The promoters anticipated a bigger crowd than the estimated 15,000 individuals who attended final 12 months’s three-day occasion — the primary after the COVID-19 pandemic — and humanities vendor Mark Adams was more than happy to see Saturday’s full home.

“The crowds have been nice, as you possibly can see,” mentioned Adams, a Hanover County artist who was promoting “Outdated South Artwork” on the occasion for the fifth 12 months — minus the pandemic, in fact. “That is the most important present that I do annually. That is all the time well-attended, well-promoted, [and] folks spend cash right here. I do know a number of of the distributors right here, they usually’ll inform you a similar factor.”

Adams’ artwork relies on Virginia themes, so it appeals to state and native residents.

“A few of my stuff is historic, like a avenue map of Richmond from the 1860s,” he mentioned. “So, when you’re from the realm, you’re nostalgic about it, and also you’re drawn to it.”

There gave the impression to be one thing for everybody on the present, as greater than 100 distributors supplied all kinds of things that ranged from the standard to the distinctive.

Within the latter class, Ellen Brooks and her sister, who personal Smok’n Scorching Brass, supplied jewellery that’s built-in with bullet cartridge and shotgun shell casings. A few of the casing ends are adorned with treasured stones, which have to be seen to be appreciated.

“We simply incorporate a portion or all the bullet casing into the design of our jewellery,” mentioned Brooks, who resides in North Carolina close to Charlotte and has been working the exhibits for years. “It’s very distinctive, very totally different. Everyone right here is making an attempt to be distinctive and totally different.”

The do-it-yourself knives that Robert Davis makes additionally suits into the distinctive class. They’re of assorted sizes, shapes and designs, and Davis makes all of them from scratch. That features the handles and leather-based sheaths.

“None of it comes pre-made,” mentioned Davis, a Columbia, S.C., resident who travels the art-and-craft present circuit that Gilmore Enterprises produces within the Southeast. “I do every little thing however the tempering” of the knife blades.

“All my knives are assured for all times — and sadly, that’s my life,” he quipped.

Shalom — he makes use of just one identify — helps himself by promoting colourful candles at occasions just like the Craftsmen’s Christmas Basic, an occasion he’s attended for 28 years.

“That’s how I make a residing,” he mentioned. “Yearly is totally different. It’s a very good present; I promote kind of, however you by no means know. Lots of people come.”

Among the many throngs of individuals drawn to the occasion was Brenda Absher, who traveled together with her grownup daughter from Buckingham County to see what this 12 months’s present needed to provide.

“It’s been actually hectic at present as a result of I suppose after COVID, it’s a stupendous day, and persons are desirous to get out,” mentioned Absher, who was shopping for Christmas presents, amongst different issues. “I’ve loved coming and seeing the artists and what they will do. We actually loved wanting on the jewellery.”

Rhonda Berlin traveled alone from Portsmouth to benefit from the day and store.

“I’m really ready for the paint to dry on a home signal I purchased,” Berlin mentioned as she stood to the facet of a busy aisle; she additionally bought some earrings and pastries. “I’m being egocentric at present,” she mentioned with a smile.

Christy Brando and several other members of the family got here from Petersburg and Montpelier to buy Christmas presents and private gadgets. The products included some coasters, a slicing board and “a few little purses for the grandkids.”

“We used to go [to the show] earlier than and took off a few years,” Brandon mentioned. “And now, we’re again.”