I was very lucky to be invited for the Buyers Market of American Craft this weekend. This show is not open to the general public – only press (that’s me!) and buyers for stores, boutiques, and galleries that feature handmade work.
Two Sweet Peas by KnitKnit
This year, the event organizers made a concerted effort to invite the indie crowd to participate in the show. They sent out personal invitations to Etsy teams, offering shared booths and exposure to a whole new level of business! At least 7 teams participated – forgive me if I lost track, this event was massive – and they truly represented the best of indie craft!
Tina the Llama Cloth Napkins by Cakehouse
My friend Alex, a boutique owner, and I spent a good while talking to the ladies from the {New New} York Etsy Team. The ladies were excited to be some place where so many people were making a living from their craft.
Pillows by Alexandra Ferguson (felt made from plastic bottles)
We had a great conversation about the new ways we approaching reading & news in contemporary society, spurred by the “read books not blogs” bookmark by Beacon Bookmarks. I made the point that the former bookstore employee in me totally stands behind their product. However, the blogger in me is slightly offended! But truly, each of us agreed that both books & blogs have their place – whew! – and it’s magazines that are going the way of the dinosaur.
“Read books not blogs” bookmark by Beacon Bookmarks
In the shop local column, I’ve tried to shy away from featuring really large metropolitan areas, like New York City. But these guys were awesome!! So personable and so passionate about their work.
Silkscreened tank dress by Kimmchi
So I had to share them with you, dear readers.
Tara Gentile
Tara Gentile is the editor of Scoutie Girl - the blog with a penchant for the passionately handmade! She is also creator & editor of Handmade in PA, a blog and online community that supports arts & crafts in Pennsylvania.you might also like...
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Shop Local: {New New} York Etsy Team :: Featured on Try Handmade: I was very lucky to be invited for the Buyers .. http://bit.ly/OQLts
did I mention what a good time we had at BMAC this weekend http://bit.ly/WrwZ9
I love the “read books not blogs” bookmark. It a total cool diss to bloggers. I also came across a t-shirt that says ” No one cares about your blog” that I also must get my hands on.
.-= urban craft’s latest post: This is not how this was supposed to work! =-.
It seems like great oportunity of finding great creations:)
Thank you for sharing
For sure it was a great fun .
What an incredible opportunity to see and appreicate handmade objects at a venue in New York City. A few years ago we were lucky enough to participate in the Accessory the Show in NYC. It was expensive, busy, and an incredible opportunity to meet successful sale people, wonderful shop owners and other participants. Lifetime friendships were made.
We make purses, bags, computer sleeves, cloth napkins and table cloths. Are products are made from eco friendly, upcycled fabrics. We use only fabrics which have had a prior life or destined for the landfill
We have now been making eco friendly products for eleven years and still enjoying it!
Thanks Suzanne, Linda and Jennie (3 Green Sisters)