Press for local indie crafters

Lots of press for some of our local indie crafters. 

 COOB Originals was included on the on the Inlu blog about holiday gift ideas that give back.

Beth Robinson of Strange Dolls was featured on Geeks of Doom.

South End Holiday Hop

December 10,11,12
Throughout the South End of Burlington Vermont

4th Annual South End Holiday Hop. Artist Market and Open Studio. Shop local, support your community, see your neighbors and buy amazing wonderful goods for all your holiday needs.

Check out their Facebook Event Page

Queen City Craft Bazaar Pictures

Here are the pictures from the Holiday Queen City Craft Bazaar 2010.  Thanks to Matt Ames for shooting the show for me.  Click on any one of the pictures below to see the full set.

www.flickr.com

Friend or Fan?

Facebook.  We all love it, we sometimes hate it, but the reality is Facebook has changed the way we interact with each other and surprisingly the way we do business.  There are so may discussions we could have around how Facebook can help your indie craft business, but I am going to start with the most basic one today.  What type of page do you create?

This topic is sort of a pet peeve of mine and writing about it will probably help explain to several people who have recently "friended" me, why I have not accepted.  I have a rule and it is as simple as this.  I don't "friend" a business.  Set up a business/fan page and I'll "like" you for sure, but sending out a Facebook friend request for a business is a no no in my book.  Here's why:


When you become friends with someone on Facebook the other person has access to your personal profile.  Let's role play here.  Say Queen City Craft decided to set up a Facebook page but went with a personal page where I have to "friend" people to get my followers.  I do some promotion to build my following and someone named Beth decides to become friends with my QCCB page.  After she friends me I now have access to her personal profile page because she told Facebook that we are friends and according to her settings her friends can see her wall posts, photos and info page.  She will get my updates, but I will also get hers.  Beth realizes this and decides to stop being friends of QCCB.  She is bummed because she wants to stay connected to QCCB, but she doesn't want QCCB to know all about her Friday night adventures.

The flip side of this is setting up a business page instead.  In this situation QCCB sets up a business page and people "like" it by clicking a button instead of having to send out "friend" requests.  There are several reasons why a business page is better:

1. You will build a bigger and better fan base
2. People will be "like" you more often than they would "friend" you because of privacy concerns.
3. You have the ability to promote your business with ads
4. Business pages come with built in insights so you can have visibility to how engaged people are with your brand page.
5. More robust marketing tools

If QCCB set up  business page instead of a personal page this means Beth could "like" the QCCB page which allows her to stay up to day with what QCCB is doing because whenever they post something to their wall it will show up in Beth's news feed.  The biggest difference here is that what Beth posts on her own Facebook page is NOT seen by QCCB.  QCCB would have no access to Beth's page.

I encounter this situation all the time.  I have several "friend" requests right now in my inbox from businesses and I feel terrible because I just can't "friend" them back.  In some cases we are actually friends in real life, but I can't break my rule.  I don't "friend" businesses.

What can you do?  If you are still thinking about whether you should get your indie biz on Facebook the answer is YES (I'll go into more of that later).  When you decide to make the leap please consider setting up your Facebook page as a business page instead of a personal one.  If you have already set one up and want to switch you may be hesitant thinking you will lose your current following.  My advice is DO IT!  Create the fan page and post it on your current page, message all your "friends" telling them to jump over and "like" you on your new page.  Leave it up there for a while until you see people making the switch.  It will be well worth it.  I promise.

Shop local this weekend!

The Women's Festival of Crafts is happening this weekend!  Don't spend your money at the big box stores this Friday.  Boycott Black Friday big box shopping and support local crafters instead.  The event starts this Friday 11/26 from 5pm-9pm and runs through Sunday 11/28.  That's right - you have three days to shop your heart out. 

Check out all the vendors HERE!

Open call to Artists

 

The S.P.A.C.E. Gallery will be accepting work for its annual 'Small Works' Holiday Show, opening December 3rd. Work must be no larger than 12" in any direction, 2" allowance for frame. There is a 'small' fee of $5/ piece, and no more than 10 pieces will be accepted per artist.
Email spacegalleryvt@gmail.com for application or check the website for info www.spacegalleryvt.com.

Thank you!

This past Saturday was the 5th Queen City Craft Bazaar.  This unique Vermont craft show made it's come back in the holiday circuit and I would say it came back with a bang.  I was blown away by the steady flow of customers from the moment the door opened at 10:00.  The energy in this building was buzzing with creativity from both the vendors and customers.  Thank you to everyone who came out to support indie craft.  I will have an album of photos from the show posted soon.

I am already starting to plan the spring show so if you are a vendor interested in applying keep checking back in the coming months for info.    I have a few new ideas up my sleeve for the next show.

Just because the show is over doesn't mean Queen City Craft goes away.  The website will continue to get updated with vendor spotlights, news and events, resource info and much more.  I am hoping to start up a series of gatherings called "The Business of Craft".  The first will focus on digital marketing and web analytics.  I'll post more info once this idea comes to life.

Thanks again! 

Today is the day!

2010 Holiday Queen City Craft Bazaar

TODAY!  Saturday November 20th

10am-5pm

Union Station at 1 Main St. Burlington VT
Free Parking (in lot next to building) or take the college street shuttle (for free) and it will drop you off right at the front door!

Free Admission!

After months of hard work the day is finally here.  Today from 10-5pm you can check out Vermont's indie craft show at Union Station, 1 Main Street in Burlington VT.  Each show I am blown away by the amazing vendors who apply to the show.  This one is no exception.  Stop by and give it a try. 

Shop local, shop handmade!

In the news!

The Queen City Craft Bazaar and local artist Jess Graham were featured on the front page of the Vermont section of the Burlington Free Press today!  Read the article here

Thanks to the Free Press for choosing to highlight some local crafters and the show!  I want to take just a moment to clarify a one part of the article to my readers.

I did not organize the first holiday QCCB in 2007 as the article states.  The show started then, but it was first organized by Sara DeFilippi of the late Made Boutique & Gallery.  I took over the name and continued producing the show after she moved out of state and handed it over to me.


thanks!

Vendor Spotlight- Small Equals

Dubbed "A Tiny Treasure" by the Burlington Free Press, Small Equals is a 90 sq. ft shop run by Liza Cowan, artist, designer and former curator of Pine Street Art Works.

Small Equals sells only small goods in our 90 square foot shop. They feature personalized gift-building with Keepsake Card Kits, their  own line of greeting cards nestled in Vermont-made wooden boxes, filled with your choice of fun, eclectic and wonderful things.

Liza will be bringing her Keepsake Card Kits to the Queen City Craft Bazaar on Saturday Nov. 2oth.  Her booth will be located on the top level of Union Station.  I have a feeling these will be hot sellers at the show. Stop by and build your own gift! 

Be there!

New Etsy Holiday Badges!

Make a Badge for Your Shop

When you click on the badge you want, it will automatically generate a link back to your shop. (Double check that you’re signed in to the right account!) If you’re having trouble, make sure your browser is not disabling pop-ups.


Get your holiday Etsy badge here

Vendor Spotlight - The Candy Thief

Casey Dwyer is the woman behind Candy Thief and she will be joining the Queen City Craft Bazaar for the first time next Saturday on November 20th.  Casey is a talented artist and designer who started Candy Thief in 2006.  She is best known for her unique line of hair accessories, but she also makes handbags, pillows and even some clothing!

Casey describes her Candy Thief pieces as "a place or surface where all her passions meet. A love of printmaking, folk art, fashion, nature, color, and the traditional arts are stitched together to create an absolutely one of a kind, handmade look."

I couldn't agree more.

Learn more about Casey and The Candy Thief at http://www.candythief.net   and make sure you stop by Union Station at 1 Main Street in Burlington on Saturday November 20th from 10am -5pm.  The Candy Thief will be located on the top level.

Vendor Spotlight - Nicole's Threads

Nicole Carey of Nicole's Threads is back at the Queen City Craft Bazaar selling her unique handmade creations. Nicole embodies what the Queen City Craft Bazaar is all about. She is a true indie designer. She combines great colors and textures to create everything from clothing to jewelry and accessories. Make sure you stop by her booth on November 20th.

Vendor Spotlight - John Brickels

John Brickels will be joining the Queen City Craft Bazaar for the first time this holiday season.  John has been creating stoneware sculputure for over 35 years.   Known mostly for his larger scale pieces, John will be offering the Queen City Craft Bazaar community a selection of smaller pieces including his new mini robots called  lil' bots.  I am excited to welcome John to the show.  Be sure to check out his work in person on November 20th.

Getting ready

The weeks are flying by and we are now so close to the November 20th holiday show I am starting to freak out a bit.  Producing a craft show is a lot of work and when you also work full time outside of the home, and have two kids it is even more work.  On top of that I also make my own products to sell at the show so needless to say I am starting to ask myself how the heck I do it all.

Despite the craziness I am so excited about the line up of vendors we have for the show.  After many many weeks of dealing with applications, jurying, making floor plans, buying ads, ordering posters, and lots of online promotion it all comes full circle the day of the show as I walk around and marvel at the mix of talent.  It is very difficult handpicking vendors.  There are years I want to just open it up and have it be first come first serve, but that would not be in the best interest of the event.  I enjoy seeing the hard work come to life as the vendors set up their booths and I get to see my ideas on paper come to life.  

The challenges are worth it.  The enthusiasm of the vendors and the customers keep me going and I look forward to seeing everyone again in a few short weeks.

If you haven't checkout out the Queen City Craft Facebook page head on over and become a fan.  It is an active page and will give you a sneak peek at some of the vendors.  You can also RSVP to the event page so you can be sure not to miss the event on Nov. 20th.

Calling all budding photographers!

Photographer has been found. Thanks for all those who contacted me. I'll need a volunteer again in the spring.




I am looking for a budding photographer who might be interested in volunteering their time to take pictures at the Queen City Craft Bazaar on November 20th. I would need this person to take pictures of each vendor and some overall shots of the event.

If interested please email me at queencitycraftbazaar@gmail.com

thanks!

Vendor Spotlight - Rebel Intuitive

Based out of Montpelier VT Beckie Sheloske creates handcrafted, botanical perfumes, colognes, and essences.  I have had the pleasure of sampling some of Beckies creations and I am excited to share them with the community by having her sell at the Queen City Craft Bazaar.  Check out her Facebook page to learn more about Rebel Intuitive and check out her products in person on November 20th.

BCA Holiday Artist Market now accepting applications!

BCA Holiday Artist Market
December 17th and 18th, 2010

Postmark deadline: Friday, October 15th, 2010

Hello artists!

We will be holding our Annual Holiday Artist Market on Friday, December 17th from 12-8 pm and Saturday December 18th from 10-6pm in the Contois Auditorium in Burlington City Hall. We will not be holding a jury, but we ask that all artists who do not exhibit at the BCA Summer Artist Market to include 4-6 printed images with their application. Existing BCA Summer Artist Market members are guaranteed a space at the Holiday Artist Market. Please let us know as soon as possible whether you are interested in participating.

Payment and space:
34 spaces are available. Each space is approx. 8’x 6’.
Space fee is $90 to participate in both days. Participation is mandatory for both days
Make checks payable to: Burlington City Arts.

Set Up:
Set-up will be Friday, 9 am to Noon and Saturday 9am to 10am.
Break down will be from 6pm to 8pm Saturday evening. Please keep in mind that there is no vehicle access to Church at that time.
You must bring everything that you need for your own booth – Tables, chairs etc.
Electricity is available. Please bring heavy-duty extension cords, a power strip and duct tape.
There is vehicle access to the front of City Hall on Church Street until about 10 am.
Please move your vehicle as soon as you are done loading in.
We recommend carpooling or being dropped off because it is often difficult to find parking in Burlington.

Please return the application and checks to:
Emily Lawrence
Firehouse Gallery
Attn: Holiday Artist Market
149 Church Street, Burlington, Vermont 05401

*If your application is not accepted, your check will be voided.
*Submission material will not be returned.

For questions, please contact:
Jen Wagner, Holiday Artist Market Coordinator
jwagnerdesignz@yahoo.com

Vendor Spotlight - Recycle Moe

From upcycled journals, to capes and bibs made from recycled products, Moe of Recycle Moe does it all. Come see her creations on November 20th at the Queen City Craft Bazaar!

Re-Construct DVD trailer

Check out the trailer for Re-Construct DVD - teaching you 11 original step-by-step projects friendly to the Earth and your budget.

Horray for May Day Studio!

Vermont indie crafter and Queen City Craft Bazaar vendor May Day Studio just had her products featured in the October issue of Martha Stewart Living. Congrats!

Posters!

The holiday Queen City Craft Bazaar posters are finished! Thanks to Hillary from Robot Dinosaur for helping out with the posters again this year!

This is the web version which can be used to help promote the show online. Share it on Facebook, put it up on your blog, your website and email it out to everyone you know.

Print version will be coming soon.

The holiday show line up

The holiday vendor list is now complete! 

Take a sneak peek at some of the amazing work you will find at the holiday Queen City Craft Bazaar on Nov. 20th at Union Station. 


Check out the list here.

Hello my crafty friends!

Last night I finished sending out all of the emails notifying vendors of their status in the show.  If you applied but did not receive an email check your junk folder.  If you still don't see anything let me know and I will resend.  Everyone gets an email from me regardless of if you got in or not.

I just want to say thank you to all who applied for the holiday show.  I know I say this every time, but it is very difficult having to turn people away.  I hope people don't take it personally.  It is never a reflection of the quality of your work.  I am acting more like a curator of a show and I do my best to present a selection of vendors who for one jive with the ideas and principles of Queen City Craft and also who as a group will mesh well.

So thanks again for the support.  I will be posting the final vendor here on the website later today.

Deadline for holiday QCCB is almost here!

The deadline for the holiday Queen City Craft Bazaar is only a few days away.  September 23 is coming fast!  If you haven't yet applied get those applications in now!

Applications are now closed.  Thanks for applying!

Local Press for local designers - Maggie Rose Bogosian

Maggie Rose Bogosian is a co-worker of mine and also an amazing local talent.  Her work was recently on display at the Burton Snowboards employee Art Hop show as well as at the fashion and accessory bazaar also put on by SEABA.   The Burlington Free Press recently interviewed Maggie about her silk painting featured in the Art Hop last weekend as well as her other creative passions.  Read it here.  Her main medium right now is weaving wearable art which you can check out at her online shop Boda.boDa

Holiday QCCB

Applications for the holiday edition of the Queen City Craft Bazaar are rolling in.  I am beyond thrilled with the selection so far.  Applications are still being accepted.  Deadline is September 23rd.  Spread the word.

Apply Now!

Skateboard Dunny by COOB Originals

I was going to write a blog post about this amazing skateboard Dunny made from broken skateboards from Calvin of COOB Original's,  but the blog from Kidrobot beat me to it.  Calvin is an amazing talent and someone who makes me laugh a lot. Check out the blog post to see how this skateboard Dunny came to life. 

Finding Inspiration

I am often asked by people "how do you do it all?"  They ask this question typically because I am a mother of two boys, I work a full time job outside of the home as a Web Analyst, I run my own indie craft business Subsixstudios, and I run Queen City Craft.  The answer I always give is "I don't."

I know a lot of crafty and creative people who always say they don't have the time to spend on their own creative interests.  This is true for most everyone I know.  Those of us who are trying to make a go of it, and those who can't seem to find a way to start.  Is there a trick?  No.  The only way to make it happen is to try.  No one is judging how much time you can put in.  I never have hours on end to spend on my side businesses.  When I wasn't working full time I did, but since going back to work a year ago that time started collecting dust in my basement on top of my once active craft studio.  Speaking of studio space - this is usually the second obstacle people mention to me as a reason to not get dirty with their supplies.  I know a few people who have studio spaces away from their homes, but most people I know don't.  We work in basements, spare rooms, kitchen tables, sheds, garages, mud rooms, and closets.

The key is to be as organized as you can be.  If you are able to find a free space in your house set up a table, get some storage bins or shelves and organize your supplies so it is easy to work in your small space.  If you do not have a free space in your home it is possible to craft on a kitchen or dining room table.  Again the key is organization.  You obviously will need to pull out all of your supplies and set them up to work as well as pack it all up at the end of the night and put it away so you have a place to eat in the morning.  Again, this is where having bins, trays, bowls etc . . . to work on comes in handy.

Finding the time is a tough battle for everyone.  Most of us create at night after we get home from work, kids are in bed, dishes are (sometimes) done, and usually not after all chores are completed.  Finding the time means making the time.  It means getting off the couch and turning off the TV.  It also means letting go of the need to finish your chores.  You don't need to do this every night, but I think the dust bunnies will understand if you let them shuffle around the floor one more day.

So if you are interested in pursuing your creative interest the best way is to just dive on in.  Let go of your fears and loosen the tight time band we tend to put on our lives.

Local Press for local designers

Look who was featured in the Seven Days 2010-2011Burlington Off Campus Guide called What's Good.  Erinn Simon of urban farmgirl, Calvin of COOB Originals and Tessa and Torrey of New Duds.

All three of these designers are past vendors of the Queen City Craft Bazaar.  Congrats!

Thanks to Calvin for sharing the story and letting me use your picture.  You can read the blog post here.

You can also check out the online version of the guide here.

Calling all indie crafters, artists and designers!

Applications are now being accepted for the holiday edition of the Queen City Craft Bazaar.

The show will be held on Saturday Nov 20th at Union Station in Burlington, VT

APPLY NOW!

Holiday QCCB

Hello all my crafty friends,

Based on feedback from customers and vendors I am going to be setting up a Holiday Queen City Craft Bazaar. The tentative date is Saturday Nov. 20th. Look for applications soon. Spread the word.

BCA meeting tonight - New North End of Burlington

Burlington City Arts (BCA) in conjunction with the South End Arts & Business Association (SEABA) is proud to announce a series of meetings bringing together Burlington artists and members of the creative economy in a step towards identifying ways to continue to develop and strengthen the arts and creative culture as a key Burlington asset.

Tonight!

Monday, August 23rd, 5:30pm – 7:30pm
New North End Neighborhood Meeting:
Miller Center Gymnasium, 130 Gosse Court

Crafter Spotlight - Martha Pullen

Sweet Avenue - Creations by Martha Pullen
Handmade Jewelry & Beaded Jewelry Repair
website
Facebook

1. Tell us a little bit about your business and how you got started.

My business is called Sweet Avenue. I make all kinds of jewelry, but lately I've been focusing on two types of items, my collage pendants (lightweight acrylic pendants with images transferred onto colorful scrapbooking papers), and my resin flower jewelry and accessories. I started beading with seed beads at summer camp when I was eight years old, and have been making jewelry ever since. Since I was making more jewelry than I could ever possibly wear, this past spring I started Sweet Avenue (and my shop on Etsy.com). It's been a wonderful creative project that has taken off way faster than I had expected, and I'm having a blast!

2. Who/what inspires you?

Etsy itself has been a great source of inspiration, and I'm so glad I discovered it. There are so many talented, creative, imaginative people on the site. You can find every type of awesome handmade product that you could possibly imagine, from jewelry to furniture to works of art to bizarre items that you've never even heard of! It's also great to be able to chat and connect with so many other artisans from around the globe, as well as here in Vermont. I'm a member of the Made in Vermont Etsy Street Team, a group of Vermonters who have Etsy shops. We all chat together, share ideas and support, and help to promote each others businesses.

3. Give us a peek into your work space. Where do you create? Describe your work space or studio.

Well, I won't take a picture because right now it looks like a tornado hit it! I tend to work rather frenetically - I start making pretty things and then I start to jump from one to another. However, I do love it when my space is neat and clear, so I periodically clean it all up, then proceed to make a huge mess again. I live in a two-bedroom apartment with my boyfriend Eric, and the second bedroom is my work space. It has two windows that let in a lot of light. I have three different tables around the room to spread out on, and when those are covered, I take it to the floor!

4. Where do you sell and promote your work?

Sweet Avenue started purely as an Etsy shop, but now you can find my things at Trinket on Church Street in Burlington (the sister store to Sweet Lady Jane). In addition, I sell my earrings at Spirit Dancer, also in downtown Burlington. I plan to find more shops around Vermont that would like to sell my work. This fall I am going to start doing some small craft fairs, starting with the Art Hop Extravaganza on September 11.

5. What are three things you can't live without?

Music, color, and my family, which includes my parents, my sister, my boyfriend, and my best friend. They mean everything to me.

6. What are your three favorite things about Vermont?

The fact that there are NO billboards, the independent spirit of the people who live here, and the land itself. I love being outdoors in Vermont, and we are so lucky to have Lake Champlain.

7. What does term indie craft mean to you?

I think indie craft means creating things that you like, regardless of what the rest of the world says. The jewelry I make is all jewelry that I want for myself and that I have fun making. Sometimes it's hard to sell them because I love them so much! I've been fortunate to find that my items are things that apparently other people want too, because they are buying them, but they are all things that I would make anyway.

8. Any new products, projects or news you want to share?

I definitely hope to see everyone at the Art Hop Extravaganza on September 11! The Art Hop is always a great event, and I'm looking forward to being a part of it this year. If you'd like to stay updated about Sweet Avenue, you can also join my Facebook page. Also, I'd like to give a big thank you to Kacey for the great work that she's doing in supporting local artisans!

A big day for Queen City Craft!

Today was the kind of day where everything just clicked. I was contacted this summer by a writer who is doing a book for The Little Bookroom all about craft shows and farmer's markets in New England. I was beyond thrilled when she told me she had chosen the Queen City Craft Bazaar to represent Vermont. She asked if she could come up in August for a photo shoot and without any hesitation I said yes! The shoot was today and it featured my own personal work as well as a few vendors she had chosen. Tomorrow she hits up the Burlington Farmers/Artist market.

Thank you Christine for contacting me about my little (but growing) show. Today was a perfect example of why I keep moving along with Queen City Craft. The fact that we were chosen over some of the other big shows makes me realize that all of our hard work is worth it. Every vendor who has sold at the QCCB and every customer who has supported indie craft by browsing or shopping at the show - my hats off to you. Queen City Craft and the bazaar could not exist without you all.

Thank you for believing in indie craft scene. Keep creating, keep dreaming, and never give up on the indie scene. It is alive and kicking.

Bulletin Board - BCA Call to Artists

Mondays, August 9, 16, 23 from 5:30 - 7:30pm
Burlington City Arts (BCA) in conjunction with the South End Arts & Business Association (SEABA) is proud to announce a series of meetings bringing together Burlington artists and members of the creative economy in a step towards identifying ways to continue to develop and strengthen the arts and creative culture as a key Burlington asset.

The first of four consecutive City meetings was held on Monday, August 2nd at the Flynndog… Gallery in the South End of Burlington, specifically reaching out to artists and businesses in the South End. The schedule for the remainder of the meetings is as follows:

Monday, August 9th, 5:30pm – 7:30pm
Downtown Neighborhood Meeting:
Firehouse Center for the Visual Arts, Second Floor, 135 Church Street

Monday, August 16th, 5:30pm – 7:30pm
Old North End Neighborhood Meeting:
North End Studio, 294 N. Winooski Avenue

Monday, August 23rd, 5:30pm – 7:30pm
New North End Neighborhood Meeting:
Miller Center Gymnasium, 130 Gosse Court

Catalyzed by a Burlington City Council discussion surrounding the creation of a South End Arts District, City Council asked BCA and SEABA to develop a plan, to be delivered back to the Council in the Fall of 2010, which would consider a city-wide strategy that includes a South End Arts District as well as other options for supporting the arts as a key feature of the vitality and success of Burlington. Burlington City Arts hopes to understand the unique characteristics of each section of the city and what unifies us as a destination for the arts.
Location: Firehouse Center for the Visual Arts

Local designer gets Etsy feature

Vermont's own indie designer THIMBLEandACORN was recently a featured seller on Etsy.

The show may be over but indie craft continues. Summer shows are brewing and VT crafters are busy preparing themselves for a busy selling season. Queen City Craft has had some exciting news in the past few weeks. For one I was contacted by a woman who is writing a book about artisan craft shows in New England and she wants to meet with me this summer so she can include the Queen City Craft Bazaar in her book which is due out next spring!

The second bit of news is that this blog was recently chosen for the Guide to Art Schools 50 Best Craft Blogs on the Internet. I feel so honored! You can see the post here. Thank you!

The QCCB may be over, but this blog will keep rolling with lots of posts about business tips, online marketing, guest bloggers, inspiration, resources, vendor spotlights and so much more.

Thank you!

The Spring 2010 Queen City Craft Bazaar took place yesterday at Union Station in Burlington. Lots of fantastic vendors filled this old train station and offered an exciting mix of indie craft, designs, and art to our community. The level of talent was incredible and we could hear the excitement from customer feedback. The group of vendors this year was one of the finest yet.

The community vibe filled the station as old vendors reconnected and new vendors made first time contacts. This is what it is all about. Building a place where indie crafters feel welcome and supported while providing a unique selection of products to the community. This is why I do it. The positive feedback from the customers and vendors yesterday was well worth the hard work it takes to put on that show.

Thanks to all of the participating vendors. It is because of you and your talents that this show can continue. Keep producing, keep pushing yourself, keep thinking outside of the box.

Thanks to all of the wonderful customers who came out to support indie craft in Vermont.

Thanks to Seven Days for being my media sponsor year after year and especially for the awesome coverage you provided online and in print this week. Thank you SO much!

Thanks to August First for providing delicious treats for our vendors and customers. It was a pleasure having you a the show this year.

and last but not least, thanks to Hillary Sherman of Robot Dinosaur, and Lorraine Reynolds of Glimmering Prize for being my right hand girls this year and helping me put on this show. We were a great team!

The show may be over but Queen City Craft continues - keep checking back for continued coverage of the indie craft scene here in Vermont. More crafter spotlights, info on upcoming shows around the area, upcoming online sales/marketing round table for indie craft business owners and much much more!

The Queen City Craft Bazaar is here!

Tomorrow is the big day! Saturday May 8th the Queen City Craft Bazaar is happening at Union Station (1 Main Street) in Burlington VT.

Come on down from 10am-5pm!

Vendor Spotlight - Coob Originals

COOB Originals creates handcrafted items from jewelry to the occasional piece of furniture using recycled and upcycled materials. Calvin of Coob Originals uses donated broken skateboards (a lot comes from Talent Skatepark of South Burlington) in these orignal creations. I instantly fell in love with his work and was thrilled that he applied for the show. Be sure to stop by on Saturday May 8th at Union Station in Burlington to check out the rest of his products.

Vendor Spotlight - urban farmgirl

Erinn Simon is one of my favorite people. She is an amazing mom and a rocking crafter. Many years ago she pulled me aside one morning at Viva Espresso in the ONE and asked me to be a part of a new craft group she was starting called the Burlington Craft Mafia. Together with another founding member we crafted our way into a great friendship and we helped spread the movement of indie craft in Burlington. We closed down the group a few years later, but Erinn continues to push the limits with crochet hooks in hand. Her work is wonderful and so is she. I am so happy she is back as a vendor this year and so thankful for her years of friendship and support. Check www.erinnsimon.com to learn more about Erinn and her work.

Vendor Spotlight - Strange Dolls

Beth Robinson is a self taught artist who has been living in Vermont for 15 years. While she has dabbled in a variety of mediums, it was the discovery of polymer clay that allowed her to combine her interests in design, sewing, sculpting, and painting and gave her a concrete foundation of expression in the form of Strange Dolls.

I am pleased to announce Beth will be a new vendor at the Queen City Craft Bazaar this year. She will be offering special pricing on many of the dolls you see available on her website. Stop by and check out the unique and wonderful work of Beth Robinson.

Amazing resource

I feel like a kid in a candy store. I stumbled upon a new website this weekend and I have been busy pouring over it ever since. Unanimous Craft is a tagable, sortable index of resources for crafters, artists and indie business owners. I am not even going to try to explain all the awesomeness this site has to offer. Go check it out for yourself and have fun playing. I even submitted a listing for the Queen City Craft Bazaar. You can see the listing here.

2010 Participating Vendors

The following vendors will be selling their handmade wares at the Queen City Craft Bazaar on Saturday May 8th. Get a sneak peek at what types of products you may find at the event.

urban farmgirl
Woolymama Fiber Arts
Robot Dinosaur
Glimmering Prize
Subsixstudios
Mannybeads
Stacie Mincher Designs
elm-bellisments
COOB Originals
Nicole Carey
ZeZe & Company
Found Glass Designs
Happy Fantastic Designs
Hearthfire Henna
Ella Etc.
New Duds
Damn Fine Pants
Mountain Ash Designs
Clean City Soap
Broken Fingers Art
Bella Bueno Jewelry
Bayview Designs
hi guys!
danmade pottery
WhirldVishun Designs
1000 Paper Cranes
Luce Creations
Bird on Wire Studio
EmmyBo Originals
ReArt
Kikibird Crafts
drawnonward designs
Lucy's Paintbrush
Strange Dolls
Christa Mans Art
Bethany Bond
Space Baby
my egg blue
Red Thread
Jess Graham Studio
Feisty Apparel
Jamilary
KIMIKO
Bianchi Street Studio



August First Bakery/Cafe will also be onsite selling coffee, beverages and locally made baked goods.

I am proud to announce that August First will be the food vendor this year at the Queen City Craft Bazaar on Saturday May 8th at Union Station. August First is a funky little bakery/cafe' in downtown Burlington Vermont.

Hot and cold beverages as well as locally made pastries will be for sale at the show.

Call to Artists - Stowe Street Arts Festival

Revitalizing Waterbury invites artists to exhibit at the 9th Annual Stowe Street Arts Festival

July 17, 2010 • 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

This community arts festival takes place on historic Stowe Street in the heart of downtown Waterbury and exhibition spaces are available in the tented area or adjoining the tent.

Visual artists, craft and design artists in all media are invited to exhibit and sell work at the festival. The Festival is promoted heavily throughout central Vermont.

EXHIBITOR FEES:
* $55 under the tent - space under the tent is limited to 18 artists, so reserve now!
* $30 outside the tent

Go to www.revitalizingwaterbury.org/ssaf.htm for exhibitor information, including a registration form.

Applications are now closed

Thank you to all who applied for the spring edition of the Queen City Craft Bazaar. The application period is now over and vendors have been notified of their acceptance. I will post the list of participating vendors in the next few days.

Spring 2010 Queen City Craft Bazaar Application

Welcome to the Spring edition of the Queen City Craft Bazaar - Vermont's Alternative Craft Fair. The event will be held at Union Station at One Main Street. The event date is Saturday May 8th from 10-5pm. More detailed vendor info will be available once the vendor list is established.

Please read the following application information and terms and conditions before applying.

Application Information

The Queen City Craft Bazaar is a juried show and supports crafters and artists who appeal to the "indie art and craft scene". This is NOT a fine craft show. Customers of the QCCB come to this show because it has a reputation for having a unique collection of vendors and a mix of products not normally found at most "fine art and craft" shows.

We strive to show a balance of product categories, veteran crafters and new applicants in every show. We tend to get a large amount of jewelry and pottery/ceramics applications. It is difficult to jury this show and have to reject lots of talented vendors, but we try to stay true to the vibe of the show. Before applying please take a look around the website and decide if you think your work will be a good fit. I say this only because I think it is important for the success of the vendors to make sure the shows you do are the right fit for your work. Rejection for this show does not exclude you from reapplying in the future, nor does being a past vendor mean you will get chosen this time around.

We are offering two levels for vendors. Bottom floor in the main train station room is $50 and will have approximately 30-35 vendors. Top floor which is on street level at One Main Street is $40 and will have approximately 10 vendors.

• Application deadline is Friday 3/26
  

• Vendors will be notified by Monday 3/29
  

• Vendor fees if accepted will be due no later than: Monday 4/5*
  

*Due to the cost of advertising and event space your space will not be held if payment is not received by the deadline.

• Booth spaces: 6ft x 4 ft. Tables and chairs are NOT included.
• Cost for one booth space $40 for the top floor and $50 for the bottom floor.
  
• No refunds will be given for cancellations.
• You are not permitted to sell or trade your space.
  
• Vendors may only sell handmade products as reflected in their application.
• It is expected that all vendors will be ready and able to sell at time of event opening and may not leave any earlier than the end of show.
• Queen City Craft is not responsible for any loss, or damage of personal property, equipment, and/or valuables.

Please send the following info to queencitycraftbazaar@gmail.com no later than 3/26
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Application begins here:

Vendor Name:

What level are you requesting? Top floor is $40 / bottom floor is $50:

Business Name:

Address:

Phone #:

Email:

Website:

Are you a past vendor?
please remember this does not guarantee you a spot


What types of products do you make?

What is the price range of your merchandise?

Are there any special space needs that you have for your space?



*If you don’t have a website/etsy shop/flickr account/ blog that shows pictures of your work, please send up to 4 pictures to queencitycraftbazaar@gmail.com

. Make sure that these pictures are small files and are jpeg format.


Thanks and good luck!

Kacey
queencitycraftbazaar@gmail.com
www.queencitycraft.com

Spring Queen City Craft Bazaar

There is a very good chance there will be a spring 2010 edition of the Queen City Craft Bazaar. I am securing the location today and will post the application as soon as I have the final word. Start spreading the news and check back here tonight for an update!

Hello - I am here

I'm sorry I have been gone for so long. I took on a "real" job last August as a Web Analyst. Juggling working full time and being a mother and wife has left me tired. I am ready to emerge from my dark cave and revive Queen City Craft if anyone is willing to jump back on for the ride.

I have been getting lots of emails asking me about a Spring Queen City Craft Bazaar. I am trying to figure out if this will be a reality or not. I will keep you posted.

Queen City Craft Bazaar spring edition

2010 Spring Queen City Craft Bazaar

The Queen City Craft Bazaar - Vermont's Alternative Craft Fair is a unique showcase of Vermont indie crafters, artists, and designers. It started in 2007 in hopes of giving indie crafters in Vermont a place to call their own. Products seen at our events tend to be a bit hipper, punkier and edgier than your typical VT craft show.

Vermont has many venues for "fine craft" but Queen City Craft aims to promote and support indie craft. To find out more about Queen City Craft click here.

The Spring edition will take place on Saturday May 8th from 10-5pm at Union Station at 1 Main Street in Burlington. 44 VT vendors will fill both floors.

August First of Burlington will be onsite selling hot and cold beverages as well as delicious locally made pastries and other food items.

Free Parking is available in the lot next to Union Station. You can also get there easily from downtown by taking the Free College St. Shuttle. It will drop you off right at the front door of Union Station.

Check out pictures from last years event here.