The Makers Collective Mural

GreenvilleElizabeth Ramos

Over the past several years, we’ve seen a rise in popularity of murals here in Greenville, SC. Our team has always loved the idea of helping contribute to the public art scene, assisting with mural projects through the Stone Mural Project and Furman’s Art and Community Engagement class. 

When we were looking at office spaces last year, the blank exterior wall of this building seemed like it could be the perfect spot for a future Makers Collective mural. We were thrilled when our landlord agreed.

Before: the building in May 2019

Before: the building in May 2019

One of our goals for 2020 was to paint that mural and to make it happen before our Spring Pop Up Shop opened. While we didn’t know yet what the subject matter and style would be, we knew that it needed to be different from anything else in Greenville and represent what we do as an organization: celebrate art and craft on a large scale.

After considering several design directions, our team decided to use our wall to feature a traditional craft medium in an enlarged or exaggerated way. As we considered the various types of art we see at Indie Craft Parade, our focus quickly narrowed to the category of fiber art as a subtle nod to Greenville’s textile history.

After: the building in May 2020. Photo by Brittany Hildreth

After: the building in May 2020. Photo by Brittany Hildreth

Working within the constraints of our 56-foot-long wall, we created a design that would capitalize on the built in (pun intended) structure of the cinderblock. We treated the wall like a giant piece of fabric, painting Xs to create an image.

The end result is a large scale floral cross stitch piece, with each ’stitch’ spanning the height of a cinder block.

Photo by Brittany Hildreth

Photo by Brittany Hildreth

Timelapse video of the painting process, captured by Alex Reynolds

A note from our designer, Lib Ramos:

When looking for inspiration for our mural, I referenced everything from early cross stitch samplers to needlepoint pieces that my grandfather made before I was born. One of the things I love about this subject matter is that cross stitch can be considered an old fashioned craft, but in reality, it’s connected to so many other types of art — both ancient and modern. Whether you think about mosaic tile work in the past or today's pixels on a screen, there’s a timelessness to how we break down and communicate imagery.

I also find it really beautiful that the image becomes clearer the farther you are from it. The Xs are really fun to see up close, but if you really want the full picture, you need to step back and look at it from a distance.

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Credits:
Painting Crew: Jen Moreau, Erin Godbey, Lib Ramos, Brittany Hildreth, Evan Hildreth
Timelapse Video: Alex Reynolds
Designer: Lib Ramos

You can see the Makers Collective mural at 2909 Old Buncombe Rd, Greenville, SC 29609

COVID-19 Safety Protocols: Indie Craft Parade Shop Edition

Events, General InfoElizabeth Ramos
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We can’t wait to see you at Indie Craft Parade: The Shop Edition. Thank you for prioritizing purchases from makers and small businesses.

Here are the precautions we have put in place for this event, based on current CDC and Government guidelines, and what we feel best protects our staff and our shoppers.

Thank you for understanding, for shopping with us, and for helping us support independent artists and makers. 

Please read through our list of policies so you know what to expect when you shop with us.

Our staff will be wearing masks as well as implementing regular sanitizing procedures to ensure the space remains safe for everyone.

Shop Occupancy  Due to our square footage, we will be limiting shoppers in the store to allow for appropriate distance. If we are at max occupancy, you may need to wait outside until space opens up.

Hand Sanitizer  Complimentary hand sanitizer will be provided when you walk in the door. We ask that all customers utilize the sanitizer upon entering.

Masks  We will be requiring customers (including children over the age of 2) to wear masks in the store. If you have a mask, please bring it. If you do not have your own mask, we will provide a disposable mask for you.

Payment  To eliminate points of contact, the Pop Up Shop will be accepting card payments only. If you have the option, we encourage iPhone users to set up Apple Pay for a completely touchless transaction.

Children If shopping with young children, we ask that you keep them close to you or in a carrier or stroller. Children over the age of 2 will be required to wear a mask.

Other Helps If you normally communicate via lip reading and want to shop in store, a sanitized whiteboard will be available to help facilitate communication while wearing a mask.  

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We understand that each person has different viewpoints about what kinds of safety measures are necessary. Our goal is to prioritize the safety of our community as a whole as we keep each other safe.

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Let's Color!

Elizabeth Ramos

There’s nothing quite like pulling out colored pencils and crayons and acting like a kid all over again.

Several of our Indie Craft Parade artists are generously sharing their art in the form of coloring pages. We’ve gathered these links to make them easy to find!

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  • Jenny Allen from Bone & Ink created some beautiful mandala and floral coloring sheets. Send her a message on Facebook with your email address and she’ll send them to you!

  • Douglas Piper has been adding new coloring sheets to his site every other day, so download these and then be sure to check back for more fun.

  • Color amazing FaireFeet artwork from halthegal, and be sure to subscribe to her newsletter if you want new sheets to show up in your inbox each week.

  • You can find the full Team Blankenship illustrated alphabet on their website (pictured below). Download a free PDF that includes every letter!

  • The Landmark Project recreated several of their popular National Park landscapes as line art. They’re free to download at their site.

Team Blankenship Alphabet Coloring Pages

Team Blankenship Alphabet Coloring Pages

BONUS

  • We’re also big fans of the Counterprint Books Colouring Page Bundles. They asked a group of creative friends to contribute to this project, and have released two PDF volumes of line art that’s fun for everyone to color!

  • Designer Kelly Ventura has also published a handful of bug illustrations that can be colored. You can find them here.

Handmade Tour of Greenville, SC

Elizabeth Ramos

Originally posted on visitgreenvillesc.com, updated for 2020

If you’re headed to Greenville, SC for a visit (no matter how short!), be sure to check out some of our favorite places to buy handmade and local goods around town. We’ve mapped out a Day of Handmade that includes a few classic spots, but plan to take your time, wander, and discover something new!

First Stop: The Village

Start your day off at The Village Grind with a delicious cup of coffee or tea, and don’t pass up the chance to try a pastry! Baked at Greenville’s own Bakeroom, the Morning Buns and Croissants are a don’t-miss treat. 

The Village Grind in Greenville’s art district

The Village Grind in Greenville’s art district

Sit and enjoy your breakfast in the cozy plant-filled shop, or take your drinks on a leisurely walk through The Village – Greenville’s art district. To your right as you leave The Village Grind, bright murals at Carol’s next door and on the side of The Anchorage restaurant beg to be a photo backdrop. Be sure to stop by the Darin R Gehrke Ceramics shop between the murals. Or wander left from The Village Grind and check out the shops in The Saltbox and at 547 Perry.

Tip: If you’re up for a longer stroll, head left past the angular Flatiron Building to Art & Light Gallery at 16 Aiken Street. They’re open from 10-4 every Saturday and feature rotating artist shows. It’s easy to pick out the gallery from surrounding houses thanks to the splashes of color on its side.

Art & Light Gallery exterior, mural by Greenville artists @eva_magill_oliver and @sunnymullarkeystudio

Art & Light Gallery exterior, mural by Greenville artists @eva_magill_oliver and @sunnymullarkeystudio

Second Stop: The Trail

Next, head to Swamp Rabbit Cafe & Grocery. Not only is it a convenient stop for cyclists on the trail, it’s Greenville’s source for local food, drink, snacks and more. You can shop for produce from local farmers and also find locally made gift items like soaps, candles, tea towels, and chocolate! Four Saturdays a year, you’ll also find them hosting the popular Swamp Rabbit Flea where you can meet the makers behind many of these goods. This is a fantastic lunch spot, so grab a bite while you’re there.

Local goods at Swamp Rabbit Grocery

Local goods at Swamp Rabbit Grocery

Next Stop: Downtown

If you're spending any time in our lovely downtown area, The Mast General Store is a popular tourist stop that also stocks some local art. Just one block north, you’ll find Greenville’s new Make Made Jewelry studio, which features over a dozen jewelry artisans as well as bags and gift items. They’re open Tuesday - Saturday, from 10am - 5pm.

Make Made Jewelry on Main Street

Make Made Jewelry on Main Street

Final Stop: Stone’s Point

On the edge of downtown Greenville, you’ll find The Landmark Flagship store, which features a selection of travel and outdoor items alongside tee shirts that are designed and produced in Greenville. The shop also houses a Methodical Coffee location, where you can grab a coffee or milkshake for an afternoon treat.

Landmark Methodical at Stone’s Point

Landmark Methodical at Stone’s Point

If you’re visiting on a weekday, pop into Urban Digs, next door where you’ll find plants and terrariums alongside handmade jewelry, children’s items and art. It’s a lovely place to find unique handcrafted items.

To wrap up your day, stop by Community Tap for a drink. Depending on the time of day, you may even find a food truck out front ready to serve up dinner.



Of course, if you happen to be in Greenville in September, you’ll want to come see Indie Craft Parade at Furman University. The 2020 festival will take place September 18-20 and features over 100 southern artists and makers.

Extra FUN at the 2019 Indie Craft Parade

Events, Festivals, General InfoElizabeth Ramos

In addition to our lineup of amazing artists, we've added a few extras this year to celebrate our 10th birthday. Gather your friends and family and come celebrate handmade with us at Furman University. Below is our list of everything that will be happening!

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All Weekend
· Relax in our new lounge area provided by the folks behind The NESS Fest
· A new baby changing area and Mother's Room outfitted by BabyQuip
· Free photobooth – it's basically tradition at this point
· Food trucks every day!

Friday, September 13, 6pm - 9pm
First Dibs Party – Remaining Tickets are only $25!
· Free cake (sponsored by Brains on Fire) and ice cream from Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams
· A special collaboration beer from 13 Stripes Brewery
· Giveaways! Twenty-five baskets of handmade goods (with an average value of $185) will be headed home with our ticket holders that evening.
· And, of course, you get first dibs on the handmade goods!

Saturday, September 14, 9am - 6pm
$6 admission at the door
· The Children's Museum of the Upstate will be on site with a fun kid’s craft
· Face Painting and henna artwork by Transformation Face & Body Art for adults and kids alike!
· Have your group portrait taken ($75) by Bryan Hiott Studio, a local tintype photographer.

Sunday, September 15, 11am - 5pm
$6 admission at the door
· More kid's crafting with The Children's Museum of the Upstate
· Face Painting and henna artwork by Transformation Face & Body Art for adults and kids alike

We’ll see you this weekend!

TEN YEARS – MORE SPACE

General Info, Festivals, EventsElizabeth Ramos

Indie Craft Parade turns 10 this year, and we have big news! We're moving the location of the festival to give everyone more room. 

Since the beginning of the festival our attendees have asked us "when will you move to a bigger space?" And for the past 2 years this has been an issue we've tried to solve. Last year we moved the festival to the Taylors Mill to offer artists more room to exhibit. However, the issue of long lines for our 7000+ attendees remained. 

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To accommodate our desire to grow the festival and make it a more convenient experience for attendees and artists alike, we are moving the festival to Timmons Arena on the campus of Furman University. 

In this new home we will have room to not only offer large exhibitor booths, but also give attendees a more comfortable environment to shop, connect with artists, and linger at the event. When you come to the 2019 Indie Craft Parade, you can expect to see old, favorite attractions such as the free Photobooth. But now we also have space to include additional partner opportunities, a larger section for emerging artists, and most importantly, reduce the chance of a line. 

Illustrated Map by Karen Schipper

Illustrated Map by Karen Schipper

We're sure our attendees have questions: Will Indie Craft Parade keep moving to new venues? Will there be convenient parking at the new location? Will the event still have a great vibe even though it's leaving a beautiful historic venue?

To answer the first question, we truly believe Indie Craft Parade has found its permanent home. Our artists and attendees have been so faithful as we've moved over the last year, and we want you to confidently know what to expect year after year. 

What about amenities and convenience? Timmons Arena has plenty of both! Parking will be very easy and there are facilities in abundance.

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As to the vibe of the event, the very heart of the festival is found in the community of amazing artists that Indie Craft Parade brings together each year, and they aren't going anywhere. They are the reason the festival is special; a charming venue is a bonus. That being said, the campus of Furman is stunning and conveniently located. It's merely 10 minutes from downtown Greenville and 5 from downtown Travelers Rest. The Swamp Rabbit Trail runs through the campus, and you could spend the rest of the day picnicking on the grounds after visiting the festival.

We're confident that year 10 will be our best one yet. 

Mark your calendar for September 13-15, 2019! Come see all that we've been working on, explore a new area of Greenville, and support the newest collection of makers and artists that make Indie Craft Parade so special. See you in September!

Tips for Applying to Indie Craft Parade

Erin Godbey

Applications for the festival open June 1, and each year, more and more talented makers are competing for the same number of spots at Indie Craft Parade. The jury reviews all applications anonymously and chooses the best submissions for the festival. Work is judged according to its originality, uniqueness and innovation, along with how well it aligns with the vision of Indie Craft Parade.

In addition, the jury is looking for:

  • High quality photos 
  • Cohesive aesthetic     
  • Modern branding
  • For previous exhibitors, a progression from past years   

Here are a few tips on how to showcase your strengths and stand out from the crowd.

Photography: This the primary method jury members use to determine the quality of your work. We cannot stress enough the importance of good photography. When you submit an application, you have 4 photos and a brief description of your work to put in front of the jury. Make sure those photos are impressive. This doesn't mean you have to hire a professional photographer, but if you're not fully confident in your photography skills, ask for assistance or advice from a friend who takes great photos. If you're shooting with your phone, there are lots of great apps that you can use to edit your photos, but don't over-filter! Keep the colors true and the product in focus. (Our favorite photo editing apps are VSCO and ColorStory.)

Give your product context.

Make sure your photo is well-lit and the product is in focus

Show multiple products in one image.

Style your product to create a sense of your brand aesthetic. 

Or let your product have the spotlight with a clean white background.

Quality: The jury is looking for signs of craftsmanship, so if an application is completed haphazardly — the description full of typos or photos out of focus — this reflects poorly on your work. Take an extra minute to re-read what you've written and make sure you submitted the correct photos, and that they are oriented as you intended. This extra attention will convey that you care about what you do.

If you have tiny details that can be missed from far away, consider using one of your images for a close up shot that will show off your skills.

Cohesive Aesthetic: The four photos you submit should be representative of your current body of work. The jury is looking for a cohesive aesthetic that ties all of your work together. This is especially important if you make a wide variety of products, or if your work spans multiple mediums and categories. Emphasize the cohesion of your work by shooting photos in a manner that unifies them, whether that's a similar background or styling decision.

Branding: Let the jury know you're serious about your products by paying attention to the presentation. The branding and packaging of your goods doesn't need to be fancy or even professionally produced (although it never hurts to have an expert work on your logo and packaging design). However, adding modern, unique branding will help make your work memorable. This tip doesn't apply as much for fine artists or applicants who have a completely original products, but for the makers of consumable goods (soap, candles, artisan food, etc.), the branding and packaging is the primary deciding factor for the jury.

Progression: For artists who have exhibited at Indie Craft Parade in the past, the jury is looking to see a progression of skill and that your work has evolved. Hint: don't submit the same exact photos you did last year. This doesn't mean that your body of work is expected to be be completely new each year, just that you should be continuing to refine, create, improve, and innovate. 

Cory Godbey  /  The series above shows images from 4 consecutive application years.

Cory Godbey  /  The series above shows images from 4 consecutive application years.

Originality, Uniqueness and Innovation: You want your work to stand out from other applications, especially if you're entering a highly competitive category like To Wear. Our best advice is to show the jury something they haven't seen before. An item made with an unexpected material or color is going to catch the jury's eye a lot quicker than something they've seen a hundred times before. Also, our jury loves seeing a fresh, modern take on a traditional craft, like a dip-dyed woven basket or a carved wooden pedestal with clean lines.

The vision of Indie Craft Parade: We are looking for the highest quality handmade goods in the realm of modern craft. The emphasis is on quality and modern. Experience and background aren't a deciding factor; if you create the most amazing handcrafted work, we don't care if you’ve been doing it for 30 years or 3 months, we want to see it! This isn't your grandma's church bazaar, not a place where you'll find "country crafts" or monogrammed tupperware. We feature modern craft; high quality work with a fresh and unique spin.

We hope these tips help you put your best foot forward, and we can't wait to see all the submissions! 

All images shown are from previous Indie Craft Parade exhibitors.

2014 year in review

General InfoElizabeth Ramos
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We can hardly believe it -- 2015 is almost here. Soon we'll toast in the new year and make big plans for the future. But this end of season time gives us a chance to reflect on all that's been accomplished in the past year. We've met incredible people, seen growth in the makers community, and seen remarkable expansion within our own organization. We're eternally grateful to the friends, family, and community who provide constant support for and encouragement to for Indie Craft Parade, and we're continually reminded how blessed we are to have you all in our lives. We hope you enjoy reliving some of the highlights of this past year.

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March 2014 -- The Makers Summit and The Best Craft Party Ever

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April 2014 -- Artist Day through the Indie Craft Parade School Scholarship program

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June 2014 -- Call for entries and Jury selection of festival artists

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July 2014 -- Team trip to Atlanta

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September 2014 -- The Festival with record artists and attendance

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September 2014 -- Baby Ramos joins the team

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December 2014 -- The Holiday Fair at GCMA

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We'll see you next year!

What to expect at the holiday fair

General InfoElizabeth Ramos

Saturday's the big day! We can’t wait to see you all come out to the Indie Craft Parade Holiday Fair. Here are some final details to help make your experience the best it can be.

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Where and When is the Holiday Fair?

The Holiday Fair will be located at The Greenville County Museum of Art. 420 College Street, Greenville SC 29601 The hours are 10 am to 6 pm.

Please note, this is NOT the same location as our September festival. If you go to the Huguenot Mill there will not be anyone there. Also, The Greenville County Museum of Art is one of many buildings in Heritage Green, so refer to the photos below. You can look for outdoor signs for Indie Craft Parade. If this is your first time visiting GCMA, you can enter the building from either the front or back. Both entrances will lead you to the Holiday Fair.

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Where can I park? There is a large parking lot at Heritage Green. If the lot is full, there are a number of parking garages in Greenville. The closest one to GCMA is Richardson Street. Also, the Downtown Trolley runs to Heritage Green on Saturday, so you can park anywhere close to the route, and hop on for free!

Who will be there?

We will have 30 artists at the Holiday Fair. This makes it a smaller event than the September Festival, but we’ve specially picked our vendors who are excellent for Christmas shopping. So bring your list!

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Will there be a line?

Probably a short one. Last year we had 1,500 attendees throughout the day, and we expect that number to increase. However, the rest of the art museum is filled with amazing exhibits—especially one for kids and a series of guided tours. So if you need to wait at all, we recommend touring the museum or elsewhere on Heritage Green.

What about food?

We’ve got some great options for you! There will be a great selection of food trucks, including Asada and Thoroughfare. We’ll also be hosting one of our favorite duos, Circa Doughnuts and Methodical Coffee. Also, GCMA has provided an eating area in case the weather is cold.

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See you this weekend! We can't wait!

Holiday Fair Gift Guide: For the Home

Artist Showcase, General Info, VendorsElizabeth Ramos
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We are so excited about all of the Christmas shopping we'll do this weekend at the Holiday Fair, and we hope you're putting your shopping list together after seeing our gift guides. Here's one featuring all of the great gifts you'll be able to find to create a more handmade home. Prints and originals by Emily Jeffords / Hand lettered posters by Paige Elizabeth Designs / Ceramic trivet by Crave Studio / Soy candle by Mercy Verity

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Hand turned muddlers by Slab / Hand stamped flour sack towels by The Hiber Fiber / Felted terrariums by Once Again Sam / Pet teepees by LoveLane

Holiday Fair Gift Guide: Part 2

Artist Showcase, Events, VendorsElizabeth Ramos

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! We know as soon as the dinner plates are cleared tomorrow, you're going to start strategizing your holiday shopping. Have fun out there in the Black Friday madness (those of you who choose to participate). But remember, those truly memorable, meaningful gifts come from real people...people like our Holiday Fair artists. As you're planning your gift giving, consider these two new gift guides to help you find the perfect treasures for the people in your life.

 FOR HIM:

Skinny Straight Jeans by Billiam / Bowtie by The Cordial Churchman / Anchor Bracelet by Maritime Supply Co. / Tent and Trail Pullover by Dapper Ink

Shave Soap by The Herb Garden / Hand-thrown Mugs by April Schwingle / Sketchbooks by Shed Labs / Hand-turned razors by Slab.

 FOR HER:

Collar Necklace by Lily Pottery / Cameos by Once Again Sam / Feather Pendant by Crave / Hand-dyed Necklace by Spectrum

Embroidered Napkins by The High Fiber / Yarn Skeins by Merciful Hearts Farm / Hand-lettered Notecard by Paige Elizabeth Designs / Brick Feathers Clutch by Auspicious Miss

Holiday Fair Gift Guide: Part 1

Events, Festivals, Greenville, VendorsElizabeth Ramos
stockingstuffers

If you're looking for unique and one-of-a-kind Christmas gifts this year, our Indie Craft Parade Holiday Fair can help! Featuring handmade goods from 29 artists, there's something for everyone. Starting with stocking stuffers and gifts for the little ones on your list, let us make a few suggestions to get you started!

Stocking stuffers clockwise from top left: handkerchief/scarf from Dapper Ink / Leather keychain from Billiam Jeans / Recipe cards from Ink Meets Paper / Sketchbook from Shed Labs / Ceramic cloud magnet from Crave Studio / Soaps from The Herb Garden

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Gifts for the Little Ones clockwise from top left: Canvas crown from Lovelane Designs / Not-so-magic wands from Slab. / Boy's necktie from Cordial Churchman / Baby spoon from Block & Hammer / Baby booties from Pogoshop /

Fall Craft Roundup

ProjectsElizabeth Ramos

We love this time of year, and while everyone is starting to get busy preparing for Christmas, let's not bypass the beautiful season that we're in right now. In honor of the changing leaves and cooler weather, we gathered a few of our favorite Fall DIYs to inspire and prepare you for a season of making. Follow the links below for tutorials on each of the projects pictured.

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Clockwise from top left:

1. Pie Inspiration 2. Keep your houseplants cozy 3. Pumpkin Guest Book — ask family members to write what they're thankful for 4. Pinecone Placecards – these would look great in gold too! 5. Repurposed sweater basket 6. Gold-dipped glasses

Announcing the 2014 Holiday Fair

EventsElizabeth Ramos

Fall colors may not have hit their peak yet here in Greenville, but we're already thinking about the holidays, well, the Holiday Fair, that is. We're planning the third annual Indie Craft Parade Holiday Fair, featuring a selection of previous Indie Craft Parade participants. At this one day event you can support local artists and shop for one-of-a-kind gifts.

PLEASE NOTE: The Holiday Fair will be in a new location this year. Due to a generous offer by the Greenville County Museum of Art, we will host the Holiday Fair in one of the Museum's galleries. Their beautiful building and great location allows us to keep this year's Holiday Fair closer to the center of Greenville.

Date and Time: Saturday, Decmber 6; 10 am to 6 pm Location: Greenville County Museum of Art; 420 College Street, Greenville, SC 29601

Keep reading for a sneak peek of goods you'll see at the Holiday Fair and the full list of artists who'll be there.

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2D / 3D Fine Art Cory Godbey Ben Schipper / Paper Loop Troupe Emily JeffordsApril SchwingleCrave StudioSlab.

Featured Sponsor: OhSnap! Photobooth

General InfoElizabeth Ramos

Wow! It's been over a month since the 2014 Indie Craft Parade, and we're still reliving the fun of the festival weekend! As we're buttoning up all the remaining details for 2014, we want to make sure you know about one of our favorite and long-time sponsors, Oh Snap! Photobooth. Every year, attendees to the festival look forward to snapping fun, impromptu shots in the photobooth. It's everyone's favorite souvenir (well, a close second after all the amazing handmade art they bought). We've waited a little to give this company proper recognition in order to collect some of our favorite examples from our followers on Instagram. Just a few more reminders of how much fun we had. Ways we love to see Oh Snap! photos appear on Instagram (as sampled below):

-- People showing off their collection of photo strips from multiple festival years -- Seeing pictures of our amazing artists with friends (old and new alike) -- Cramming as many faces as possible into the frame -- Photos of Indie Craft Parade purchases mixed in with souvenir photo strips

Photo courtesy of caraansley.

Photo courtesy of milk__moon.

Photo courtesy of timberline jewelry.

Photo courtesy of finktoys.

Photo courtesy of lorena_uribe11.

Photo courtesy of c_tadlock.

Please, if you ever contemplate having a photobooth at a party or gathering, contact Oh Snap! right away. You will not regret having this amazing feature at your event. The owner, Jon, has worked with us from the beginning of our event, and we couldn't imagine the festival without it!

5 Year Posters with The Printshop

Behind The Scenes, Events, Greenville, ToursElizabeth Ramos
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For this year’s festival, we wanted to make a special poster to commemorate our fifth year. We worked with the folks at The Printshop, Greenville’s newest makerspace, to create silkscreened posters for our event. We spent an evening at The Printshop with Andrew (husband of our co-founder, Lib Ramos) and Jeremy to print our 2014 posters. They walked us through each step of the process — from burning a screen to registering inks and we took pictures along the way.

It was so much fun to take our design from a computer screen to a final printed product and be reminded of all the work that goes into screenprinted art. As we often tell others, learning a new skill is one of the best ways to foster appreciation for it. Here are some of our behind the scenes photos.

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Mixing inks to get the perfect shade.

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Jeremy shows us how to pull a print.

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The first color on drying racks.

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Burnt screen for color number two.

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Adding the second color.

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Final prints drying in a row.

Fun fact: The Printshop founders were introduced at last year's Indie Craft Parade. In less than a year's time, they ran a successfully funded Kickstarter and opened the doors to our city's first community print shop. The Printshop is offering classes along with studio space and access to equipment for all kinds of printing processes like silkscreen, etching, letterpress, lithography and more.

Be on the lookout for more partnerships between Indie Craft Parade and The Printshop down the road — for example we're hosting a modern calligraphy workshop in their space mid-January!

2014 Anthropologie Display Workshop

Events, GreenvilleElizabeth Ramos
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In a few weeks, we’ll be partnering with our local Anthropologie to spread some early holiday cheer and get ourselves into the holiday spirit. Join us at the Greenville store on October 23 where we’ll be making gilded garlands for a large in-store display. You're invited to come out and spend time creating with us! All the materials and tools will be provided.

We did our first display workshop with Anthro last year making garlands from recycled materials, and we're already looking forward to what they have in store for us this year.

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The event is free, but you do need to RSVP because space is limited! Call the store at 864-242-4553 to reserve your spot.

Date: Thursday, October 23, 2014 Place: Anthropologie: 1 North Main Street, Greenville, SC 29601 Time: 6-9 pm Cost: Free, but RSVP is required