HANCEVILLE, Ala. – Vendors from 60 different businesses came to the Cottontails Arts and Crafts Festival on Saturday at the Hanceville Civic Center. Some vendors were from businesses with storefronts, with others were selling crafts they began making on the side while in retirement or during their time off due to the pandemic. Many make and sell their crafts in their spare time while also working full-time jobs.
Most vendors heard about the event on social media where many of them also sell their products. Vendors came from Graysville, Odenville, Chelsea, Garden City, Eva and more. Some were local Cullman business like Milly’s Pet Bakery which is at Festhalle on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and Nature’s Effects Alternative Health and Wellness which sells hemp derived cannabinoid products, located at 2046 St Joseph Dr.
The event was the first Arts and Crafts Festival in Hanceville organized by Heather Eddy and Ashley Talley with Willow Brook Boutique & Design. The festival was created to help small businesses grow and bring customer attention. Hanceville resident Jessica Powell sold her paintings at the event. She is a retired, self-taught artist who has been painting for three years. She takes custom orders and send samples. She can be contacted by email at Realwoman20514@gmail.com.
Sharps Sweet Scents owner Kayla Sharp makes scented candles and wax melts out of Garden City. She said, “I’ve got a group on Facebook that I sell out of. I’ve not quite made it to Etsy yet.”
The festival was a first opportunity for many vendors to sell their products in a physical location. Bailey Howard, owner of Giggle Paws Boutique LLC, makes all-natural treats for dogs and cats. She said, “I started in November of last year. I used to be a pastry chef and switched to making treats for dogs.”
Many of the business have only recently started because many had the time during COVID to become more creative and work on new crafts.
Check out some of the business vendors at the event:
WhisdomDesigns | Etsy by Stephanie Whisenant who makes handmade crochet pieces and patterns: https://www.etsy.com/shop/whisdomdesigns
Flowers and Decorations by Patunya | Facebook by June E. Kelley a newly retired vendor who sells custom decoration flowers and painted concrete sculptures from her house: https://www.facebook.com/patunya325422
Classy Cactus Candles | Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/598250491350636
Sharps Sweet Scents | Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/865425030981542
Giggle Paws Boutique: https://gigglepawsboutique.com/
MEL’S PICKS | Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100074006139060
Delectable Delights LLC | Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DelectableLLC
Practically Hooked | Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PracticallyHooked
Whitney’s Homemade Candles | Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whcandles
R & L Honey Farms | Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rlhoneyfarms
