As the holiday countdown begins, many a shopper turn their focus to craft fairs for home-made gifts with a special touch. Luckily for the artsy types out there, Fort Wayne has no shortage of holiday craft fairs. Here are a few to consider:

• Holiday Gift Market: (Nov. 24, 11 am to 5 pm, ArtLink Gallery, 200 E. Main St.) Here, you will find unique and local gifts like handbags, pottery, natural soap, knitted items, and MORE! This event is a stop on the Downtown Improvement District’s “Holly Trolley.”

• Ft. Wayne Farmer’s Market: (Dec. 1, 9 am to Noon): Located inside Parkview Field, this market has it all. You can find everything from necklaces to hand-made pillows.

• Lifeway Wesleyan Holiday Craft Bazaar: (Dec. 1, 8:30 am to 2:30 pm at Lifeway Wesleyan Church, 7722 Moeller Road): Breakfast and lunch will be available at this show. There will also be a cookie walk (until noon), homemade crafts, and door prizes.

• Fair Trade Alternative Shopping Bazaar: (Sunday, Dec. 2, Noon to 5:30 pm):  The University of Saint Francis’ Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) will present high-quality, fairly traded handcrafted items from disadvantaged producers all over the world. The event will take place in the Historic Brookside Mansion on campus.

What are you waiting for? You are wasting valuable shopping time!

Insider’s Tip: Don’t forget to have cash on hand, as some vendors do not accept cards. And, if you know of any other great craft markets feel free to add them in the comments below!

The holidays are fast approaching, and with all of the decorations and festivities come holiday craft bazaars that showcase talent from all across the state. If you love a good craft show, just like to browse, or are ready for some serious early Christmas shopping, then here’s a sampling of what’s offered this year.

OCTOBER 2011

Annual Bazaar & Oktoberfest at Lutheran Life Villages – October 14, 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.

This event includes a Christmas Shop with brand new items perfect for holiday gift giving. This event also includes a ‘Next to New’ used clothing and accessories area with great items at great prices. The auxiliary also publishes a cookbook entitled A Slice of Life at Lutheran Life Villages, which is available for purchase. Lunch and dinner will be served.

Diva Holiday Event at Franke Park Pavilion – October 15, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Party Plan Divas of Fort Wayne present a Diva Holiday Event where hundreds of Divas will be kicking off the Holiday Selling Season of 2011 with a first annual Diva Holiday Event. This is a great place to do your holiday shopping with some of the finest home party consultants, crafters and small businesses in the area – all under one roof.

Holly Days Craft Show at Deer Ridge Elementary School – October 29, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

This is one of the largest holiday craft shows in Northeast Indiana. This is the 22^nd year for the craft show with nearly 200 tables of homemade craft items. New vendors are expected and shoppers can enjoy lunch in the cafeteria.

NOVEMBER 2011

Fort Wayne Art & Craft Show at Glenbrook Mall – November 4 – 6.

This is a great juried event that always offers quality handmade arts and crafts with extended mall hours that offers everyone the chance to stop in and shop.

Holiday Craft Bazaar at Northrop High School – November 17, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

This is another very large annual craft bazaar featuring handmade gifts, including jewelry, floral arrangements, decorations, wooden items, pet gifts and much more. Breakfast and lunch are available.

Yes, it’s that time of year again. And for those of us who love to look for “just the perfect” gift, holiday craft shows are a great place to shop. I know I definitely love the challenge of finding that one perfect gift and hope to achieve my goal at one of these great shows.

Are there other great local craft shows that you enjoy? Let us know!