Pohlman puts on a year. She also does ones in November and December. Those typically attract more customers because people are looking for Christmas gifts.

The Spring Fling has vendors not only from Nebraska, but also from Colorado, Kansas and South Dakota. There are about 25 vendors there overall. They will continue to sell their products starting at 9 a.m. today.

Pohlman said in the 20 years she has been involved with craft shows, what she enjoys the most is getting to meet those who come out to them.

“I like to meet the people. The vendors are really nice, as long as they are selling well,” she said with a smile.

Even though there are new people who come to her shows each year, Pohlman said she has many return customers who are looking to buy items they are only able to get at the craft show.

What brings people out to craft shows is the opportunity to not only make a purchase, but see what others have done.

“You can look at the crafts and meet the crafters. Sometimes it gives people ideas of what to make themselves. And there are also some great gift ideas,” Pohlman said.