craft fairs

Does anyone know of any holiday craft fairs that are coming up in the NYC area- particularly Brooklyn? If so, I would greatly appreciate any information on them. Thanks.

Hi everyone,
I'm new at getcrafty and would like some advice on starting craft fairs in seattle area. I have a spot (indoor warehouse), location south of safeco. If anyone would like to share anything about the topic please do. I need help!
Tanya

I was wondering does anyone know of any craft fairs in Austin Texas?

Posted by PamTheQueen on 04/27/05 @ 05:17 PM Post subject:

Hey there again! (I just replied to your hot guy thread on the freestyle board).

Have you looked into this? http://www.6thstreetmarket.com/

We like to eat (and drink) across the street at Opal Divine's -- the cracked pepper fries are AWESOME!

The members of the Austin Craft Mafia are probably a good source for info on craft fairs.

Hi,
I am planning a designer's trunk show in the Inwood section of manhattan Early August. I would like to know if anyone can give me any advice they can. I am confused about legality issues. Where do I find info on getting permits for craft fairs/trunk shows? Would any of you be interesting in becoming vendors? The reason I am aiming for Inwood is because most craft fairs in NYC are either in brooklyn or lower manhattan. I feel that we need to expand our market by moving uptown. I would also like to ask if anyone knows of a space that might be available for this type of event in Inwood?
Thanks,
Iran

Posted by bennieriot on 04/08/05 @ 12:36 AM Post subject: craft fairs in CA

I thought it might be good to have a list of craft fairs in California--and other states for that matter. It's been hard trying to find good ones around--most of them don't have that cool young hip feel.

This is sad, but the only ones I know of are:

Bazaar Bizarre, Los Angeles, CA
Renegade Craft Fair, Brooklyn, NY
Renegade Craft Fair, Chicago, IL

Any others? California ones would be so good to know...

Bennieriot

Hello,

I'm thinking about starting a little crafty venture and would welcome words of wisdom from other crafters who have crafty businesses. Just a little part time thing. What do you think is important, what would you make sure to do etc?

My idea is to do something online and then to maybe sell my product through word of mouth. We don't have too many craft fairs in my area that I know about. So any suggestions, ideas or anything you would share with me - I would be so grateful!

:) Abigail

Posted by Katrin on 02/23/05 @ 11:47 PM Post subject: Austin Craft Mafia?

My coworker just mentioned this to me today. The name sounds vaguely familiar, but I'm not sure if I've heard of it or seen it discussed here before. She says that SublimeStitcher and some other big-name craft people are in on it, and I told her that I "know" Jenny from these boards.

She (my coworker) and a few others are trying to get a similar group going here in Denver. They're scouting out venues to hold craft fairs at, but it sounds like they don't have very many people involved yet.

Can anyone give me any more background on the group? How about others in the Denver (Boulder, Ft. Collins, etc.) area who are interested too? It definitely sounds like something I'd like to join.

Posted by h_pets360 on 08/29/05 @ 12:38 PM Post subject: best way to sell online

i know ebay seems to suck for crafty stuff for most categories.

what about setting up your own website? is that fairly easy and inexpensive/free? how's etsy working out overall?

is it better, in your opinions, just to stick with craft fairs and such?

Does anyone know of any good craft fairs coming up for the holidays??? I'm in NJ....not far from NYC....I am sooo jealous of them girls in Chicago.......Wicker Park is having all the fun!!!!!!!

Mommy Makes Roses will now be selling on Etsy. www.mommymakesroses.com will be used as a gallery to show roses that will be sold at local craft fairs and art walks,etc. in the Seattle Metro area.
Take a peek, you'll like what you see!

i got a letter today from a friend who is living in northern ireland. she has been living there for a couple of years and has had chronic fatigue syndrome for most of that time, so she has found it hard to meet people. she is starting to feel better and wants to hook up with other crafty types. i have been telling her about my own craft happenings like hosting stitch n bitches, founding the montreal chapter of the church of craft, participating in craft fairs, etc. so she asked me to send her along a diy guide to starting a craft group.

the thing is, a whole bunch of specific circumstances led to me becoming involved in these things, and i don't know how much of my situation would be applicable to hers - i was in school, she is working, i met my partner in craft crime on the glitter boards before moving to montreal, and she doesn't know anyone crafty over there, i was volunteering at a community center that hosted alterna-craft fairs, etc. etc.

can anyone think of some general advice to give someone re: meeting other young crafters in your hood?

thanks ladies,
xjenx

Posted by bennieriot on 03/17/06 @ 01:13 PM Post subject:

thanks for the advice, gals.

I really like the idea about offering free shipping. You're right. there definitely are ways to get around it.

I make all of my money at trunk shows and craft fairs (it's not bad money, either). This was the first time I decided to go the retail route because I thought the benefits of having exposure outweighed the actual profit.

It's turning out to be a little more trouble than its worth, maybe...

Well, I'll see how it goes.

Thanks for liking my stuff!

Posted by Rosanna Nevius on 04/14/05 @ 01:30 PM Post subject:

Actually, I am very lucky that my stepson's girlfirend is a Graphic Artist and she laid out a very cute "catalog" or "sample book" using my pictures. I'm not real happy with how my purses look in the pictures. They are so much cuter in person :). I'd love to hire someone to do pictures but that is not fiscally possible.

My experience with cold calling is that boutique owners are always looking for something to set them apart from someone else...so they are generally receptive to taking a look at what you've got. And, eventhough handbag designers are a dime a dozen on the internet, it's very possible there aren't alot in the area that you live. I'm only in two stores now but if everything pans out, by fall I should be in 10 and that would be all that I can handle presently.

Do I make enough? Not really, but, once I am known and have been selling well, I'll start edging my prices up. I definately make more online or at craft fairs.

I'm still learning, too :)

Posted by appleseeds on 04/23/06 @ 09:50 PM Post subject:

I would have to say Portland, Oregon!! I just moved from there (totally didn't want to and miss it tons!)...they even have Church of Craft there and tons of craft fairs/trunk sales..it pretty much rules. And on top of that it's such an amazing inspiring place, my creative juices have never flowed so freely and I've lived in Tampa, Atlanta, Miami and New York...not that those are particularly crafty places.

Does anyone know of any good craft shows or fairs coming up in nyc or nj? I'm jealous of all the girls in Wicker Park !!!! they seem to be having toooo much fun!

Posted by quornflour on 01/21/06 @ 10:33 PM Post subject:

I have a natural knee jerk reaction to the word craft. It makes me think of Church Basement craft fairs of my childhood...
I prefer textile arts, seemstress, or other more specific words.

However, since the word id defined as:
craft
n.
Skill in doing or making something, as in the arts; proficiency. See Synonyms at art1.
Skill in evasion or deception; guile.

An occupation or trade requiring manual dexterity or skilled artistry.
The membership of such an occupation or trade; guild.
pl. craft A boat, ship, or aircraft.

tr.v. craft·ed, craft·ing, crafts
To make by hand.
Usage Problem. To make or construct (something) in a manner suggesting great care or ingenuity: “It was not the Chamber of Commerce that crafted the public policies that have resulted in a $26 billion annual subvention to the farmers” (William F. Buckley, Jr.).

I am getting over my aversion to the word craft, but it is hard.

Posted by manukenkun on 03/28/05 @ 07:23 PM Post subject:

hey! Ada beat me to it! I was going to suggest to Glorious that she comes visits us, as Wiltshire isn't too far away from us in Bristol- but seriously- the more the merrier!
We've got a pretty good little crafty community happening here in Bristol now- we have Stitch'n'Bitch on the first and third Sunday of the month, and we have 'alternative crafty fairs' every few months- our next one is on April 23rd at http://www.thingsfromhere.co.uk from 10-4- come along if you can make it! We're also doing things like meeting up with some other craft folk to go see the 'Knit 2 together' show at the Crafts Council on April 16th- if you want anymore info just email me or come visit us...
also it's worth checking out some of the communities on http://www.livejournal.com- there's a bunch of them that are crafty/Uk based- although a lot tend to be just adverts for people's eBay sales it seems...

Posted by ceebee on 08/25/05 @ 07:29 AM Post subject:

we bought a matrix almost 3 years ago and I love it!
i can't tell how many people were in the car on delqc's skiiing trip (3 or 4?) and I guess in that situation it would seem cramped....BUT we have hauled a lot of stuff in our car. my husband is a drummer and he can get a TON of stuff in the back with the seats down. he can even haul all his stuff with just one seat down and then have a band mate in the back and me up front. and then there's craft fairs....we can just load it all up no problem. there's usually just the two of us up front, but we have made trips with 4 people in the car and our luggage in the hatch back....these weren't big trips where you'd be taking lots of stuff but there's room for everyone's suitcase and a little extra stuff.
the one we bought was the lot demo car so we got a good deal but that also meant it wasn't 100% new. i totally recommend it--it'd be nice if it were just a little more fuel efficient but it isn't a guzzler.
another cool thing is that it really is quite compact on the outside...we have to parallel park where we live and it can fit into some pretty cramped spots.

Posted by canary on 02/20/06 @ 09:32 AM Post subject:

I opened my Etsy shop in July 2005, with a slow start. The traffic picked up at the end of the year and I sold a few things in Jan. Since then, things have slowed down a little.
From other crafters the advice I get is that craft shows are where you really make money. This spring/summer when craft shows get underway, the Etsy sellers will be out there handing out cards and posting the url everywhere. I believe the ppl who attend the craft shows (our target audience) will learn about Etsy at shows/fairs.

Posted by brdgt on 05/01/06 @ 07:33 AM Post subject:

Madison is a pretty crafty city. It has some great yarn stores, The Glitter Workshop sells DIY artists on consignment and hosts several craft fairs a year at a local bar, our farmer's market is huge, and as one of the most liberal cities in the country you are going to get your fair share of the DIY ethic and anti-corporate options (for example, there are several co-ops and locally owned small grocery stores and in addition to the large weekly farmer's market on the capital square each side of town has a smaller version). There are also a lot of sheep and wool festivals in the summer. I belong to two crafting groups and was just invited to join another - the only problem is finding the time to go to meetings.
Despite the cold (but not really much snow) people love the outdoors here. Biking is incredibly popular (and I usually count at least half a dozen hybrids on any given shopping trip). I think Madison was one of the first cities to have a CSA program. The city is on an isthmus between two lakes and has a public terrace designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. The city also actively controls sprawl and building codes (no building can be taller than the capital and businesses get incentives for building in the downtown area).
Milwaukee seems rather crafty as well - I've been to some yarn stores out there and a great craft fair (run by one of our getcrafty ladies).

Posted by uproar on 04/13/05 @ 02:18 PM Post subject:

If you live in a city or large community, make free weekly newspapers your friend! (I'm assuming most cities have some form of this.) Look for interesting things to do such as craft fairs/art markets/flea markets, theme nights at local bars or clubs, locals specials at museums and other tourist sites. If you live someplace with public transport, you could always get lost on purpose, hopping from bus to bus (or streetcar, train, subway, etc), and explore parts of your city you normally wouldn't visit.

If you are friends with another couple or two, go on double dates or group dates. Activities like rollerskating, iceskating or bowling are good for this.

Dress up in silly outfits or costumes and run around your city's business district, just to turn heads. Or dress up and have a Mad Hatter tea party!

Posted by thekitty on 02/26/06 @ 10:17 PM Post subject:

what modesto has a small group of crafters ..i know hard to believe , i wish i could get a group of craty chicks and have crafty nights ..... some one else does.... visit http://www.handborn.com the girl that runs them also had craft shows/faires for us "alternative crafters". i been a vender at one of the fairs

Posted by elizwong on 12/22/05 @ 03:33 PM Post subject:

I have an online shop and have stuff on consignment and also sell through craft fairs. This is our third year in business. I have a BFA in Ceramics, but don't do any ceramics anymore (at one point I wanted to be a potter). My husband who is also part of the business is self-taught. Owning a shop seems way too complicated for me... I don't like the business part of the business enough to take that step. We both work full time and it's a challenge sometimes to juggle both.

Posted by smachel on 06/24/04 @ 09:10 AM Post subject:

i'd like to know --- how do you get involved in craft fairs? how do you find out about them so you can get started in contacting people?

Posted by CraftinFool on 06/22/04 @ 03:31 PM Post subject: Ever do craft fairs?

Has anyone done craft fairs? What did you sell? Did you make much? Did you enjoy it?

I'm partly curious and partly seriously thinking about selling things at local fairs. Of course, I haven't actually figured out what I'd sell or anything.

Posted by brdgt on 06/23/04 @ 08:57 AM Post subject:

I've never done them myself, but I grew up at them - my mother did leatherwork and traveled to at least 4 craft fairs a year. I love the culture of the craft fair, the swapping between vendors, the sharing of ideas, and the traveling.

Posted by CraftyChicaAZ on 06/23/04 @ 11:59 PM Post subject:

i love doing craft fairs! but you really have to find the right ones for you. i do mexican-y art and i've been at several that wanted the cutesy country stuff. so i was the weird booth. now i do research and check them all out before i sign up.

Posted by lizzymahoney on 07/30/05 @ 11:41 AM Post subject:

Someone taking photos of your booth? My first thought would be kind: probably someone involved in the establishment of the craft fair who is looking for pleasant pictures of diverse stuff to attract more artisans and more advertising bucks.

I could also believe for a moment or two that the picture taker wanted to remember how I managed to get the display a certain way. Like if you used PVC pipe and built a framework or something.

Then, third, I'd be thinking Press.

After that i'd wonder if someone was just getting ideas for what they could make for such fairs.

But I would probably say something like, "Please, ask me before taking pictures!"

Posted by brdgt on 07/28/05 @ 06:58 PM Post subject: Craft Fair Etiquette

I know a lot of people on getcrafty have experience with craft fairs. I for one grew up going to half a dozen a year with my mother (she did tooled leather) and I still love to go to them. The last one we went to my husband talked about how guilty he feels because he's not buying something from everyone. I always just make sure to compliment what I like even if I'm not buying it, so the vendor has an idea of what appeals to people. I also try to make eye contact and say hi to each vendor.

So, what's your craft fair etiquette? From the vendors - what do you like people to say/do (other than buy ;)? From the buyers, what do you think is good craft fair etiquette? Horror stories? Favorite types of craft fairs/bazaars/flea markets?

Posted by sweetpea on 07/28/05 @ 07:11 PM Post subject:

I guess what kills me at craft fairs is when someone says "I could make that, and for less money" right within earshot. That's kinda frustrating. People who wink and say "I'll be back!" and never return are also disheartening. Maybe they meant to, but in my experience it's a pretty rare bird that reappears.

That said, I do like compliments (who doesn't?) and I think my favorite was when someone commented that my finishing work on my bags was excellent. It's nice when someone who has an eye for what you do thinks you do it well :) The people who make a point of saying hello also brighten my day; the ones that try not to make eye contact are a tad unnerving.

Anyway, that's my two cents. I like doing craft fairs, but they certainly are exhausting. Holiday fairs seem to be the best; and so far my experience has suggested that city fair and country fair actually even out about the same.

Jen

Posted by sarabell on 07/29/05 @ 01:24 PM Post subject:

i always feel really bad when i go into a booth and am just completely uninterested or turned off by their work and really have nothing to say. what's the best way to deal with that? i just smile and tell them to have a good one.

unfortunately, i am guilty of saying (though definitely NOT within earshot!) that i could just make it myself. of course, it's rare that i ever do so! my main issue with craft fairs is just the fact that it is rare that things are actually reasonably priced. when i have done the few small shows i've participated in, i try to keep my prices fair, so people can actually buy instead of look. sure, i could make more $$ per item, but i've found that i have made more $$ total when i price things on the low side. of course, it all depends on the demographic..... i've had many people tell me that i priced my stuff too low, but then if i had priced it higher, would they have bought nearly as much?!? i just try to set prices with my cheapskate mindset - "what would i be willing to pay for this?" rather than "what could i get for this?" sorry for the little rant, but it's discouraging to go to a show and come out empty-handed because everything you liked was way too pricey!

Posted by Katrin on 07/30/05 @ 01:49 PM Post subject:

All this advice is really informative. I've never participated in a craft fair, only attended them, and many of these things wouldn't have occurred to me.

I do often think (or say) "I could make that" - but I certainly hope I've never said it within earshot of the person who made it. And I always remember that even though I could have made something, that person actually did make it, not just once but many times over, and is making money from it. I admire and envy those with that ability, because it's something I haven't learned yet.

I at least understand that it's not cool to take photos of other people's creations. But here's a question: What about taking notes? I sometimes do this - more often in retail stores than at craft fairs. I like looking at things that I wouldn't buy for whatever reason (too expensive, don't want to support that store's politics, etc.) but that I might like to make for myself.

If you saw someone looking at your crafts and writing down descriptions, would you be offended? Would you ask why they're doing it? If they assured you it was just for ideas for their own use or inspiration to do something different but similar - not to rip off and sell - would you be okay with that? (Would you even believe them?)

Would all the Philadelphia ladies like to decide on a day every week/month to get together? 5 of us have done Sunday afternoons in random places, but there are also some who would like to meet Tuesday nights at 8 at the Last Drop (13 & Pine). Imput here please!!! (Suggestion: one or two Sunday afternoons a month, and every Tuesday night?)

For the $$-minded craftistas, anyone want to plan/share a table at the Punk Rock Flea Market (is that the right name) later this summer? Or any other craft fairs?

Posted by delqc on 08/01/05 @ 11:37 AM Post subject:

If someone is grabbing pics of your work, why not grab a pic of them doing it (with a flash so they know you've done it). Ha. Then if they start making knockoffs, you have some evidence against them. Plus, it will probably kill their bravery.

The etiquette questions parallel get crafty to some extent. People post their work in their blogs for others to scrutinize. We ask for help in finding suppliers, and in material suggestions. Some of us may even compete with each other in selling merchandise on Etsy (or elsewhere) ... I guess it's different scrutinizing from a pic as opposed to the real thing in front of you. I guess what I'm getting at is what are the etiquette parallels from the craft shows to get crafty?

Also, I am guilty of shopping and saying, "oh I could totally make this!" but usually it's in a big store and not from a small vendor selling their own wares. I don't attend many craft fairs, but when I do I am most often astounded by the workmanship in areas that I know so little about and could never hope to attain.

If I do see work similar to mine (in the needle arts for example) I will look closely, and ask questions. I do sometimes see items that I consider poorly made - but I would never rudely say so in front of a vendor. And if I saw something that was similar to things I have done, by definition it would be expensive: I put a lot of time and good materials into the things I make, and that costs money. And of course I could make it for cheaper - I would not have to spend $ to pay for labor. But, someone else's labour is worth more just as much as my own.

Where am I going with this? Hmmm ... I guess maybe if someone says, "I could make this for less!" we should remember that knock-offs are rarely made with good quality, so the person is probably simply being naieve! And hey, copying IS the highest form of flattery!

del

Posted by deborahthecraft on 08/04/05 @ 06:39 PM Post subject:

The etiquette questions parallel get crafty to some extent. People post their work in their blogs for others to scrutinize. We ask for help in finding suppliers, and in material suggestions. Some of us may even compete with each other in selling merchandise on Etsy (or elsewhere) ... I guess it's different scrutinizing from a pic as opposed to the real thing in front of you. I guess what I'm getting at is what are the etiquette parallels from the craft shows to get crafty?

Here (get crafty) it is requested and the answers are usualy constructive,where as at the fairs they are simply being negative/jelouse.I have lost more than one sale when a bystander muttered "I can make this myself" and the customer who was just taking another look,puts down the item and hitails it out.

Little do most people know that I had to track down all the info to become a legit business,find wholesalers,pay fees etc etc...alot of people could make it,but they probably wont.

Also alot of times when we ask cretique here,it is in an effort to improve the item.

When I want to remember a great item to buy when I am able,or to notice again at the next event,I get a business card ,and make a note on the back about which fair it was at and item I liked.Also the designers name if its not already on the card.But one time a girl got all upset and said "You know if you are going to steal my design you should at least wait until your out of view".I showed her what I had written and she was so embarassed she gave me the item @ 50%off.
Just saying,not everyone thats taking notes is stealing!

On another note,I take digital photos at events so I can blog it (I also sumbit them to craftrevolution and other indi press sites),but it is good etiqu. to ask the designer first and offer to provide them and e-mail file.

When not liking anything in a booth,a polite smile and a 'thank you' is pleasent.I know I get that alot from the older crowed,and I realy appriciate the courtesy.

Posted by lizzymahoney on 07/30/05 @ 12:23 PM Post subject:

I'm not a Pollyanna. I get pissed off with surprising speed and unpredictability, but outside of a situation I can usually see multiple sides to it.

Someone walking by who says, "Oh, I could make that!" is generally not meaning it as denigration to the crafter. It could be that speaker is trying to impress a companion, or is trying to justify to herself why she shouldn't buy something. Yeah, it is a mean thing to say, but I don't think the intent is to malign. If you had a chatting relationship with the woman, or had exchanged greetings, she might be more inclined to say, "Gee I wish I had the time, I have this great machine at home and scads of fabric that I just don't get to. I bet that never happens to you..." And you can laugh and say, "You wouldn't think so, would you? But don't look in my boxes at my unfinished projects, and you don't want to be behind me at the cutting table when there is a sale on."

There is something I make that I never see made to the level of artistry i attain. I'll see versions of it every year, everywhere, but will take one look at the white pine cones and think, "Ew, you are in for major trouble once it gets warmer..." It took a few months and lots of effort forty years ago to learn what I needed to know about the materials I was using. Technique has changed, and I'm pretty adaptable to new base material, but I'm still way ahead of most people on concept and execution. This also comes from being in an extended family where artsy cousins were working with the same materials and we exchanged ideas and raw materials. There is no time when I see this sort of thing in craft fairs or high end boutiques that I don't know I could have done it way better. I just never say so.

I don't talk to every booth owner/operator. I may just nod as I come in, nod as I leave. Sometimes a wink and a smile. Sometimes a comment on something I find particularly lovely, or a question about the origin of the materials. I may ask for a card, but I always have notepaper and pen to write down whatever I need, such as where this dealer is showing next or if they ever work in spalted wood. I may give information such as, "Check out the rock and gem shop on Ferncreek, hidden behind an automotive body repair."

I may also tell someone that their quality and pricing is out of my league for now, but I'd like to see more when my finances improve.

Some of our regional craft fairs are trying for world recognition. This makes it hard to shop with the huge crowds. I will walk through as people are setting up and make note of who I need to revisit before the crowds get thick.

Posted by copacetic on 10/03/04 @ 12:56 PM Post subject:

* a cleaner, bigger, more organized sewing room!

* someone to take my crafts around to local boutiques and to sit for me at craft fairs 'cause i'm super-shy when meeting new people so i have a hard time doing this!

* a magical way to fuse interfacing to any fabric i desire...like a magic wand or something i can wave! ;) ta-da!!!

Posted by sewing stars on 06/28/04 @ 08:21 AM Post subject:

I think right now there is a big overall crafty movement from the generation x'rs. A show with various crafty types showing their 'twist' on things would be pretty awesome. Showcasing craft fairs like the rengade craft fair, bizzare bazaar in boston & l.a., etc. would be pretty interesting too.

Are you from HGTV?

Posted by sewing stars on 09/17/04 @ 08:14 AM Post subject:

1. fake fur from paris

2. fontographer

3. the allergy test for my kitty (it expensive!, and he has itchy skin)

4. a good gardener

5. entry fees to big craft fairs like the philidelphia buyers market

wow, that list is kinda boring....

i know this is silly...but with the popularity of craft sites: craftster.org and supernaturale, etc. i've been trying to wrap my head around how getcrafty can contribute on a different level than hip crafts or the location where art meets craft. i've been getting interviewed a lot recently on the whole craft phenominum, and attempting to articulate my vision, our vision really, for this site.

and then i was reading real simple this morning and got this idea to create a "domesticity notebook" to record all my craft, home, family, cooking ideas that i have all the time but sometimes forget...and that's when it dawned on me. getcrafty is not just about making crafts, but it's like the low-rent, down-home, crafty, alternative, version of real simple-type, how do you build and life and survive-type of vision. while i love all the other sites, i feel that getcrafty is different in that it's not just about crafting, or art but a lifestyle guide. i always thought of crafty as not really about crafts, but crafting your life...

so those are m y thoughts, but since this site is really created by all of you, i wondered how you thought about getcrafty in this new sea of "hip crafts" books, fairs, sites etc. how can we be different? grow larger? maintain integrity?

so interested to hear back.

Jean

Posted by curlyskunk on 10/14/04 @ 02:13 PM Post subject:

I think it's hysterical that so many people here have such a low opinion of scrapbooks.
Here's why:
I love my scrapbooks, and I love working on them. I've never been to a Creative Memories party or bought anything at a scrapbook store.
I have no "layout" guides or books to copy from. I find something (a picture, momento, whatever) that means something to me and I make a page out of it. Sometimes it's xtra simple, sometimes it turns out with more frills. I'm not going to knit together chicken wire, spend hours making "tags" or dig out power tools to put together a page for something I want to remember when I'm old and senile. Mine are memory books, not a theme park experience.
That thing about women dressed alike and bussing around to scrapbook fairs or whatever --- that's not a hobby --- that's a cult and frightening. Although I've seen it. My ex-sis-in-law invited me to come "scrap" with her and her friends. Scary. It was like a backwoods church meetin'...if you know what I mean.

I have no desire to string beads. Feels like busy work to me, although they're really pretty when you're done.

My mom used to do ceramics, and it's neat --- but I want to make useful stuff --- not decorations, I have enough crap to dust as it is.

This isn't really a craft, persay, but those people that do Christmas stuff all year long. I dont' mean preparing for Christmas by crafting gifts, but who live in Christmas mode, making decorations etc... That frightens me and isn't something I'm interested in.

Posted by redheadedali on 10/12/04 @ 10:43 AM Post subject:

i'm in! :-)

Cool :). I have a couple of craft fairs at the beginning of November, and I will be mad busy until then and not able to do much on this anyway, so why don't we say that anyone who wants to participate should post by November 6, and then I'll get the exchanges arranged based on the number of people who join up. If you have a preference between doing a one-to-one swap or a round robin, include that in your post.

I'm excited about getting new music. ;)

Alison

Posted by manukenkun on 12/15/05 @ 05:02 AM Post subject:

Manu,

Sorry you and your 'puter have been down! Thank you so much for my gift! It is SO cold in Philadelphia today... Would I look crazy for carrying it on the train?! =-) kidding... Thanks again!
--Susan

Fill it up and take it on the train! I take them to craft fairs- keeps me warm and is a good demonstration of their powers...I guess you should really let someone know what we are talking about shouldn't you! Any chance of a photo- I didn't take one before I sent it to you.
xx

Posted by maize on 07/07/04 @ 08:58 PM Post subject:

Hi!

I'm Maize.

I own two websites www.mommytags.com and www.maizehutton.com.

I'm way older than the majority of you, 40+ ARGH! But, thankfully, I don't look or act it.

In my prior life I was a paralegal then a nurse. Now I design jewelry.

I'm an adventurer at heart. I've raced sled dogs in Alaska (lived there 8 years--did my time), rafted the Grand Canyon, rode a bike from Seattle to Portland in two days and finished the 2003 NYC marathon this past November. I enjoy yoga, running, gardening, my Westie Max, and my studio where I spend my time creating and filling orders.

I'm lucky enough to finally do what I love fulltime.

I have two kids, one girl 20 *choke* and one boy 14. I also have a 15 year old stepdaughter with Rett Syndrome.

I'm a certified artisan with the PMC Guild and teach PMC (Precious Metal Clay) at a local bead shop where I live in Washington state.

I drive a "yield sign" yellow VW Beetle named "Huny B."

My favorite musicians are Dave Matthews, Sting, Van Morrison, Jem, Jack Johnson, Macy Grey, oh why did I start this list....way to many to mention.

I've been sewing and crafting since I was a little little kid in Montana. My mom taught me how to sew and I used to display my work at the local 4H fairs. I embroider (love Sublime's stuff--I beaded the kitty), crochet, knit (own Deb's stich & bitch book) bead and I'll try anything once.

I'm ecstatic that there are craft forums on the web and feel like I've found my people! I was cutting up old levis back in the 70s making skirts, purses and quilts. It's funny to see so many doing the same these days!

And, yes, I hate discussing politics. I find it incredibly mean, alienating, and a very dirty business.

Cheers!

Maize