Steel Town Etsy Members Join Roving Hordes of Zombies Invading Market Square

If some of you have been wondering if some of the Steel Town Etsy members are really crafty zombies, we now have photographic evidence that some of them are.

 On 10/10/10 the dead walked again as the It's Alive Show hosted Zombie Fest as a food drive for the Pittsburgh food bank and an attempt to break the official Guinness world record for the largest gathering of zombies.  Pittsburgh has held the record in the past but was beaten by Seattle last year.  The official count at the end of the day was 4,590 zombies which, for now, is enough to bring the record back to Pittsburgh where it belongs.  Among those zombies, were several members of Steel Town Etsy, some of whom were even vendors.

Market Square was the perfect setting for the event and it provided a wonderful backdrop for many great shots throughout the day.

It was wonderful to see so many creative people come together for a good cause, and good, clean, if not somewhat bloody, fun.   Local artists and a couple of small, local businesses sold their wares at the event, and the zombies in attendance showed that they had plenty of brains as they purchased many items from these vendors.  Lynne, who made the brains on chains seen below as well as the zombie sachets to chase away the scent of decay at the end of the day commented, "You know, even though some of the zombies look really scary, they're actually really nice."

Events like this help make Pittsburgh a fantastic city to live in and help promote the local art scene.  Thanks to all the zombies who supported the local arts and businesses at this event.  It was wonderful seeing so many like-minded people in one place.

 

The end to a fantastic day!

Name Contest & Decorating: The NEW Pittsburgh 'Local Handmade' Vending Machine!

Announcing the yet-to-be-named Pittsburgh traveling craft vending machine!! It may look like any ordinary cigarette vending machine right now, but soon it will be embellished, jazzed up and filled with local handmade creations! AND WE NEED YOUR HELP TO NAME AND DECORATE IT!



Inspired by the Art-o-Mat machines that offer mini OOAK art, our machine will offer a sampling of what is being handmade in Pittsburgh. Instead of each piece being different, we are embracing our industrial heritage and offering items that are crafted clones of each other like our own Andy Warhol's repeated printings.

The goal of the machine project is to spread the word about the local craft scene by placing the machine in different locations throughout the city - bars, art centers, welcome centers, museums.etc. There will be an under-glass posting area on the machine to advertise local craft events and craft groups. The idea is to share not only access to the crafts themselves but where else they can be found in a store, online and at local markets. Each item will have the biz card of the crafter that made the item, along with the facebook page (to be unveiled once the machine is named!) for the machine so they can post happy customer pics and find out where the machine is going to be next. They even get a folded biz card for the machine with a mini button attached instead of a pack of matches!! The machine will even have its own Facebook page, where all of the current handmade goods in the machine will be displayed via photo.


YOU'RE ALL INVITED!

WHAT: Decorate the Machine Open House
WHEN: Sunday, August 22nd, 2010, 4-6pm
WHERE: Wildcard in Lawrenceville, 4209 Butler Street (map)

Rebecca Morris has VERY graciously offered to let us decorate the machine in her wonderful store Wildcard in Lawrenceville. On Sunday August 22nd there will be a "Decorate the Machine" Open House from 4-6pm. Bring some E6000 (use a Michael's 40% off coupon) and some scrabble tiles, dominoes, glass globs, random fun stuff, steampunk or Pittsburgh-related items, etc., and we will artfully mosaic the machine into something eye-catching and snazzy.

*Note- Please make sure there are no sharp edges or anything that would catch anyone or their clothes.

The machine will stay at Wildcard after the Open House for a trial run to work out any kinks. It is so wonderful to have someone who supports and loves local crafts like Rebecca to do this.

So put together your colorful doodads and join in the decorating fun!

~~* The person who brings the most nifty item to decorate with will win a fabulous prize submitted by a talented local artisan(s). *~~ :)

Light refreshments will be served.


NAME-THE-MACHINE CONTEST!

We are looking for your fabulous ideas for naming the vending machine! Submit names by commenting on the contest's Facebook Page through midnight EST on Saturday, August 21st. The winner will be announced at the machine-decorating open house at Wildcard on August 22nd (details above) and will get a tote bag full of awesome local handcrafted goodies!! If you would like to donate a handmade something to the winner prize bag, please bring it with you on the 22nd to the open house. We would love to see all entrants at our Open House, but those who cannot be present may pick up their prize bag at Wildcard after the event.


BE IN THE MACHINE

Interested in having your own crafty creations for sale in the machine? Please let us know!

Submission Guidelines:

*All types of art and crafts will be considered, and Pittsburgh-themed creations are especially welcome. In order to ensure that a diversity of items are available in the machine at any given time, not all artisans will be accepted to be vendors.

*Items must be smaller than a pack of cigarettes and priced at either $5.00 or $10.00 (the machine will have one row of $5.00 items and one row of $10.00 items). Boxes that fit the machine will be at the Open House (details above) for test-runs of your item size.

*Those who are accepted must submit 20 finished pieces to start.

*The fee to vend in the machine will be small, mostly to cover cost of boxes, printing and any rent charged. 100% OF VENDING MACHINE SALES GO BACK TO THE ARTIST!

*Email a clear picture of your items to Lynne of Charmed By Nature at slkrop@comcast.net for consideration.


Please offer any suggestions for the project including places you think might be interested in hosting the machine. Once the Facebook page is up, please suggest it to your friends!!

Thanks!!

South Side Works Artists Exposed- Come See STE This Weekend!

Getting all prepped and juiced up for a three-day weekend of crafty vending coming up at the end of this week! Woot! :) Come and check out at least twelve Steel Town Etsy artisans and their unique handmade wares there, along with lots of other talented crafters. See a list of artisans on I Made It! Market's blog. Hope to see you- we love to meet local handmade lovers and supporters! :)





SouthSide Works Exposed is an outdoor bazaar and music festival celebrating summer and the arts in Pittsburgh. The setting for this event is in and around the Town Square of the SouthSide Works.

More than 70 local artists and craftspeople will be selling handmade wares including ceramics, photography, paintings, jewelry, clothing, nat...ural body products, woodworked games and more.

Each day features food from SouthSide Works restaurants, drinks, music and traveling entertainers – and a dedicated area for kids!

To learn about the excitement and to see a sample of the artisans, visit http://www.imadeitmarket.com/ or http://www.southsideworks.com.

An Action-Packed Indie Crafts Weekend for STE Artisans!

Steel Town Etsy artisans have got a busy buzzy weekend of indie craft shows this weekend with I Made It! Market! Come and see our wares in person and say hello! :) Shop local, buy handmade! Hope to see you there!

WYEP Summer Music Festival- Friday, June 25th, 4-8:00 pm, Schenley Plaza in Oakland. Enjoy an evening of free live music and fun, including a kids area and a local crafter marketplace. I Made It! Market artisans will be outside on Schenley Drive between the Carnegie Museum and Library. For more information on this fantastic outdoor celebration of music and arts, visit WYEP's Website at: http://www.wyep.org/.




Handmade in Marriage- Saturday, June 26th, 11-5 pm, Wildcard in Lawrenceville. The first annual indie wedding showcase featuring 20 local vendors who can help make your day PERFECT! Meet local photographers, disc jockeys, designers specializing in: jewelry, clothing, invitations, flowers and more. This event is free to attend. Visit www.handmadeinmarriage.com for more information.




I Made It! Market Indie Craft Sale and Birthday Party, sponsored by The Cotton Factory- Sunday, June 27th, 12-5 pm, Jewish Community Center (JCC) in Squirrel Hill. There will be cake, balloons, kids activities, a local indie artisan marketplace. See I Made It! Market's website for more details.

Steel Town Etsy Handmade Trunk Show Announced!

Steel Town Etsy artisans will host an indie craft trunk show on August 6th, 2010 at Schmutz Lodge from 5:30 pm to 10:00 pm.

Happening as part of the artsy frolic, food, people, and buzz that is Penn Avenue’s Unblurred Art Gallery Crawl, the trunk show will bring together some of Pittsburgh’s most talented artisans and their unique, sometimes offbeat, handmade wares!

Join our celebration of local arts and culture for fun, mingling with the creatively cool, and the opportunity to meet the faces behind Steel Town Etsy! Awaiting you is one-of-a-kind and original art of all types of media; handcrafted and upcycled jewelry, clothing, and toys; and steampunk, zombie-inspired, and nature-influenced goods made with plenty o’ Steel Town love!

Here’s to crafty shopping, one of the country’s most vibrant arts and indie craft scenes, and supporting the handmade movement and local independent artisans!

We still have a few vendor spaces available for Steel Town Etsy members.  If you're interested in vending, please contact Tamara at barkerbellheirlooms(at)hotmail(dot)com.

STE Takes on Lawrenceville Little Flea

We went, we vended, we bought, we roasted. Tam of Barker's Herbs & Heirlooms, Kathryn of Go Carr Go, and I (SilentLotus Creations) headed to Lawrenceville this past Saturday to take part in the charming and eclectic Little Flea! The Lawrenceville Little Flea is a weekly neighborhood marketplace that happens every Saturday at 36th & Butler, with rotating local vendors of both typical flea market fare and handcrafted goods. From 8am - 3pm, the three of us peddled our handmade creations and vintage goods in the sweltering heat with 12 other vendors, using the temp and hot sun as an excuse to seek out thirst- and tummy-quenching treats from Butler Street's yummy coffee and bake shops (thanks for the iced coffee & chai and vegan cupcakes, Espresso A Mano and Dozen). :)



Tam indulges my picture-taking urges and oversees our tent. :)



Kathryn's fabulous paper-cutting work!

The other vendors were in good spirits, chatting and laughing with one another and with flea shoppers. It was great to meet the friendly bunch, who provided us with some handmade, vintage, and thrifted bargains when we needed a break from our tables. I found an old rocking chair and vintage pieces to use in my jewelry making. :) There were clothes, dishes, photographs, textiles, chairs, tools and hardware, and plenty of supplies for upcycled art and craft projects. Chris from Signworks managed to sell a ginormous disco ball- wish I had a picture of that guy rolling away his enormous (seriously, I betcha two people could curl up inside) purchase, the glass tiles flashing in the sun and blinding passersby. lol




Little Flea.

Customers were friendly, too, and curious, quick to ask questions, join in a conversation, and or express support of our wares. Sales were okay, but I'm told there has been a much better turnout in previous weeks. And, in any case, I witnessed plenty of folks carrying their finds happily away. Like any market, success ebbs and flows on any particular day. I'd definitely recommend giving Little Flea and the Lawrenceville area shops a visit as either a vendor or shopper. It was a great day, and the rotating vendors promise new treasures every week!



Tamara's unique steampunk creations made with upcycled materials.



My original art prints and magnets.

Meet STE Members Gemma and Lexi of Mother-Daughter Duo LexiandGem

Steel Town Etsy members Gemma and Lexi of Etsy's mother and daughter duo Lexi and Gem lovingly handcraft jewels that blend two delightful spirits into beautifully simple, sweetly delicate, and memorable pieces. Read on to meet the talented artisans behind their inspired work.


Tell us a bit about yourself name, location, affiliations, personal stuff.

Hi, I'm Gemma (Gem of Lexi and Gem), a stay at home mom of two great kids, Lexi and Connor. I'm married to my high school sweetheart.

I, Lexi (the other half of Lexi and Gem), am currently a junior at North Allegheny High School and hope to one day be a Veterinarian. We live in the Ingomar area of the North Hills and are life long Pittsburghers!

Apart from creating things, what do you do?

Gem: I like to hike and garden. I really enjoy cooking and having dinner with friends.

Lexi: I like art, watching movies with friends, baking cookies and shopping.

We both love to travel, and we also volunteer together at Animal Friends as doggy foster parents.

What first made you want to become artists?

It wasn't really a conscious decision. We've always enjoyed doing crafts together, from the time Lexi was a little girl. We've done almost every craft imaginable, from finger painting to candle making. Once we became more serious about becoming artists, we started taking classes and workshops. Starting our business on Etsy was Lexi's crazy little side project that grew totally out of control (in a good way!).

Please describe your creative process how, when, materials, etc.

When we do gemstone pieces, it's kind of a free for all- we pull out the stones and the ideas start flowing. With all of the colors, shapes, and sizes the possibilities are neverending. When we work with Precious Metal Clay (PMC) to make the fine silver pieces however, the process is much more structured. The nature of the clay demands that ideas already be in place before the creating begins. We often sketch out ideas and cut out templates before we start rolling the clay. Felting is a bit of a mystery in that we choose the colors but the flowers design themselves, the wool being sort of in control. We are often inspired by nature and things around us, and current styles and trends play a role when in designing our pieces.

What handmade possession do you most cherish?

Gem: favorite handmade pieces are the ones my kids have made. I have their framed artwork hanging throughout our home. I truly loved the Christmas tree we had decorated when the kids were in elementary school, the ornaments were almost completely handmade, I particularly loved the origami garland we made together, sadly it's no longer with us.

Lexi: My favorite handmade piece is the ceramic Merry-Go-Round my mom painted for me when I was little.




Name your top five places to be in the Pittsburgh area, books/authors, movies/TV shows, songs/musical groups, and websites besides Etsy.

TOP 5 Pittsburgh Places
1. The Strip (love the food!)
2. The Three Rivers Arts Festival (so many talented artists)
3. Ross Park Mall (yeah, we like to shop)
4. The Incline (cause the view at the top is amazing, and the ride's pretty cool too)
5 .North Side Farmers Markets (the chocolate chocolate chip raspberry cookies are worth the trip)

TOP 5 Movies
1. Pride and Prejudice
2. The Brothers Bloom
3. Penelope
4. A Few Good Men
5. Shawshank Redemption

What advice would you give to artists who are new to the Pittsburgh craft scene?

Don't let your inhibitions stop you! If you love to create, follow your dream. We'd also suggest networking to get support. Joining the Steel Town Etsy team has been wonderful for us. We've met some really talented artist and have learned alot.

What are your favorite features on Etsy?

We like to peruse the front page, especially the featured sellers.

How do you promote your work?

We promote by word of mouth and social networking. We're on Twitter and have a Facebook Fan Page. We've recently started doing craft shows as well, to increase our local exposure.

In five years I'd like to be...

In five years I (Gem) hope to be still creating and I (Lexi) hope to be entering Vet school and creating as well.

Meet David and Chloe of SleepingBunny

David and Chloe of Etsy's Sleeping Bunny make up a talented pair of crafters who create adorable plush animals made from recycled sweaters and unique, handknit awesomeness. And they are members of Steel Town Etsy, of course! David answered the following questions while Chloe was at class, so what's written is from his perspective. :)

Tell us a bit about yourself.

Sleeping Bunny is made up of David and Chloe, who live on the edge of the city near Crafton. David is a full-time chef who currently works at Blue Dust bar in Homestead, and Chloe is a full-time student working toward a Radiological Technician degree.

Apart from creating things, how do you like to spend your time?

While crafting takes up a good bit of our time, we also enjoy just being out of the house. Our group of friends all meet once a week at a local bar to catch up on things. We both cycle recreationally and like being in the great outdoors when the weather's good.

What first made you want to become an artist?

Chloe has always had the artistic touch, and picked up knitting a few months ago while we were looking for a hobby to pass bad weather days stuck indoors. I've always known how to sew, but picked up making stuffed animals after seeing a book on it in a local bookstore. We love expressing ourselves, and are always looking for new ways to expand our crafter-tunities.





What does your creative process look like- how, when, materials, etc.?

I started out just making a few things from the book I bought on making sock animals, but after learning the basics and a few other techniques from the examples, I decided to branch out. My inspiration comes either from an idea I have for a specific finished product I want and then working the sock to match, or from the sock itself just asking to be made into a certain shape (i made a frog out of frog-printed socks, for example)

Chloe usually makes knits by seeing a yarn she thinks would make a great specific piece of attire. She's new to knitting, as I am to hand sewing, so her repertoire is still expanding. She just makes things that she likes and learns along the way.

What handmade possession do you most cherish?

I made a vest that I have yet to finish that I really like. It's deep brown corduroy with a blue and brown flannel lining. Chloe made herself a knit change purse that she uses, but I can't say if it's her most cherished. As far as the sock animals go, Chloe really likes this striped giraffe I made (she even has it in her Facebook profile pic). I'm partial to my sock-o-dile made from a green/brown argyle sock.




What advice would you give to artists who are new to the Pittsburgh craft scene?

Being new to the crafting scene ourselves, I consider us blessed to have done as much as we have so far. If I could give any advice, though, it would be to network. Steel Town Etsy is a great opportunity that's helped immensely, and we couldn't have done nearly what we have without it. I would also suggest buying the book "Crafty Superstar" by Grace Dobush. It really helped us lay out, and figure out, what to do when and how to do it, as far as selling crafts goes.

How do you promote your work?

We try to promote our work shamelessly. I always carry our business cards around with me so I can plaster them wherever I can. Any bulletin board is fair game to me. We also promote heavily on Facebook and through our circle of friends. Our blog isn't well publicized, but it's located at http://sleepingbunny.wordpress.com.


Thanks so much for the interview, Sleeping Bunny! We're honored to have you as part of the STE family! :)


Check out Sleeping Bunny's handcrafted wares at I Made It! Market's Chili with the Works: Spring Art and Chili Festival coming up on Saturday, April 10th!

Nifty Craft Show List 2010

2010 ARTS & CRAFT SHOWS

Vending opportunities for local crafters and shopping opportunities for the craft-happy (though in many cases, these are one in the same)! ;)

Support local businesses, shop handmade, and bask in the love that goes into every crafty creation!

This is a somewhat random list that is by no means a comprehensive one. If you'd like us to add add an event, email steeltownetsy@gmail.com or convo us via Etsy at http://steeltownetsy.etsy.com.


2010 LOCAL SHOWS
(Pittsburgh and surrounding areas)

ONGOING

Saturdays: Lawrenceville Little Flea, corner of Butler St. and 36th. (Goeller's parking lot) in Lawrenceville. 8am-3pm.

Sundays: Pittsburgh Flea, 21st st & Railroad, Strip District. 8am-3pm


JUNE

24-27: Thunder in the Valley® Annual Motorcycle Rally, Johnstown, PA, June 24-27, 2010. For cending info, contact For vending information, contact Karen Soliday at Greater Johnstown/Cambria County Convention & Visitors Bureau. Call 1-800-237-8590, x31 or send an email to karens@visitjohnstownpa.com.

25: I Made It! with WYEP's Summer Music Festival, Schenley Plaza, Oakland. Friday, June 25th, 4-8pm. Application.

26-27: Fourth Annual "Art in the Wilds" Fine Arts Show, Kane, PA, June 26-27, 2010. Applications due March 1st.

27: I Made It! Market's Birthday Party, Jewish Community Center (JCC), Squirrel Hill. Sunday, June 27th, 12-5pm. Application.


JULY

1-4: Westmoreland Arts and Heritage Festival, Twin Lakes Park, Greensburg, PA, July 1-4, 2010. Applications due March 1st.

16-18: I Made It! Market for the South Side Works Exposed Artists Market. South Side Works, Pittsburgh, PA. July 16-18, 2010. Application.

18: Polish Hill Arts Festival, Sunday, July 18th, 12-8pm. Applications by May 15th.

23-25: Discover Presque Isle, Erie, PA, July 23-25, 2010. Applications due June 1st.


AUGUST

14-15: Art Fair on the Boardwalk- Conneaut Lake Art Fair, Conneaut Lake Park. Applications by June 15th.

SEPTEMBER

Co-op Art Harvest, September, 2010. Watch website for details.

4-5: 21st Annual Music in the Mountains, Ohiopyle, State Park, Fayette County, PA. Labor Day weekend, September 4-5, 2010. Watch website for details, or contact Friends of Ohiopyle at eeohiopyle@qcol.net.

11: The Steeltown Shakedown, Twin Hi-Way Drive in on Rte. 60, Sept 11 from 1 pm until? A pre-65 hot rod/car with live bands, vendors, pin-up contest, trophies, pinstriper and tattoo artist on site, and a vintage movie at dusk! Watch website for details.

11-12: Wild Wind Folk Art & Craft Show, Warren, PA, September 11-12.

17-19: The Horror Realm Convention, Crowne Plaza, Pittsburgh South. September 17-19, 2010. Check website for vendor information.

18-19: Covered Bridge Festival, Washington County, September 18-19th. Contact Washington Co. Tourism office for vending details. (800)531-4114/(724) 228-5520 or info@visitwashingtoncountypa.com.

25: Ebensburg PotatoFest 2010:Downtown Ebensburg, PA, Saturday, September 25, 2010, 9-5pm. Applications due August 13th.

1-3: Franklin Applefest, Franklin, Pa October 1-3, 2010. Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis.

8-10: Ligonier Days October 8-10, 2010. Applications due March 31st.


OCTOBER

23: The Holly and the Ivy Art and Craft Show. Embassy Suites Hotel, Moon Township. October 23, 11am-9pm. Contact Chris at (724) 728-3018 or by e-mail at info@hollyivy.com for more info.

23: St. Thomas More Art & Craft Show, Bethel Park, October 23, 2010. Applications due May 30th. Call 412-833-0031 for more information.


NOVEMBER

13-14: The Holly and the Ivy Art and Craft Show. Pittsburgh North Marriott, Cranberry Township. November 13-14, 2010. Contact Chris at (724) 728-3018 or by e-mail at info@hollyivy.com for more info.

20-21: The Holly and the Ivy Art and Craft Show. Seven Oaks Country Club, Beaver.
November 20-21, 2010. Contact Chris at (724) 728-3018 or by e-mail at info@hollyivy.com for more info.


DECEMBER

4: I Made It! for the Holidays, The Union Project, Pittsburgh, PA. December 4, 2010, 12-6pm. Watch I Made It!'s website for details.


ROADTRIP ANYONE?
(Shows across PA and in neighboring states.)

ONGOING

Every First Sunday: Crafty By Nature Outdoor Indie Market, Shupp’s Grove in Adamstown, PA (Lancaster County). May thought October. 9am-4pm.


AUGUST

7: Lakewood Arts Festival, Lakewood, OH, August 7, 2010. Applications due March 15th.


OCTOBER

1-3: Oglebayfest, Artist and Gourmet Markets, Wheeling, WV. Applications by April 30th.


DECEMBER

18: Last Minute Market presented by I Made It! Market and Cleveland Handmade, December 18, 2010. Watch I Made It!'s and Cleveland Handmade's websites for details.

Fall in Love... With Local Handmade!

It's Valentine's Day! Celebrate love the handmade way, and feed your passion for shopping as we celebrate Heart's Day!! Handmade love is about lots more than general and unabashed love of fabulous handcrafted and vintage goodies, though. It's about the love that each indie-artisan puts into their craft makes every piece special, and about showing indie small business owners the love by choosing to buy handmade over mass-produced items and by supporting local businesses. Steel Town Love doesn't get any better! So indulge in your desires and spread the love- shop your heart out! :D You can start right here!

Steel Town Etsy News: Snow, Fans, and Newbies!

The biggest news in the Steel Town area over the past couple of weeks is SNOW that has womped Pittsburgh twice! Urgh. One good thing about this blanket of sticky fluff covering everything, besides the pretty snow globe effect, is that lots of time holed up inside with hot chocolate and a blanky means lots of extra opportunity to craft!

As we know, a boatload of snow brings a huge number of hassles, too, not the least of which is making it impossible for anyone to get out and shop local handmade! :( Last weekend on February 6th, I Made It!, the area's most craft-tastic indie craft market, was forced to cancel its Valentine show "I Made It! Mine" due to inclement weather! Lots of hard work down the drain, or at least put on hold. And lots of time, footwork, and fundage lost by I Made It! admin on advertising and on renting space and tables and chairs! If you were scheduled to vend at the show, please consider waiving the return of your vending fee to help I Made It! recoup costs, or donating a little something to help reduce loss. Send an email for info on how to do so.

Help local crafters recoup costs and time, too, and while you're stuck in the house in this white out, take an online jaunt through some terrific Pittsburgh Etsy shops and spend some of your hard-earned mula on local indie artisans! ;)

In more team happenings, we've got a brand new Facebook fan page and group page! It really is brand-spankin' new, so please be patient while we spiff it up. ;) And please become a fan and join our group, and suggest the pages to all of your pals! Feel free to post there about any team and local crafty news you'd like to share. Also, we've started a new Flickr page to replace our old one- fresh starts and all. ;) Please come join, members, and post your crafty pics for all to see!

Last, but certainly not least, Steel Town Etsy has grown! We've got some awesome new members joining our crafty bunch. Please check out their shops and give them a warm welcome:









MandyGiehll - Handmade Topiaries, Wrapped Bangles, Hemp Jewelry, and Photography












JennyKayDesigns - Original Paintings and Home Decor

Pittsburgh Teamies Get Ready for I Made It! Market's Winter Season

Etsy Pittsburgh team members' favorite indie market's winter season offers three great opportunities to avoid the holiday shopping rush! I Made It! Market, our area's (and Los Angeles') unique and most popular indie craft scene event, starts off a trio of crafty bashes with I Made It! Junior at the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh on November 22nd, 12–4pm. December's exciting craft-aganzas start off with I Made It! for the Holidays on December 5th, 12-5pm, at Pittsburgh's Union Project. The Last Minute Market happens On December 19 from 10 am – 6 pm at the Screw Factory in Cleveland, OH, a collaboration with Cleveland Handmade. This is a great opportunity to expand your customer base and network with Cleveland artists.


Come out and support local indie artisans, meet Etsy Pittsburgh crafters, and finish your holiday shopping list with unique Steeltown creations!

America Unchained! Support and Celebrate Local Businesses and Artisans!

On November 21st, 2009, take part in America Unchained, a campaign by the American Business Alliance (AMIBA) in which everyone in the US is encouraged to support only locally-owned independent businesses for the entire day! This is a great opportunity to build awareness of indie artisans and crafters in your local economy, as well as any other non-chain businesses. Whether shopping, eating out, or doing other business for this entire day, AMIBA says, can "maximize the impact of your dollars and inject potentially millions more into the local economy!"


As the holidays and shopping madness fast approach, consider purchasing local handmade gifts for everyone on your list! Did you know that local independent businesses create about three and a half times the local economic activity as chains do?! AMIBA director Jennifer Rocke explains that indie biz "pays local employees, use the goods and services of other local indie biz, and give back to the community far more than chains." According to Rockne, independents generate 70% more local economic impact per square foot than chain stores! Pledging to buy only handmade for the holidays (or anytime) can give a huge boost to your neighborhood's economic well-being. You'll have the perfect opportunity at Pittsburgh's I Made It! for the Holidays at the Union Project on December 5th, when 50 crafty area vendors will gather to vend their handmade goodies!

The choice of what businesses to patronize can have huge and lasting consequences. Take America Unchained on the 21st as a chance to spread the word that small indie businesses like artisans and crafters are critical parts of your cities' cultural, social, and economic impact. Supporting them is better for us and for the community's health and prosperity!

Thanks to Karen Holsopple of Pittsburgh's East End Food Co-op for her article that inspired this one!

Crafts 'N At Craft Show by the PCC is open for applications

Crafts N’At is an opportunity for independent crafters to show and sell their wares, establish their business, and to celebrate creativity.

It features over 50 vendors, make & take crafts for children and adults, craft demonstrations, live performances, a Chinese auction and raffle, and an outdoor BBQ.

The Union Project
801 North Negley Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15206
Saturday, September 5, 2009 {Labor Day Weekend}
Open to the Public: 10am to 6pm
General Information: http://pghcraftcollective.com/craftsnat.html
Vendor Information: http://pghcraftcollective.com/vendors.html
Promotional Items: http://pghcraftcollective.com/promotionaltems.html

A Treasury of Steel Town Handmade!

Check out this array of handmade awesomeness from Etsy Pittsburgh's Steel Town crafters!

your parade is doomed mini tote-SALE

by bbkbags

P is for Panda - hand screenprinted alphabet print

by strawberryluna

The Weight

by maudesplace

Bloom 1974 Calendar Towel Sling Purse

by VintageHotcakes

Ascen - Earrings

by CERCAjewelry

The Kindly Beekeeper Dancing Jack Necklace

by charmedbynature

SIMPLY SEAGLASS BEACHGLASS BANGLE BRACELET

by beachglassgonewild

Custom Wirewrap Pendant

by octarine

Cutter Quilt Teddy Bear

by lazypeas

Curious Rat

by hairycarrot

Original - Akimbo

by wandamarie

Rose 2005, 8 X 10

by 19Moons

Bettie Page Leopard Print Swimsuit Image Earrings

by BarkerBell

Sweet Pink- Original Chinese Brush Painting

by silentlotus

To see more handmade creations from our Pittsburgh artisans, check out our team's Etsy shop!