Made & Found in New Mexico
10/22/2026
Holiday Shopping in October? Apparently, We're Doing This. 🎄
Good morning, New Mexico!
Okay, can somebody explain how we're already talking about holiday shopping when I feel like we were just complaining about the summer heat?
But here we are. And apparently, the holiday markets aren't waiting for any of us to get our act together. 😂
This Saturday, I'm pointing you toward Placitas, where the 6th Annual Placitas Seller's Open-Air Holiday Market is bringing together local makers, handmade treasures, and a Toys for Tots donation drive.
It's happening October 24 from 8 AM to 1 PM at the Homestead Shopping Center, 221 NM Hwy 165 in Placitas, weather permitting.
You'll find everything from handmade jewelry and Native American pottery to wood art, home décor, holiday decorations, and all kinds of creative finds.
And here's something I really love. They're collecting new, unwrapped toys for Toys for Tots to help children right here in Sandoval County. So if you're heading out, consider bringing a toy along.
Now, you know I love a good excuse to wander around a market. Especially when I can justify buying something because I'm "supporting local."
That's my story, and I'm sticking to it.
And for my fellow makers, there are vendor spaces available for $15 per 10×10 spot, first come, first served. No reservations required. Setup starts at 7 AM. You can contact Nancy at 505-515-4323 for details.
So if you're looking for something to do Saturday morning, this might just be your excuse to get out of the house.
Now, let me tell you about some earrings I came across.
Sassy Sage Designs is a handmade jewelry business in Corrales, and Shelley, the maker behind it, creates some seriously cute pieces.
Colorful patterns, interesting shapes, and earrings with a little personality.
You know, the kind that can make a plain T-shirt look like you actually put some effort into getting dressed.
And sometimes that's all the effort I'm willing to put in. 😂
What I love about discovering makers like Shelley is that there are so many talented people creating beautiful things right here in our communities, and unless you happen to stumble across their booth at a market, you might never know they're there.
That's one of the reasons I love sharing these finds.
And the good news? You don't have to wait for the next craft fair to discover her work. You can find Sassy Sage Designs in our artisan directory and follow the link to her Etsy shop.
Speaking of craft fairs, have you ever stopped to think about what happens before the rest of us show up with our coffee, ready to shop?
Well, let me tell you. A whole lot!
Gwyn of Hot Flashes recently shared some behind-the-scenes photos from the Las Cruces Market, and I couldn't help but think about how much work goes into making these markets happen.
Tents, tables, merchandise, displays. All of it has to be unloaded, arranged, and ready before the first shopper arrives.
Meanwhile, I'm over here thinking getting myself out the door with matching shoes is an accomplishment.
These vendors are practically running a small moving company before breakfast!
But seriously, it's a good reminder that when we visit these markets, we're seeing the finished product of hours of preparation.
So the next time you're browsing a local market, stop and chat with the makers. Ask about their work. Compliment their displays.
And if you find something you love, buy it!
Because I can promise you, that handmade treasure isn't going to follow you home on its own.
And of course, we can't have an issue of Made & Found without a little "You Know You're in New Mexico When..." 🌶️
You know you're in New Mexico when someone asks, "Red or green?" and you know they're not talking about Christmas decorations.
Or when you head to a local market just to "look around" and somehow come home with handmade earrings, a pottery bowl, a bag of roasted chile, and absolutely no regrets.
And don't even get me started on how a quick stop somewhere can turn into a 30-minute conversation because you ran into somebody you know.
That's New Mexico for you.
A little chile, a lot of creativity, and apparently no such thing as a quick trip to the market.
I'd love to hear yours! What's something that makes you say, "Yep, that's New Mexico"?
Hit reply and tell me. I might share a few of your answers in an upcoming issue.
One thing I'm discovering as I explore more of New Mexico is that you never really know what you're going to find.
A little market tucked away somewhere. An artist creating something you've never seen before. A shop you almost drove past. Or a conversation with someone that turns into a completely unexpected connection.
And that's half the fun!
It's also one of the reasons I'm helping build the New Mexico Artisan Collective.
I want more people to discover the creative businesses, interesting places, and talented people that make our state special.
Because there's a whole lot more out there than the same five places we all keep going to.
And if you're a maker yourself, here's my little reminder: make sure people can find you after the market closes. Keep your online information updated, share your work, and give those customers a way to reconnect with you.
You never know who might be looking for exactly what you create.
📱 Come Hang Out With Us!
Want a little more New Mexico goodness between newsletters?
Follow New Mexico Artisan Collective on social media! We're sharing local makers, upcoming markets, creative finds, and all kinds of reasons to get out and explore.
And who knows? You might discover your next favorite artist or weekend adventure while you're scrolling. 😉
See you over there!
And listen, if you know a maker, a market, a quirky little shop, or somewhere I absolutely need to visit, hit reply and tell me!
Seriously. I want to know.
I might just have to go check it out.
Until our next adventure, keep exploring, keep supporting local, and don't be surprised if you come home with something you had absolutely no intention of buying.
I mean, it happens. 😉
Tammy
Made & Found in New Mexico
Come along. We found some good stuff.
Local Hands. Creative Hearts. Stronger Together.
P.S. Know someone who'd enjoy this? Forward it along. It's the best compliment a letter can get.