The upcoming
Handmade Arcade, Pittsburgh's award-winning independent craft fair, hits the holiday shopping trifecta: It's a great place to buy local, a great place to find gifts crafted from recycled materials, and a great place to find one-of-a-kind gifts at very affordable prices.
More than 300 crafters and artisans applied to be included in this year's Handmade Arcade, which was founded in 2004. Of those applicants, 90 of the most talented and cutting-edge were chosen. Many hail from Pittsburgh and the surrounding region, but handcrafted products from seven states will be on display when Handmade Arcade takes over the Hunt Armory (324 Emerson St., Shadyside) on Dec. 12.
Created as a grassroots effort to showcase local crafters working outside Pittsburgh's fine arts sector, Handmade Arcade has grown into a high-profile event with a loyal following and a dedicated staff.
"We volunteer our time, and we use all the money we make to put on the event the next year," says Jill Chisnell, one of the organizers.
The sale drew 8000 shoppers last year, and organizers are expecting another strong turnout this year. "It is definitely a kid-friendly event, with tons of strollers and tons of kids around," Chisnell says. "You'll find everything from jewelry to paper goods and cards, journals, clothing and screen-printed t-shirts. And a lot of people, I would say the majority of the crafters or at least half, use recycled materials."
Featured local vendors will be on site to talk about creating their wares. Admission is free, local food vendors will be selling refreshments (look for Dozen, Franktuary, Coca Café and Coco's Cupcake Café) and the first 100 shoppers to arrive will receive a swag bag stuffed with "crafty goodies." Guest DJs (including J. Malls of Interval and Title Town, Pete Spynda of Pandemic and DJ Tanner) will keep the crowd entertained.
Early Birdie passes, which provide admission to shop 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. (one hour before the event is opened to the public) and also free gifts, "have been selling well" says Chisnell, but "we still have some left." The cost $15 and only 150 will be issued.
Writer: Melissa Rayworth
Source: Jill Chisnell, Handmade Arcade
Image courtesy of Handmade Arcade