The 2009 Bazaar Bizarre San Francisco (BBSF) will
feature 100 of the best indie crafters and designers.
DJs will provide entertainment and food from local
eateries will be available. The event will also serve as
a networking opportunity for indie designers and
businesses. Past Bazaar Bizarre vendors have
included My Paper Crane, Craftster, My Favorite
Mirror, Fred Flare, and Etsy.

Workshops and Demonstrations
Every year we include interactive sessions and craft
demonstrations from local and national crafters and
companies. In addition we will host a two day long
Swap-O-Rama-Rama. Swap-O-Rama-Rama is a
clothing swap and series of do-it-yourself workshops in
which a community explores creative reuse through the
recycling of used clothing. Previous companies include
Get Crafty.com, CRAFTzine, Workman Press and Mrs.
Grossman’s

Website: http://www.bazaarbizarre.org/sanfrancisco/
Date: Dec 12-13 2009 12-6pm
Place: SAN FRANCISCO COUNTY FAIR BUILDING
9th Ave and Lincoln Way in Golden Gate Park 
San Francisco, CA 94122

Login with the username “guest” and the password “pattern”.

Hello, I know what I will be doing this week, just call me ‘guest’!

Their search form looks great and really gives you many options to narrow down what you are looking for. You can find free clothing, needlework, embroidery, crochet and quilting patterns!

Go to it! Let me know what you find!

UPDATED:
So the free pattern downloading started yesterday and ends on August 25th 2009.

This archive is by no means perfect. There are some broken images and finding sewing instructions to go with your pattern pieces appears to be rare. BUT STILL. It’s awesome and having the shape of the pattern pieces is one step in the right direction.

Craftland looks like a swell craft show and it lasts for a WHOLE MONTH (<– crazy awesome idea, eh?) in December. The even better thing is that you don’t have to be there during all that time. It’s set up like a store and so you just send them all your items and they display and sell them for you.

So no matter where you are you can apply to this juried show.

It’s mission is to help their community by reducing waste, creating art and hopefully raising money for some worthy causes.

Wouldn’t getting kids involved in this be a great alternative to having them sell wrapping paper and candy bars on the street? YES! Not only would it help raise money for schools but it could teach kids valuable skills such as sewing and creating art.

If you are local they have distribution sign up days for a week or so every month and you can find out about that here.

There will be an exhibition this October.
FabMo Art Exhibit October 24, 2009 Menlo Park, CA

If you are a business that ends up with such crafty scraps consider donating to this great organization or if you are a charitable org that is looking for fund raising consider checking them out!

Since I am in the Bay Area myself I am most tuned in to things like this from around here. Are there organizations such as this in your area? Tell me about them!

First off BUST Magazine (The magazine for women with something to get off their chests.) is a great mag and you should go subscribe now. The latest issue has a good article with Diablo Cody of Pussy Ranch and Juno fame.
BUST puts on the Holiday Craftacular twice a year as well.

You can follow BUST on twitter and they just posted a link for a 5$ digital subscription to the magazine! That’s a great deal!
Special offer to our Twitter Pals (Twatters?): Get a DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTION for only $5! Use coupon 48F28 http://www.bust.com/amember/signup.php?price_group=5 Exp 8/3

Just yesterday I as going through my tights draw(s)! and realizing that I have an absurd amount of tights some dating back circa 1992. WTH? I’m ditching most of them and keeping some to dye and some to embroider. It’s a good idea! Fall and tights season is coming up fast!

It’s about time to start getting ready for the fall and winter craft shows so go check out this Virtual Lab with Hello Craft! this afternoon!

Etsy Virtual Lab
hosted by Hello Craft

Applying for Craft Fairs
Thursday, June 25th at 5pm EST
Online at Etsy.com

Join Kim, Tina and Sara today at 5pm EST for an Etsy Virtual Lab workshop divulging the best practices to use when applying for a craft show. Etsy Virtual Labs take place on Etsy’s site and will allow us to chat with you and answer your questions in real time! More about virtual labs here.

Want some extra tips on applying to Crafty Bastards? Join us today, June 25! Just go to the Etsy Virtual Labs and log in.

I was SO JEALOUS of the tech people. Hey, I’m crafty but I’m a coder geek too. I spent my morning getting with Wordpress MU and will spend my afternoon cutting fabric for my dress pattern. Maybe I’ve posted before about how much geeking and crafting resemble each other… if not maybe I will soon.

It was great to hear about other peoples Etsy experiences and then hear Esty’s feedback right away. It really makes a big difference for me since I kind of loathe forums and wading through a million pointless user responses.

I ended up having to bring my two year old and so I was kind of distracted, although, I have to say he was pretty good. Loud and squirmy… but good for a two year old!

Two things I wanted to say but was too distracted to get out:

1. I wish it was easier and less time consuming to upload pictures for a listing. Hook it up to Flickr? Allow multiple selections to upload at once? Something like Facebooks little java applet for photo albums?

2. Sub Categories – Whenever I am searching peoples shops I often am frustrated by the category sorting. I want a DRESS in MEDIUM. I don’t want to sort through 45 pages of small dresses.

I was happy to hear all the items that are high up on the Etsy’s development list and the possible new features. Shop rearranging is exciting and I liked the idea of a ‘Buy it Now’ widget for the Etsy Mini Shop’s and I might be willing to pay for that on a click by click basis.

Thanks Etsy peeps!

Check here for the tour schedule.

> Introduce yourself!
My name is Jamie. I started my career as a marine biologist. During
graduate school I got interested in education, art and knitting. So I started my first web business selling handmade yarn and crafts. I currently work at a university, co-own two fiber arts businesses, as
well as co-produce a craft show called Bazaar Bizarre San Francisco and Bazaar Bizarre Maker Faire.

> Tell us a bit about Mary Jane’s Attic and Urban Fauna Studio.
Mary Jane’s Attic is a web store that specializes in fiber and supplies for the spinner, knitter, and felter. In addition I am co-owner of Urban Fauna Studio. Urban Fauna Studio sells indie made and eco-friendly craft supplies and tools. We focus on ecologically and socially considerate manufacturing practices (i.e.
no-petrochemicals used, sustainable raw fibers and woods, biodegradable products, and recycled materials), products made in the US and handmade items. We take pride in supporting our fellow indie crafters and sell yarn and fiber art supplies from over 35+ different
indie artists. We also offer a revolving series of arts and crafts workshops for small groups.

> How long have you been involved with Bazaar Bizarre?
Since 2006

> What is your favorite part of the show?
Well to be honest….the SHOPPING! Where else can I shop with over 90+ indie artists all in one place? Being able to talk to the person behind the product is the best feeling as a consumer. I realize the investment they’ve made in their work and it reminds me that my decision to buy handmade supports American artists and my goal for a
more sustainable, local economy. In general, the Bazaar Bizarre shows create a positive sense of community! The vendors love being there and the customers are equally positive and respectful of the handmade movement. Artists are not lost in mix of commercial and non-craft
vendors like many other shows and street festivals. Our focus is on the DIY movement and the indie spirit that makes it so special.

> What’s new and exciting this year?
We’re really excited to announce that over half of our vendors are new and emerging crafters This means they have never vended at a craft show or never vended in a Bazaar Bizarre. We’re also proud to be
supporting returning vendors who have been with us for years. These are quality artists and craftspeople Maker Faire attendees have come to know and love (Ach Ach Liebling, NifNaks, my windup bird t-shirts, etc…). We’re lucky to have the Buyer and Store Manager at Museum of
Craft and Folk Art Kpoene Kpfi-Bruce, Natalie Zee-Drieu and Becky Stern of Craftzine as our guest judges for this year. This was a great mix of expertise and style that helped determine our current vendors out of the 200+ applicants we received.

Maker Faire continues to get bigger and better with every show, not something easily achievable with our declining economic times. What amazes me is the overwhelming agreement of everyday people, makers and crafters alike, to support what Make and Craftzine are doing this year: to rally for a more sustainable America! Take a day (or two!) to celebrate individual creativity and grassroots innovation in the largest festival devoted to DIY culture and technology in the country.

The show is May 17th 12pm-7pm at the Warsaw in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, NY

You can apply for the Spring Fling Craftacular Show sponsored by BUST magazine here.

BUST Magazine’s Spring Fling Craftacular is a lovely Garden Party themed shopping affair running from 12pm until 7pm at The Warsaw in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, featuring over 50 crafters, DJs, drinks, and dancing. Shoppers can sip on springy cocktails and nosh on pierogies, learn about guerilla gardening, how to grow their own food and supporting local farms. BUST Magazine will be hand-picking over 50 of the most unique and talented crafters from across the country to participate. Click here for more information about the BUST Spring Fling Craftacular.

Who: 150 artists & live music all day
What: Affordable, unique, and high quality art and crafts. Free and open to the public.
When: Saturday, May 30th from 11-7pm & Sunday, May 31st from 11-6pm
Where: Penn’s Landing Great Plaza – on Columbus Boulevard between Walnut Street and Market Street

http://www.artstarcraftbazaar.com/

You can look here to see vendors that participated in their previous shows.

Here is the description of the class designed by Elsie of A Beautiful Mess and Rachel of Bling on My Sewing Machine

This is an 8 week class by Rachel Denbow & Elsie Flannigan. We are teaching this class together. There are projects by each of us and many that we have developed together!
The class begins February 15th and lasts for 8 full weeks. There are a total of 30 projects that are spread out evenly over the 8 weeks. The class is hosted on a private blog that only students can see. It’s a lot of fun and a great way for us to get to know each other! Each project includes lots of photos & step-by-step instructions (PDFs are included for projects with patterns!).

This list of projects looks pretty delectable but also a bit daunting. Do they have nothing else to do?!? Like breathe? or EAT?

Project List
(so you know all of the *fun* you are in for!!!)
1. Color Me Happy Rainbow Scrapbook
2. ‘X Marks the Spot’ Picnic Blanket
3. Felt Teepee Village
4. ‘Hide them Here’ Journal Covers
5. Not Your Grandma’s Doily Throw
6. Spring Buds Jersey Scarf
7. Family Portrait Felt Wall Art
8. Panda Bear Plushie
9. Paint Your Own Pillow
10. Say Cheese Embroidered Photo Art
11. Sorbet Surprise Needlepoint Art
12. Don’t Be Shady Felt Sunglasses Case
13. Happy Thrifties (Tips & Tricks for Reworking & Remaking Vintage Clothing!)
14. Vintage Tray Calendar
15. Hand Carved Stamp Tutorial
16. Springtime Apron Pattern
17. I Heart Handmade Mobile
18. Tank Tops + Doilies = True Love
19. Textile Reconstructions from Flea Market Finds
20. Color Block Chair Cushions
21. Plushie Sewing Machine & Camera Doll Patterns!
22. Small Space Makeover Tutorial
23. Cherry Blossom Spring Garland
24. Protect Your Adult Furniture with Embroidered Linen Coasters
25. Perfect for Spring Broach Patterns
26. Shiny Shoes Makeover
27. Wood Grain Wall Art
28. Fancy Dress Doily Necklace
29. Use It Or Lose It Patchwork Pillow
30. 40 Brand New Embroidery Designs by the Red Velvet Girls!!!

I’m tempted to sign up! It’s only 60$ and right now I feel VERY motivated to help out the entrepreneurs in teh craft world. You can find the link for the paypal button on either blog. Here is the post on Bling on My Sewing Machine. The other cool thing about this is that IT WONT SELL OUT because there is no reason for there to be a class limit. Supplies are supplied by the student so many people can participate and add to the experience. I think that’s great!

SF Bay Area

**The Crucible – Annual Holiday Gifty Art Sale & Open House
Saturday & Sunday, December 13th & 14th
10AM to 4PM • FREE ADMISSION

**Oakland DIY EXPO - The Stork Club Sunday 8pm (I’ll be at this one!)

**Underground Bazaar –
Sunday, Dec. 14, 12 until 5
6th & Irving, Inner Sunset in S.F

**Feria Urbana
Pizzaolio
Saturday December 13, 2008 10am -3 pm

Los Angeles

the Pehr space(craft)
In Echo Park
Saturday, December 13, from 5pm-12am

Portland. OR

Crafty Wonderland
The 2nd Sunday of Every Month
at Doug Fir Lounge, 830 E. Burnside, Portland, OR
11am-4pm * All Ages * Free Admission

Washington DC

Craft Mutiny Holiday Trunk Show
Saturday, December 13, 2008 — 10am-5pm
Design Within Reach – Georgetown
3307 Cady’s Alley N.W.
Washington, DC 20007

NEW YORK, NY

The BUST holiday craftacular
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2008
10:00 AM – 7:30 PM
Metropolitan Pavilion
125 West 18th Street, NYC
(please note venue and date change)

If I missed a craft show in your area please email me and I will add it!

Craftland is a ongoing holiday craft extravaganza – from December 5-24th! That’ a LONG craft fair. I so so so want to go to this! Next year maybe! People in RI need spats, eh?

Craftland is an annual retail craft show in a unique consignment store format in downcity Providence, RI. The shop has featured eclectic arts and crafts from artists near and far (Australia!). Participants are selected through a jurying process.

Your purchase benefits more than just the recipient. Craftland also donates 5% of proceeds to local arts-related non-profits to help continue in its mission to provide and enable economic opportunities for emerging and professional artists and crafters.

Craftland Blog
Directions and Parking

Get ready folks because we’ve got a bigger and better show for you this year! This year Bazaar Bizarre San Francisco will feature 115 + indie craft vendors, live music from the popular local band StitchCraft, DJ stylin’ from DJ Nick and Mark Johns of Slide and Spin Studios, hand crafted vegan cupcakes from Sugar Beat Sweets, friendly UPS volunteers serving up hot coffee, tea, snacks and yummy food to benefit Self-Help for the Elderly and a fun line up of affordable craft workshops all day long!

Sunday November 30th 2008
10:00am – 5:00pm
San Francisco County Fair Building Golden Gate Park, San Francisco
$1 at the door
*Goodie Bags for the first 300 Customers*

Take one or ALL of our affordable craft workshops including a lecture and discussion with the world famous mother of the Hand Spun Revolution Lexi Boeger of Pluckyfluff, DIY Holiday Pop Up Cards with Sugene of All This Is Mine, Wool Felt Birds with Fabric Fun of SF and Make a Wee Felt Penguin Ornament with Nancy Flynn of Get Crafty!