Craftwork: Still Avoiding the Mall
If the Chillin' show at the Mezzanine was any indication of how busy this years crop of Craft shows is going to be, we're in for a great December. With about 60 designers, several DJ's and what seemed like thousands of people, Saturday's show was one big, bumpin' party. At times it got a little too crowded for our tastes, making it hard for people to get to tables and actually see what designers were selling. But most of the designers seemed pretty happy, and really, it was just the beginning for many of them.
Some of our favorites who we hope to run into at another event soon included, Yellow Cherry, who does some fine metal work and had with her some adorable plushy cats she made just for the show. Mitten Maker who had the genius idea of making wallets out of old tennis racket covers. They were sewed perfectly and we loved the stylish use of a recycled product. Mitten Maker also had some great clothes with her. We also loved the guy selling just hoods, packaged like meat in a white styrofoam tray sealed with saran wrap. We were so taken with his creations and all the people walking around in his hoodies that we forgot to pick up his card. So let us know if you know the designer we're thinking of. We can't help but drool over Sita Rupe's paintings, one of which is pictured here, and this time we went home with one. We also got word that the Guerilla Fashionista show at Foreign Cinema on Sunday was excellent.
By SFist Christina Loff, contributing
Image by Sita Rupe
Like we said, this week-end was only the beginning of what promises to be a good month for supporting your local crafters and designers. Here's a list of some of what's going on this week, as always, feel free to comment with more info on other trunk shows we may not list here. And as always, happy crafty shopping!
Spend this Wednesday at the Candy Store, where the you can listen to McSweeney's authors, Lisa Brown and Evany Thomas talk about their books and shop for local goods at the same time! There will be drinks and snacks, it's free and starts at 7pm.
Bring yourself out to The Canvas Gallery for Feria Urbana on Thursday night. Held several times a month (even when it's not this mad shopping season) this event features some fine designers, we always find great jewelry at this one.
On Saturday night Alterstate is happening at the Cellspace from 8pm-2am. Five bucks at the door. Includes live performances, interactive adventures, trunk show, and a fashion performance, sounds like a fantastic sensory explosion to us.
Sunday the 10th go to Fashionfest at 12 Galaxies. Free of charge, tons of designers, crafters and strong bloody marys.
And don't forget the KPFA Crafts & Music Fair is also going on Saturday and Sunday from 10am-6pm both days.