HOW TO JOIN

Handmade DFW is a cooperative, all-volunteer group of makers, artists, designers, and creative entrepreneurs living and working throughout the Dallas–Fort Worth area. We are a nonprofit trade association founded in 2007 with a shared belief in the value of handmade work, creative entrepreneurship, and community connection.

The mission of Handmade DFW is:

  • To promote awareness and support of the handmade movement in the DFW Metroplex.

  • To establish and maintain the integrity of the local handmade movement.

  • To act as a cooperative resource and mentoring network to grow businesses within the handmade industry.

  • To foster higher business standards within the handmade industry by encouraging better business practices and methods.

  • To educate the public in the creation of modern handmade crafts in order to inspire and empower individuals and bring together communities.

Handmade DFW is a trade organization, which means our members receive meaningful benefits designed to support both creative and business growth.

Membership benefits include:

  • Free training sessions and workshops - Topics range from hands-on crafting classes to business, marketing, and entrepreneurship seminars.

  • Member meetups and networking events - Connect with like-minded makers, share ideas, learn from each other, and talk honestly about the challenges of running a handmade business.

  • Mentorship and peer support - Learn from experienced makers and contribute your own skills to the community.

  • Opportunities to get involved - Members help shape events, education, and the future of Handmade DFW through volunteer leadership and collaboration.

  • Stronger visibility for handmade work - Be part of a respected organization dedicated to elevating handmade businesses in DFW.

A Cooperative Community

Handmade DFW is powered entirely by volunteers. Our members don’t just join—they participate, contribute, and help guide the organization forward. Whether you’re an emerging maker or a seasoned creative entrepreneur, your experience and voice matter here.

If you believe in supporting handmade, growing together, and building a stronger creative community in DFW, we invite you to apply.

For just $25/year, members get access to:
• Training and business education
• A network of local artists
• Community projects and charity events
• Opportunities to get involved and make an impact

Membership connects you to a supportive creative community while providing the tools, knowledge, and opportunities to help your work and business grow.

Professional growth

  • Learning how to price work

  • Learning how to sell at markets

  • Business and branding education

  • Peer-to-peer knowledge sharing

Credibility

  • Being part of a recognized creative community

  • Association with a long-standing local organization

  • Professional identity vs. hobbyist isolation

Access

  • Training sessions

  • Networking with other artists

  • Local connections and collaborations

Support system

  • A group that understands the ups and downs of creative business

  • Shared encouragement and advice

Visibility

  • Community exposure

  • Opportunities to get involved in events

  • Connections that can lead to future opportunities

EACH TEAM MEMBER/APPLICANT MUST:

  • Live in the immediate Dallas / Ft. Worth area

  • Sell your own handmade items. No vintage, supplies, fair-trade organizations, or resale. Members may sell vintage and supplies in other ventures, but not at any Handmade DFW shows, or as a major part of the business in which you are applying for membership in Handmade DFW.

  • Read this entire information packet, submit a completed application, and (if selected for membership by our jury) pay the required membership fee of $25. This fee helps cover administrative fees of running the team, it’s events, and the Bash.

WHAT WE EXPECT FROM OUR MEMBERS:

Handmade DFW’s success cannot happen without the dedication of each and every member. The team is made up of all volunteers. From its members to its leadership, everyone is expected to contribute to the team as is needed and outlined throughout the year. Below are the guidelines to which all members must adhere in order to maintain membership. Members not following the guidelines risk losing their membership privileges. 

DEDICATION TO YOUR OWN BUSINESS:

Handmade DFW members take pride in their business and continually work to grow and better their business.

FORUM PARTICIPATION:

All members will be added to the Handmade DFW Facebook Group. The group is how we communicate with each other, so it is to your benefit to participate and pay attention to the group.

Handmade DFW SHOW (BASH) REQUIREMENTS:

Team membership does not guarantee acceptance to the juried Handmade DFW shows / markets. Members who have been accepted to participate in any of the Handmade DFW shows are expected to contribute to pre-show preparations for these shows. This may include helping with set-up and tear-down, making and setting up decorations, placing promotional materials around town, participating in show planning meetings, posting events in online forums, writing blog posts for the blog, etc. 

KEY DATES:

Chosen members will be required to attend an annual member meeting. 

We are accepting member applications for the 2026 team now.

Apply Now!