Society of Southern Maine Craftsmen

General Category Information

Hand crafted items exhibited for sale at all SSMC venues will be held to the following criteria:

Quality craftsmanship demonstrated within the medium
Products are created by or under direct supervision by the primary member(s) within their own work environment.
The practice of simple alteration of purchased times is unacceptable
No kits, strung beads, manufactured or resale items
Accessories may be used to show functionality of product, but may not be the primary portion of the final product sold.

Criteria Listing

BASKETRY:
    Baskets constructed of various materials. Quality design and durability emphasized. No unintentional loose ends. No kits.

CERAMICS:
    A clean finish with no rough edges, originality in design, painting and color sense. As of April 1994 new crafters in ceramics will NOT be allowed bisque ware. Crafters juried prior to April 1994 are grandfathered.

CLAY: Freeform, Porcelain, Pottery, Slab built, Tiles, Wheel thrown.
    Nontoxic glazes only. Pleasing original designs that are durable. Functional pieces should have comfortable handles, well fitting lids, smooth, even bottoms and rims. The public must be informed of proper use and care of items.

DECORATIVE ARTS: Batik, Bead Weaving, Fabric covered items not sewn, Silk arrangements.
    This is a mixed media category. Work must significantly enhance the appearance of the original objects. Aim is for a well finished product with a professional look, where the creativity of the craftsmen is clearly prominent. No kits, or simple assembled store bought products.

DECORATIVE PAINTING: Folk Art, Tole Painting, Faux finishing, Hand painted clothing, Hand painted Reproductions, Stenciling, Theorem.
    This is a multi surface media. Work must significantly enhance the appearance of the original objects.

FIBER ART: Macrame, Rugs, Spinning, Weaving, Woven fabrics
    Quality designs and durability of construction a must. Pleasing mixtures of color and texture are important. No kits. Pieces must be finished inside and out, no loose ends. Content and proper care labeling must be available to public. Stress is placed on originality of patterns or well executed traditional patterns.

FINE ART: Original Artwork: Oils, Acrylic and Watercolor
Work must be matted or framed

FOOD:
Proper licenses must be obtained and product must be labeled and packaged. If samples are given at a show, crafter must provide waste receptacle at their booth.

GLASS: Etched, Hand blown, Stained
    Original design, quality of color sense. Must be of professional workmanship, sturdy construction, smooth soldering and stable framing and hooking.

GRAPHICS: Air brushing, Bookmarks, Calligraphy, Cartoons, Engraving, Lithography, Note Cards, Note paper, Pen and Ink, Portraits, Prints, Silk screen, Signs.
     Original designs a must. Products should have a finished , professional look.

JEWELRY -Metal /Gemstone: Copper, Enameling, Gemstone, Lapidary, Pewter, Silver and other metals.
JEWELRY - Non-metal: Ceramic, Fabric, Glass, Paper, Polymer, Porcelain, Scrimshaw, Wampum and Wood.
    Emphasis on originality and quality of construction and finish. All cast pieces must be your own. No items made solely of commercial beads or drilled nuggets allowed. No commercial chains sold separately.

LEATHER:
    Must be durable construction, neat staining, and uniform stitching. No purchased buckles can be sold without belts.

METAL WORK: Brass, Copper, Pewter, Wrought Iron, Tin Punch, Musical instruments.
    Non Jewelry metalwork of original design, with clean finish, musical

MUSIC:
    Original recordings

NATURAL MATERIALS: Dried Flowers, Everlasting, Floral Wreathes Herbs, Potpourri, Pressed Flowers, Sea Shells, Spices, Mushroom Carving, Eggery, Soaps
    Purchased natural materials can not be sold unless incorporated into original product. Purchased base items must be significantly altered by creation. Emphasis is on original home grown products.

NEEDLECRAFT- Hand: Applique, Crochet, Cross-stitch, embroider, Knitting, Quilting, tatting, Tapestry.
    Products produced through needle manipulation by hand. No Kits. Articles must be finished inside and out. Pieces must be durable, quality workmanship. Clothing must have care instructions made available to the public; quilting and patchwork must be piecework.

NEEDLECRAFT- Machine: Applique, Baby items, Clothing, Dolls, Dollclothes, Fabric Sculpture, Fashion Accessories, Flags, Knitted items, Lace, Lawn Ornaments, Quilting, Pet Products, Pot holders, Stuffed animals, Teddy Bears, Tote bags, Toys.
    No Kits. Articles must be finished inside and out. Pieces must be durable, quality workmanship. Clothing must have care instructions made available to the public; quilting and patchwork must be piecework.

PAPERCRAFT: Handmade, Cut/pierced lampshades, Origami, Sculpted
    Quality construction in functional pieces emphasized.

PHOTOGRAPHY: Black & White, Color, Hand painted, Framed, Matted, Unframed
    All photos must be taken by the craftsmen. Clear, well - composed work is a must. All photos must be permanently mounted.

POLYMER CLAY: Polymer based clay in decorative pieces, excluding jewelery.
    Quality construction emphasized.

WAX PRODUCTS: Candles, Molded wax
    Originality and quality of color is stressed. Candles must burn properly.

WOOD: Carvings, Clocks, Decorations, Dolls, Frames, Fretwork, Furniture, Hiking Staffs, Lawn Ornaments, Musical Instruments, Novelties, Sculpture, Toys, Turnings, Unfinished, Walking Sticks, Wood Burning, Woodworking.
    Stress is on quality of construction and design, There should be no gaps in joints, smooth finish, no rough edges or glue stains.