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Get Crafty: Handmade Arcade

One of Autumn's must-do events, Pittsburgh's first, largest and yes, hippest indie craft fair is now two days and 100 vendors strong.

Where else can you find cleverly constructed wares like duct tape i-Pod cozies, jewelry made out of guitar picks and typewriter keys and pillows constructed from vintage trucker tees? Only at Handmade Arcade, Pittsburgh's premiere indie craft fair, which received the "People’s Choice Award for Favorite Arts Experience" as part of the Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council's 2006 Work of Art Awards.

The most creative way to jumpstart your holiday shopping season, Handmade Arcade features few-of-a-kind products by innovative designers from across the U.S., as well as from Canada and even Japan. Part giant craft shop, part hipster meet-up, Handmade Arcade celebrates the make-it-yourself aesthetic, and has landed Pittsburgh squarely on the handmade nation map. Upcycling, D.I.Y., reconstruction--you'll find it all and more at Handmade Arcade.

New this year are a host of all ages craft demonstrations and activities, from screenprinting with Artists Image Resource, “make and take” zipper pulls with Pat Catan’s, "beaded beads" with Carrie Nardini, and yarn dying by Stacey Wettstein of Knit One. Highlights include Slavic Soul Party DJ Pete Spynda, and spandex-meets-modern-dance performers Jazzercize Troop Radical PGH. The kiddies will dig balloon art with Kristi Ward and Sean Miller, and an illustrated storytelling and drawing workshop led by Joe Wos and sponsored by the Children's Museum of Pittsburgh.

While perusing wares, visitors can nosh on cupcakes, hotdogs, and vegan delights, or shop for recycled building materials at host site, Construction Junction. More than 5,000 avid shoppers turned out in 2006, so arrive early and have cash on hand. The first 100 shoppers each day will receive a Handmade Arcade gift bag stuffed with crafty goodness. Admission and parking are free.



Photograph courtesy of Larry Rippel