Have you checked out the indie craft show circuit lately? It has grown leaps and bounds in the past few years. There is definitely a trend toward eco-friendliness and charitable initiatives, but with a signature grass roots flair.
At the Giant Dwarf Make and Take Trunk Show on Saturday in Philadelphia, PA, Sue Eggen will be sewing her gorgeous hats from recycled materials. She is inviting attendees to customize their item, and will whip it up for them, right there on the spot. This is a fantastic way to not only demonstrate a craft, but let the consumer witness part of the fabrication process.
My buddies over at Handmade Detroit are gearing up for the third annual Detroit Urban Craft Fair. While there is always lots of crafty upcycling to be had by vendors and organizers alike, this year includes “A Bag: A Dress: A Contest” Event organizer, Adrienne explains:
“a bag: a dress is about two of my favorite things: second-hand supplies and dresses. I believe there is way too much stuff in the world and if everyone just used the stuff already there to make new stuff, there would ultimately be less stuff! Each of the 23 participants received one standard brown paper bag full of random second-hand supplies and created a dress using only what was in the bag.
“The total creative outcome is not only amazing, but reveals some real fashion talent hiding in the cracks of Detroit. This forest of dresses will be displayed in the lobby until 6pm, when 2 runners-up and and a grand-prize winner will be announced onstage. Prizes include gifts from our sponsors along with a mini-editorial shot by ee berger to appear on angelaseye.com. The entire event will also be featured on cementdetroit.blogspot.com.“
How cool is that? I can’t wait to see those brown bagged frocks. Indie Emporium in Tulsa, OK is pairing up with charities at their show this weekend:
“Our 2008 show will also serve as a canned food drive and fundraiser for
the Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma. Please bring canned goods
to be donated. We’ll also have a silent auction with proceeds benefiting the
food bank.Also, as a part of our silent auction, we’ll have pink themed items up for grabs,
with proceeds benefiting Breast Impressions of Tulsa. ”
If you help organize a show, or plan to in the future, food drives are a simple activity you can host to help your community. Blood drives are a great option as well. Contact the Red Cross to inquire about their portable facility in your area.
To round out the weekend, crafty green vendors will be making appearances at Tiny Canary in Columbus, Ohio, Felt Club in Los Angeles, CA and the Brooklyn Indie Market in NY. Check out IndieCraftShows.com for a listing of shows nationwide, and you’ll see there is no excuse NOT to take the Handmade Pledge this holiday season!
