This weekend I’m participating in the EtsyAustin Craft Riot! A Handmade Revolution in Shopping.  This is the first stand-alone team event I’ll be a part of since joining and am sure it’s going to be a success.  There are a lot of very motivated and organized people on the planning committee and the vendor list is incredible.

I have a lot going on this month, including the Blue Genie Art Bazaar, so my inventory is almost all fresh.  I have just a few of the lingering pieces to bring to the event, and am excited to show off a couple new designs.  Since the Craft Riot! is being held at Wines.com, a wine distributor out of East Austin, I have been exploring a few wine related items.  Cute cheese picks and wine glass charms in colorful plastic-coated wire and glass beads are completed, and I’m aiming to add martini garnish sticks and maybe a wine bottle stopper or two to the mix.  Just like my jewelry, it’s important to me to not just copy what I’ve seen, but try to create these non-jewelry things in my own style.  I do experiment with looks and often come up with pieces that aren’t that original, but I usually do that just once and move on.  The cheese picks are definitely made by me, but you’ll have to come to the event to see them.  An added bonus to this project is thinking about cheese while I work.  Goat cheese!

Here is info about the Craft Riot!

What: Over 25 EtsyAustin hand-crafters who make quality items in all sorts of mediums selling their goods in a relaxed and festive atmosphere. Wines by the glass and bottle, chocolate by Holy Cacao, and other delicious treats to enjoy while shopping or purchase as gifts.  There will even be a photo booth with Santa!  The $3 entrance fee comes with a drink ticket for either a glass of wine or bottle of water.  The first 25 guests per day get a goodie bag full of treats from the vendors.

When: Saturday, December 5th from 10am to 8pm and Sunday, December 6th from 11am to 7pm

Where: Wines.com headquarters, 5005 Commercial Park Drive, ATX, 78724

Why: Buying handmade means your gifts are packed with love and shopping locally keeps our community thriving and healthy.

Who: You!