Before I gave my talk at the Bellies to Babies Celebration I had a chance to wander around and see the exhibitors. I met the fabulous Karen Randall from New and Green Baby in person, and got a hug from Allison of Stylekid. I also came across some super-cool baby gear from Snugglings, and even bought one of their T-shirts for my new little nephew who is expected to arrive in July.
While I was chatting with one of the owners of Snugglings, she filled me in on a great event happening in Vancouver for the month of May. From May 1 – 30 a whole bunch of local designers are getting together to create Pop-Up Vancouver. They will have a temporary retail location at 1-4421 West 10th Avenue [map] where you can drop in and shop. I hear there will be loads to see, like baby and kids’ stuff, handbags, jewelry and art.
A handmade doll of Hannah’s made by a local mama
I love the idea of Pop-Up Vancouver. There is something really cool about having things that are designed and made right in your own back yard. There is something really cool about meeting people who are doing their thing and making their art. And there is something really cool about local designers coming together to support each other and work together. It makes me want to join hands and sing “Kum Ba Yah” because working together is how great things happen, even if it does sound a little schmaltzy. Just because your kindergarten teacher said it, doesn’t mean it isn’t true.
This sense of community and shared purpose is the same sort of thing you also see at local craft shows. My father was a goldsmith and so I attended a lot of craft fairs as a kid. They have a unique vibe that I love. Vancouver’s biggest, Got Craft?, is happening this Sunday May 2. One of my local bloggy friends, and regular blog commenter, PoMo Mama will be there with her creations. Sadly, I won’t be able to make it this year, but I’ve been before and it’s definitely one-of-a-kind. A random stranger commented on 9-month-old Jacob’s aura. Do you see that at Wal-Mart? No, you do not.
Photo credit – PoMo Mama on Flickr
A few years ago I didn’t know about all the ways to buy locally produced stuff from people who live where I do. My new awareness is at least partly due to the way that handmade and local is catching on. Etsy, anyone? But it’s also partly because I’m looking for it. It’s surprised me to see how many ways there are to buy things that don’t involve a trip to the mall. I love it, really.
How about you? Do you look for local or handmade when you’re buying things? Are you an Etsy fanatic? Tell me all about it!
I think it’s great that you support your local community, especially crafters! I try to support my local community especially during craft fairs. Most times I end up talking myself out of buying but my intentions are there. There is a fine line between supporting their business, and determining if it’s something we actually need. I have a hard time spending just because I want something. So a lot of the times I’ll search for a gift instead of something for me.
I love the doll for Hannah. It almost looks like her too!
.-= Sara´s last post ..Flowers from Hawaii =-.
I love the idea of a store devoted to local artists/etc. I would shop one if we had it here! Heck, I might even try to sell a few things
.-= Dionna @ Code Name: Mama´s last post ..The Joys of Breastfeeding a Toddler #4 =-.
Local and handmade is awesome. Even just handmade is great, and something I really try to limit myself to for gifts — nobody needs more stuff, especially mass-produced shopping mall stuff. I went nuts on Etsy for Christmas. At craft shows I used to hem and haw and say ‘I’ll come back” — now I just buy stuff if it’s awesome and I have a person who will love it, up to my budgeted amount, and it makes me feel great.
.-= allison´s last post ..******************Wordless Wednesdays (have gone monochromatic) =-.
I just love this idea and am totally into supporting local business. I found that once I became a parent this was a lot more evident to me. There are so many really wonderful products and goods out there all from local people. Love it!
.-= Mama in the City´s last post ..3 Little Things =-.
I love supporting local (especially food products) whenever it’s reasonable.
.-= *pol´s last post ..Because Tee asked…. =-.
It goes without saying that I’m an Etsy and handmade fanatic since I make stuff and sold on Etsy. I love the “shop local” search feature to see who is around me, I’ve made friends that way even! I get fanatical about buying local stuff – especially art supplies. I want it sourced as close to home as possible, even the clay I’ve been using is from a company that makes it here in Southern California. Food is another thing I try to buy as close to home as possible. I have trouble with clothes though. Hard to find clothes that are made locally that I can afford…well other than American Apparel which happens to be in downtown Los Angeles. Mostly I buy vintage/thrifted but then again that IS buying locally too. Buying local makes me feel like a part of my local community and in doing so I’ve met cool people. So totally worth the effort.
Yes I do buy local crafts / clothes as often as my modest budget allows – though I probably do a lot more looking than buying. I had a great time at Portobello Market West recently and wrote a post about my friend Shirra – Super Craft Star – who is selling her beautiful t-shirts, baby outfits, pillows, etc. I helped her load and set up shop and I was impressed by what a welcoming and supportive community it was. The crafters were so friendly and encouraging to one another – not competitors, but more like a team…
.-= Susan´s last post ..Denied at the dog park =-.
Craft fair junkie for sure. Love them. Like meeting the people, feeling the work, and supporting local creative people!
I love buying local if I can. There are lots of local products in some of the shops in Ladner village (where I live). I also make sure I go to the Ladner Market throughout the summer where they shut down the main street and have booths where you can buy locally made stuff (food, veggies, soaps and other crafts). It’s a pretty huge market with lots of neat stuff to buy. I didn’t know about that craft fair this weekend. Boo that I can’t go. But yay for Etsy AND the search local artisans feature.
.-= Marilyn (A Lot of Loves)´s last post ..Scream. Scream. Spit. Laugh. =-.
I try to buy “made in Italy”:)
.-= Francesca´s last post ..Sunshine =-.
I love both the pieces in the pictures. Wish I could attend the meet up in Vancouver too!
.-= Lady M´s last post ..Festival Day =-.
Great post! I am excited to go to Got Craft? today and I’ll head up to Pop-Up Vancouver soon! Supporting local vendors just seems right!
.-= Holly´s last post ..First attempt at fabric cards =-.