An Indie Saturday

The entrance to this year's Indie Craft Parade.

If you follow me on Twitter or Facebook (or frequent my blog), you know I am a big supporter of the arts. I believe art is a vehicle for growth in education and in the community. There's no finer example than a handmade crafts fair. Yesterday, I had the pleasure of visiting the Indie Craft Parade in Greenville. This was Indie's third year at the Huguenot Mill location. As with any reoccurring events, the organizers/vendors find new and exciting ways to display their wares and organize the event. Some great improvements were made with the new location of the free photo booth, provided by Oh Snap!. Also, the volunteer staff helped with the crowding issue by counting heads and letting in a few people at a time. I had the pleasure of seeing vendors from previous years who added new items to their inventory. And let's not forget the brave souls who ventured out for their first show in Greenville. 

Here's a quick overview of the vendors I saw with a link to their shops and websites. Enjoy!

Hawks&Doves and Riproost

Hawks & Doves uses feed bags, grass seeds bags and vintage materials to make pillows and home decor items. Riproost creates custom pieces from recycled materials, like these boxes 

(each contains a handwritten note telling where the material came from).

Third Girl Studio

 Art made from odds and ends (like the old spatula used as a fish fin). Truly unique and quirky!

Jeannette Zeis Ceramics

Art with a function. These pieces are beautifully made and fully customizable. 

Have a piece made for a wedding or birthday with dates and names added. A must see!

Juxtaposition

 Wall hooks, animal magnets, home decor, storage jars and more - all with a touch of whimsy.

Crave

Crave is a one-stop shop for ceramics. Seasonal items as well - cute ghosts that light up for Halloween and beautiful pears you could place on the Christmas tree. 

My personal favorite are the tiny house plant stakes. And don't forget jewelry!

Stitched in Color

Canvas art, aprons, bags, etc - all made from beautiful color swatches of fabric.

Illyria Pottery

A vendor who never ceases to amaze me with their level of craft and beautiful displays. 

You can wear, eat/drink out of, plant something in or display their items.

So She Sew

Clothing made from recycled fabric. Coozies made from plastic bags with awesome sayings like - 

I gotted you a beer...but then I drankted it.

Once Again Sam

A favorite from last year for their "felted curiosities", this year OAS showed a wide variety of earrings and leather cuffs. They even made a pair in honor of Indie Craft!

Finkelstein's Center

Hand-sewn toys with the cutest faces and characterisitics. (Above: sticks and acorns)

Concrete Lace

Handcrafted paper goods - wedding invitations, calligraphy, gift tags (shown above). 

I loved this beautiful print of what is available seasonally in the garden. 

Useful Books

 Handmade eco-friendly travel journals, guest books, photo albums, art journals, writing journals, blank books and sketchbooks for every occasion.

A Darling Day

A Darling Day specializes in wedding day photography and vintage rentals. 

But I fell in love with the printed tea towels!

There were tons of other vendors with beautifully made items. I purchased the cutest camera stamp from The Small Object before I left. The shop makes rubber stamps from the owner's fun doodles and paints heirloom worthy wooden figurines.  

I suggest going to the Indie participants list and click on a few of the ones I didn't mention here. You can choose from the following catergories: 2D and 3D Fine Art, Fiber Art, Paper Goods, To Wear and Everything Else. All of these vendors are very hard working individuals with incredible talents. So, get out and support these local artisans in your area. Or drop by their shops online and get a start on your Christmas list.

Until next time - Happy Browsing and most importantly...let me know what you think.