Tuesday, November 5, 2024

5 unique shopping booths to visit at the 2024 State Fair of Texas

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There are hundreds of shopping opportunities at the State Fair of Texas, so where should visitors start?

Some booths seem like repeats, selling the same Texas-themed products that can be found on Amazon or in Walmart. Fairgoers wanting something truly special may not have the time to search for small business vendors with one-of-a-kind items.

With this list, now they don’t have to. Here are the five most-unique shopping booths at the 2024 State Fair of Texas.

Baskets and Quilts by Bless

Items from the Baskets and Quilts by Bless booth at the 2024 State Fair of Texas.Ileana Garnand | Lone Star Live

Here fairgoers can find quilts of various sizes and designs, as well as fabric books, toys and basket liners. All the items are handmade by owner Bless Simmons and her family.

For shoppers looking for Texas-specific designs, there are quilts with cowboys, cowgirls, boots, cacti and the state itself, with a message, “Love from Texas.” The booth is located in the Craft Pavilion.

If you miss the State Fair, Simmons has a website and physical store in Arlington at 2220B S. Bowen Road. It’s open Tuesday through Friday from noon to 5 p.m.

B and B Glass Studio

State Fair of Texas

Flying pig, elephant, unicorn and rainbow pieces from the B and B Glass Studio booth at the 2024 State Fair of Texas.Ileana Garnand | Lone Star Live

This whimsical booth sells glass art from five artists in Massachusetts. It has numerous designs, from flying pigs to banana-animal crossovers. The pieces range widely in size, from tiny figures to feet-long wind chimes.

There’s also options for the more serious shopper, like elegant bird hangings, tree-engraved candle holders and large pumpkins. The booth is in the Craft Pavilion.

B and B Glass Studio travels across the country to attend events like the State Fair of Texas, so be sure to take advantage of it being in town. There’s no way to order pieces on the website.

Puzzles of Color

State Fair of Texas

Simone Biles and Sha’Carri Richardson themed sets from the Puzzles of Color booth at the 2024 State Fair of Texas.Ileana Garnand | Lone Star Live

Puzzles of Color is a family business operated by siblings Ericka and William Chambers. The pair grew up doing puzzles together, but noticed a lack of representation in the designs. Now, they bring the work of artists of color to puzzlers across the nation.

The State Fair of Texas booth offers limited edition sets with local Olympic legends like Simone Biles and Sha’Carri Richardson. Other designs include musicians, smiling families and beloved fictional characters like Goku from “Dragon Ball” and Cyborg from DC Comics.

This booth is in the Grand Place Building. Shoppers can also visit the website to browse designs by theme, difficulty and piece count.

Origami by Kannika

State Fair of Texas

Origami crane earring studs from the Origami by Kannika booth at the 2024 State Fair of Texas.Ileana Garnand | Lone Star Live

Everyone picked up a hobby during the COVID-19 pandemic, but artist and registered nurse Kannika Brueske turned hers into a business. She learned origami in 2020 as a stress reliever and now travels across the country with her work.

Brueske’s art includes handmade jewelry, ornaments, bookmarks and more. Most pieces feature origami designs like birds, flowers and butterflies. She also uses resin and sells cute miniature food magnets

The booth is located in the Craft Pavilion. Origami by Kannika also has an online storefront, although there’s more items available at the physical booth.

Talaveraam Imports

State Fair of Texas

Pieces from the Talaveraam Imports booth at the 2024 State Fair of Texas.Ileana Garnand | Lone Star Live

This vendor offers colorful planters, sculptures, vases, pots, magnets and more. From smiling armadillo figures to serene face-shaped planters, there’s something for everyone.

Owner Adan Monjaraz sources the handmade pieces via his family in Guanajuato, Mexico. His booth is part of Mundo Latino’s Dia de los Muertos exhibit in the Women’s Museum Building. It’s open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.

The business can also be found online and in Monjaraz’s garage at 205 S. Bullock Drive in Garland.

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