Faire Play: BIG BIG CITY Chicago

I’m holed up at home today with food poisoning, which, in case you’re wondering, is THE WORST. However, my stomach seems to be on the mend, and I wanted to take a minute to share this fun event with you. Chicago peeps, this is for you. If you’re free tomorrow night (February 7th) from 5-9pm, head to this pop up art market, BIG BIG CITY: Chicago. Do it.

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Faire Play: Handmade Market Chicago

Earlier this month, B-bops and I braved the cold and snow venturing to the Handmade Market in Chicago, which is hosted every second saturday at The Empty Bottle. What a fine city we live in! So many craftastic opportunities. We were not disappointed with our little trip, and I discovered some fun new craftspeople! But I don’t mean to rub this in your face, seeing as how you probably couldn’t come. Luckily for you, I’m about to take you on a virtual visit to the Handmade Market by introducing you to my 6 favorite booths!

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Faire Play: Four Markets in Four Weeks

Did you take advantage of all the craft fairs before the holidays and buy handmade gifts? We sure did! And what’s that? You want to hear about all the fun we had on our holiday market marathon? Well, if you insist…

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Faire Play: Volunteering

{ photo credit: The Lovely Poppy }

Volunteering. This thing people do when they care about something so much that the thought of getting paid for advancing the cause of said “something” doesn’t even cross their minds. Who knew! I’ll be trying out this “volunteering” thing before the year is out, because as it turns out, I care about something! Again, who knew? My reasons, you ask? Well, I want to gain some real world experience that applies to my grad studies. But I’m working full time, in addition to classes, so I can’t devote myself to an internship. Solution: volunteering at craft fairs! Fun fun fun.

It looks like I’ll get to help out with the Renegade Craft Fair Holiday Market in Chicago next month, and I’m pleased as punch at the thought of getting a behind-the-scenes look at one of my favorite craft fairs. And for those of you in the Chicago area, I invite you to join me! If you’re interested, just shoot Madelon an email at info [at] renegadecraft [dot] com. But the fun doesn’t have to stop with Renegade! The Chicago Craft Mafia‘s DIY Trunk Show is also in serious need of volunteers. I wanted to help out with this show, along with the Bucktown Holiday ArtShow, but they just happen to be on two of the three weekends that I have to work this year. Drat! But who knows what joyous fairs the Spring will bring. And there’s always YOU. Volunteer! I know you can feel the crafty spirit moving in you…. No? Is that a weird thing to say? Well, I just thought I’d make the suggestion…

Faire Play: Indie Craft Revolution

Vendors (clockwise from top left): { Cristin Rae }  { the sparrow fist }  { Jane Linders }  { Belles & Ghosts }

Fair season is nearly here! Can you smell my excitement? For our readers in, near, or headed to  dear St. Louis at the end of April, be sure to hit up the Indie Craft Revolution on April 30th and May 1st. And for you devoted crafters and craftees, I think they still need volunteers. I’m very seriously considering making the trip to volunteer… feel free to persuade me in either direction. And in the meantime, check out some of the vendors!

Vendors (clockwise from top left): { Laura George }  { Michelle Berg Vogel }  { Shenandoah Soaps }  { Villa Design }

Faire Play: Bloomington Handmade Market

If you happen to be in or near Bloomington, Indiana on April 2nd, you simply must stop by the Bloomington Handmade Market between 10am and 4pm. They recently announced their participating vendors, all of whom I thoroughly investigated. Check out all the great crafty wares I found (below)! I wish Brian and I could make the trip, but, alas, we must keep saving–both spending moneyz and vacation days–for the wedding.

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