Let’s get crafty! Pittsburgh’s largest independent craft fair is celebrating its 15th anniversary on December 7th at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. The ultimate handmade event is FREE! The show features over 250 vendors, craft-based makers, designers and artists from all over Pittsburgh, Western PA and the US. The Handmade Arcade has everything, don’t procraftinate!
The passionate event is for every homemade craft lover out there. All the crafts and items will be on hand. Or should we say, by hand! There will be a hands-on Handmade Activity Area for all ages, art raffles, Framer’s market, youth maker alley, and music by local DJ’s.
Not sure what to check out? Sew what! Here’s a list of what to expect: Hands-on handmade artists (includes innovative art, craft, and tech activities like yarn bombing, screen printing, creative reuse projects), pop-up makers mart, accessories, adult clothing, artwork, bath & body, craft corridor, ceramics and glass, childrens products and toys, housewares, jewelry, paper goods, wood. This really is the best craft event ever!
The award winning event is held every December in downtown Pittsburgh, and is the region’s premier shop-small, buy-local event. According to handmadearcade.org, the event “celebrates the cutting edge of craft by connecting creators and consumers through making, sharing, and learning.”
The day is filled with a wide variety of activities to get your craft game on. All day activities include silk screen and gift wrap station, typewriter expo (yes, you can check out these historical artifacts), popsicle quilt, monster magnets, and collaborative clay photobooth.
Morning activities, 11am-2:30pm
Get the crafting started with LED bracelets, black-out poetry, paper weaving recycled postcards, CNC vinyl cutting, and a mural demo.
Afternoon activities, 3-6:30pm
The crafting continues throughout the afternoon, with paper ornament marbling, keychain making, fabric dyeing, recycled holiday card decorations, and metal stamping.
Shopping with children? New this year is the hatch nest, a new area in the lobby where children can play. And there’s also a coat check! If you want to avoid the crowds, check out the Friday night preview party, which runs from 5:30-8pm. $20. Also the early birdie shopping hour on Saturday from 10-11am. $15.
Want to get involved? Register to volunteer here!
This content was provided by a local, independent contributor to Made in PGH, a lifestyle blog.