Cut the Craft! 2009

If you didn't make it to Cut the Craft! this weekend in the Manayunk section of Philadelphia, you really missed out on a treat (but thank goodness for the internet because you can still purchase items from these sellers online!). Local green fashion heroes, Scott and Maryanne of Sardine Clothing Company organized the event that showcased a nicely balanced variety of locally made and ecologically responsible goods. My co-conspirators, Beth and Maria came along to get a jump on their holiday shopping and found a plethora of charming and affordable gifts.

photo courtesy of Sardine Clothing

27 vendors filled the former factory space at 376 Shurs Lane, many of which had been at Crafty Bastards in DC in October, and will be at more shows coming up next month. The smaller venue made for better chatting with the artists and easier browsing.

Jennifer McBrien of JennyJen42 creates the cutest appliqued pillows, bags, and accessories ever! That is, when she's not busy teaching art to high school kids or painting.

 

Squeeeee! Plush toy designer, Jen Bennett Gubicza of Zooguu , is shown here with her ingenious astroturf-lined display and squee-worthy characters.

Mama Ma i's colorful ribbon-trimmed baby items include "fidget" fiddle toys, burp cloths, and colorful dolls designed by Jessica Perkins and tested by her own little one.

Sara Selepouchin of Girls Can Tell puts her architectural training to good use through her diagrams of everyday things screen printed on kitchen towels, oven mitts, placemats, journals, and book pages.

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Architects and designers, Christina and Kimberlee of Rogue Theory, displayed a cheerful array of clutch purses, wallets and other small items just perfect for gifts.

Sardine Clothing Company didn't disappoint with their one-of-a-kind urban chic skirts, scarves, and bags made locally from reclaimed t-shirts and sweaters. These folks are my upcycling gurus!

Josh Harmony makes modern pottery that juxtaposes geometric motifs on organic forms using a pleasing color palette. You'd better hurry if you want one of his vessels, he's off to Brazil for adventures on Dec 8th.

We got sidetracked at Lisa Volta's soap, bath salts, lip balm, and fragrance display, compelled to smell everything. The Volta Soap line contains no animal products, uses only all-natural essential oils, and is handmade locally.

The sweet selection of ribbon and button-embellished cards at aptly-named Sugar Paperie invited prolonged browsing. Owner Monica Stroter was pleasant to chat with as well.

More great gifts were to be found at Pinkkiss Pottery. Shauna Pincus features her sensitive line drawings on anything from spoon rests to a full place setting of dinnerware.

There were too many great sellers and items to describe them all here. There is no reason to buy mass-produced foreign-made gifts with the amazing work being done by our local artisans! More indie craft shows are coming up over the next few weekends if you missed this one. Bazaart on Nov 27-28 in Baltimore, Crafty Balboa on Dec 5 in Philadelphia, Holiday Heap on Dec 5 in Baltimore, Bazaar Bizarre in Boston on Dec 6th and San Francisco on Dec 12-13. Many, many more shows all over the country are listed here.