Shop Handmade for the Holidays at City Bird in Detroit!

Posted by Crystal Pepperdine, Founder and Executive Director of Flint Handmade

While I was down in Detroit for the 2010 Detroit Urban Craft Fair, I made my first of what I am sure will be many trips to City Bird. 

City Bird is a handmade and vintage store, studio and gallery owned and operated by siblings Emily and Andy Linn. Emily was staffing the register when I stopped by and she is a total sweetheart!  We recognized each other, but couldn't remember where we met. 

You know you've been in the handmade movement for long time when you can't figure out how you know fellow craftivists anymore!  Everyone just blends into this lovely amalgamation of handmade happiness.

Enjoy these photos I took at City Bird, but do try to get down to the D to see the store for yourself.  You won't regret it!

I heart notecards with a feverish passion.  I'm a big fan of sending and receiving notes in the postal mail.  I'm in the market for a vintage wax seal if anyone has any good leads.

Reusable produce bags...love it!

Awesome vintage trunk display.

Lots of pretties! 

These leather earrings reminded me that I have really been wanting to work with leather ever since I went to the Leather and Tin Shop at Crossroads Village in Flint this summer.  I think I will have to write a 2011 Crafty Resolutions post, so all of you lovely blog readers can hold me accountable.  ;)

Fabulous vintage finds.

When Flint Handmade opens a store, I would love to have a record player on hand to play all of the records that don't get upcycled into notebooks and bowls...

...and clocks!

Honestly, these photos couldn't possibly capture all of the awesomeness at City Bird, so be sure to visit the shop yourself if you are in Detroit!

And, don't forget that Flint Handmade will be vending our Official Knuckles Merchandise at the MittenMade Holiday Craft Show at Blue House Ann Arbor THIS SATURDAY from 11am-6pm!

2010 Handmade Detroit DUCF Recap!

Posted by Crystal

Well, the lovely ladies of Handmade Detroit really outdid themselves for the 5th Annual Detroit Urban Craft Fair! 

70+ vendors filled The Fillmore Detroit lobby, theater, stage and balcony with all kinds of fabulous handmade goods.

I knew it was going to be a great show when I saw Jason from Kill Taupe right away.  All those cute colors and critters just have to put you in a festive mood!

A fabulous idea from Jennifer Joy Creative for all those small balls and scraps of leftover yarn!

Upcycled sock octopus from StinkinCuties!  Should I ever have children, I would definitely want to make many of their toys and give them handmade toys from local crafters.  I adored Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder as a girl and would want that kind of meaningful, DIY, eco-friendly existence for my family.

I was so excited to see Michelle's Aisle 3 wallets made from vintage neckties at the Goods table!

I bought the most awesome pair of tree bark earrings from Heather of bettula.

i3detroit offered a nifty hands-on make and take soldering project.

I was completely charmed by these ladies cravats by My Marigold.  I got one in brown with turquoise snaps.

I've never seen stamps featuring original designs at an indie craft fair before, so it was super fun to check out the adorable products from Frizzelstix.

When I saw the Save Michigan Buy Local print from Amanda Jane Jones, I knew I had to have it!  It will soon be hanging in my kitchen with other fun prints from local artists.  I absolutely love the WPA poster style of graphic design. 

Aren't these the most adorable winking owl pouches from dEid Goods?!

If you're looking for more handmade goodness, be sure to come visit me at Holiday MittenMade at Blue House Ann Arbor on December 18th from 11am-6pm! 

I will be vending my upcycled beautiful JUNK crafts as well as our official Flint Handmade Knuckles Merchandise.

The Handy, Crafty, DIY Folks of Maker Faire in Detroit!

Posted by Crystal
I have always loved Craft: magazine.  I remember the flutter of sheer joy I felt in my chest when I saw the first edition at Border's.  "These are my people," I thought....and probably said out loud!  I have been known to talk to myself.  ;)

The Premiere Issue of Craft:

Anyway, I was super bummed when it was announced that Craft: would no longer print the magazine after Volume 10 featuring the hilarious and crafty Amy Sedaris.  (Inside Joke Alert: "Looks better on the floor, Dave!")

Fortunately, Craft: still maintains an awesome website dedicated to transforming traditional craft.

ANNNNNND...Craft:'s partner publication Make: magazine is still in print!  In fact, Volume 23 just came out.  Make: focuses on technology, electronics and gadgets.  It really taps the DIY resurgence that our country is experiencing right now. 

How do I know?

I went to the Motor City Maker Faire in Detroit last weekend!

May I just say...WOW!  I was so supremely impressed with all the handy, crafty, DIY folks showing off their awesome creations.

Bre from MakerBot Industries promoting their 3D Printer.  MakerBot was on the cover of Volume 21 of Make.

Matt of i3 Detroit built this DIY organ out of glass jugs (beer growlers), garden hose, garbage bags and duct tape.  I love the crazy things that people create just for the love of making!

So, totally random, but I ran into a band at Maker Faire that I saw a while back at The Flint Public Library!  This is Light in August.  Alex (vocals and guitar) is in the middle, Mark (bass and vocals) is on the right and Alex's brother Paul is on the left.  I like them all that much more for being fans of Maker Faire!

Rick casts aluminum.  He recommends Backyard Metal Casting for all your casting needs!  Rick teaches jewelrymaking classes, too...I totally wanna take his class!  He was a super nice and funny presenter, so I'm sure he'll be a great teacher.  :)

This cast came out a little wonky, which is why Rick displayed it...to show us what NOT to do!

Artists from several foundries in Chicago, including Happy Accident Sculpture Studio and  Chicago Crucible, joined forces to do an amazing Iron Pour demonstration.

Get your fresh baked cannonballs!  Only $20!  Joe Sandor was the mastermind behind the Iron Pour.  Thanks for making a point to display the pieces to all of us in the audience, Joe!

This is a sweet laser engraver.  It will be housed at Maker Works in Ann Arbor.  Maker Works is a 10,000 square foot workshop full of modern tools that will be opening in Spring 2011.  I can't wait!!!

 Lish of Handmade Detroit holds it down at the Craft: table.  Handmade Detroit organized a Craft Faire within the Maker Faire...how cool is that?!?

FH Director of Sales & Merchandising Amy (l) and I in front of her Made With Luv booth at the Craft Faire! 

I love when I find crafts for guys!  These ties from Cyberoptix are suh-weet!  I might try to make some with my Yudu.  ;)

More guy-friendly crafts!  Cutie robot head magnets from Deanne of by deets (who I met at Baar Bazaar).

I did not catch this gal's name, but her yarn was adorable.  Check it out at hands + notions.

Julie from Nourishing Notes is so stinkin' nice...and her cards rock, too!  Perfect for the foodie in your life.

Nayyirah of Crochet Science (l) and Erin of Stone Sheep rep for Flinttown!

Tuesday of MuggyTuesday is the sweetest!  She and her sister came all the way from Chicago to vend with us at our 2010 Spring Craft Market.

Allie from Mitten Made!  When I finally get a chance to post about my trip to The Blue House in Ann Arbor, you will see the awesome crocheted flower brooch I bought from Allie.  ;)

Sara from Broadstreet creates the most awesome upcycled necklaces from vintage jewelry.  I absolutely adore her work!

Olivera from my favorite craft store in Columbus, Ohio!  You may recall my Wholly Craft road trip blog post from June.  Wholly Craft is totally awesome in store and on the road!

Stephanie (l) and Amy of Handmade Detroit with their pinata friend. 

Thanks so much for working to put this show on, ladies of HD!  I hope Maker Faire and Craft Faire come back again to The Henry Ford again next year!

Fantastic Craftiness Photo Tour: 2010 Baar Bazaar!

Posted by Crystal

May I just say...Baar Bazaar at The Majestic Theatre was freakin' awesome!  I saw soooo many of my favorite vendors and lots of new crafters with really innovative products.  Plus, there was TONS of good stuff for guys! 

Allow me to take you on a photo tour of the fantastic craftiness:

Liz of Random Noise Bursts makes the coolest drawstring bags out of old tshirts.  She accepts donations of tshirts, so feel free to send some her way!

Rachel (l) and Jennifer of The Funky Eye Patch are the cutest crafty sisters ever!

I am madly in love with the Boh Bon Soap Company packaging.  You rock that paper, Chrissy!

Krystal of White Lily Jewelry is my new favorite jewelry artist!

Jill's Barrel of Monkeys buttons and magnets are always clever and hilarious.  I had to get a True Blood magnet for my little sis.  :)

Christina (l) and Dennis with their gorgeous Perfect Laughter screenprinting.  Crafty couples rock my socks!

Who can resist a tough guy selling baby gear for his girlfriend?  Justin watches over Butter Bean Inc. while cutie patootie Ashley shops the Bazaar.

Amber of Woolly Mammoth Design makes the most adorable sweater creatures.  The squid is just perfect!

Deanne of by deets was selling these nifty radio tube critters.  Deanne, I saw a bunch of radio tubes for sale at an antique store in Northville!  I'll email you the info.  :)

Jason (l) chucks the deuces...and paints the most adorable pictures!  He sells as Paintings by Jason Gibnerd on Etsy.

Chris of Detroit GT had THE BEST automotive/Detroit apparel.  I still need to get one of those Detroit Vette shirts, Chris!

I didn't meet you at your Paper a la Mode table, Ashley.  But, your mom really held it down!  Email us at flinthandmade@hotmail.com when you get your Etsy up.

These nerdy lovebirds (and their Scrabble tile crafts) were so stinkin' cute!  Check them out at Double Nerd Score.

Two of the lovely ladies of Handmade Detroit: Amy (l) of My Marigold and Bethany of Reware Vintage.  Great job putting together Baar Bazaar, Bethany!

This is Leann.  Leann works at The Majestic Cafe.  Leann is my new best friend because she totally gave me a bag for all of the stuff I bought at Baar Bazaar.  I gave Leann a Flint Handmade Follower Card and took her picture for the blog.  This is that picture.

My haul (l-r): Wellies Notecards by Sloe Gin Fizz, Aqua Flower Hairpin by ttishbite, Black and White Button Ring by The Funky Eye Patch, Green Owl by Woolly Mammoth Design, Black Flower Ring by White Lily Jewelry, True Blood Magnet by Barrel of Monkeys and Scrabble Tile Keyring by DoubleNerdScore.  All of my stuff is displayed on vintage fabric I bought at Baar Bazaar from Justin.  :)

For lots more pics, check out our 2010 Baar Bazaar set on flickr.