Heavens to Etsy: Craft Fair Weekend
Holiday season can be a drag, especially when it comes to gift-giving. But you have the power to make it more interesting! Don't be a generic giver of Target or Wal-Mart gifts purchased on Black Friday—shop locally and give handmade gifts that are one of a kind. Your loved ones will appreciate these items so much more than something generic. Here's a listing of local craft fairs and events around the area this weekend and beyond.
Gasworks Gallery Open Studios
December 3, 8–10 p.m.
The first Friday of every month, Gasworks Gallery in Wallingford opens its doors to non-artist riff-raff, hosting a fun evening of artsy examinations. Hurry out after work to take advantage of the fun!
Urban Craft Uprising
December 4 and 5, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Seattle Center Exhibition Hall
The OMG of DIY, UCU is Seattle’s largest handmade craft show and features two incarnations: the summer show and the winter show. With gift obligations looming, the winter show tends to be larger and more crowded, but brave the busy-ness and find everything from fresh local soup to soft felted creatures. There will be something for everyone, from your cranky granny to your cranky hipster girlfriend.
Full list of vendors: http://www.urbancraftuprising.com/vendors2010winter.php
Seattlest picks: cascading earrings from Alisha Louise, braided leather and brass bracelets from dottyspeck, Burt Reynolds Thank You card from Power and Light, raindrop cannonball t-shirt from slide sideways, ice cream cone rings from The Sprinkle Factory, and we could go on...
Bainbridge Island Studio Tour
December 3-5, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., free, various locations
The 27th annual studio tour features 70 local artists showing off their handmade work. Every craft under the sun, plus the opportunity to explore the island on what looks to be a clear, sunny-ish weekend.
List of artists and studios: http://www.bistudiotour.com/artists-studios.php
Seattlest Picks: recycled copper sculptures from Elizabeth Emison Metalworks, fused glass from Glass Elements.
Christmas in the Country, Bainbridge Island
December 3-4, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., December 5, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Do double duty when trekking out to Bainbridge. This driving tour allows you to explore beautiful and/or historic Bainbridge buildings (from a Boy Scout cabin to working farms) while taking care of Christmas shopping with gifts such as cosmic candles and stone puzzles http://www.ethancurrier.com/. And if the show’s slogan (“It’s festive! It’s funtabulous! It’s fantastical! It’s free!”) doesn’t do it for you, there are also Santa photos and—get this—pony rides. PONY RIDES. Come on.
Full list of venues and vendors: http://www.christmasinthecountry.info/thetour.html
Seattlest picks: plum cosmetic bag from Sage and Kaii, hanging wine vine from Burnett Forge.
Tidefest
December 4, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
December 5, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
$8 for a weekend pass
5101 Rosedale Street Northwest, Gig Harbor, WA
Tidefest is Gig Harbor’s annual celebration of local artists who work in jewelry, wood, fabric, and plenty of “miscellaneous.” Come for the miscellaneous, stay for the photography?
Full listing of artists: http://artists.tidefest.org/
Seattlest picks: King brownbird tile from Crowfoot Studio, white pearl swirl ring from Panepento Jewelry Designs.
Phinney Neighborhood Association Winter Festival and Craft Fair
December 4 and 5, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both days
Full list of vendors: http://www.phinneycenter.org/PDFs/WF2010_Vendors.pdf (PDF)
Seattlest picks
DIY Holiday Show
December 11, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Vera Project
The Vera Project is always coming up with fun new ways to involve everyone in art, and the DIY show is no exception. We'll have more details next week, but expect an exciting experience with lots of local artists.
Elegant Craft Show Edmonds
December 11
Elegant Craft Show Everett
December 18–19
Both elegant craft shows provide an opportunity for local vendors to showcase their stuff. Applications stil welcome for the Everett show!
