2014-2015 Year of Workshops

Anyone who has followed Indie Craft Parade for even a short amount of time knows that we have two main objectives: 1) cultivate an awareness and appreciation of handmade art and 2) support artists and creatives in growing their businesses. Well, we're super excited to announce that over the next year we have even bigger and better plans to make that happen. Of course, we'll continue to hold The Makers Summit (it's going to be bigger and better than ever!) and the Holiday Fair(Saturday, December 6). Also, we will again be hosting monthly workshops or meet-ups to further encourage hand-making or small creative business success. We've planned a a huge assortment of events where attendees can learn a new skill they've always wanted to try, connect with other makers in our community, and develop valuable tools for growing their trades.

So, we've got an amazing line up for you! To learn more or to purchase tickets for the workshops, check here.

Here's a little sneak peek at a few of the upcoming workshops!

Handsewn Napkins with Mandy Blankenship, November 11

Barista 101 with Will Shurtz and Methodical Coffee, January 20

Modern Calligraphy with Ink Meets Paper, January 24

Paper Valentines with Mollie Greene, February 5

And lots more! We'll see you there.

2014 Indie Craft Parade School Scholarship

Since we started Indie Craft Parade, we’ve wanted to do more than just put on a great show in Greenville. We want to make a lasting impact on our community. One of the hopes for Indie Craft Parade is that we can inspire another generation of artists by getting involved with the art programs of Greenville County schools. In 2011 we established the Indie Craft Parade School Scholarship Program in which we donated funds to the art department of a Greenville County school. We understand that school budgets are always tight, but unfortunately it is often the fine arts programs that are the first to suffer when  funding cuts are made. It also breaks our hearts when we learn that art teachers sometimes have to pay out of pocket to supply the most basic tools like markers and crayons for their classes.

So we want to help.

Our goal is for the scholarship program to not only help fund a school’s art program that is lacking in resources but also expose students to a greater spectrum of art than is typically available in a classroom setting.For 2014, one scholarship of $500 will be awarded to a school in Greenville County.

Application photos from previous recipient Brook Glenn Elementary.

We want our scholarship to extend beyond just funding. We establish a true partnership with the school that is selected and work together to create opportunities for students and local artists to connect.

Applications will be selected based on three main criteria, including: -- Educational impact of the scholarship -- Need of the applying school -- Proposed use of the funds

Any school located in Greenville County can apply for these art program funds. Applications can be found online and must be submitted by October 31, 2014.  So let your school know about this opportunity!

The Indie Craft Parade scholarship is open to all schools, both public and private, in Greenville County. All schools are eligible for funding without discrimination due to race, religion, or socioeconomic status.

Film Screening: Sign Painters

SignPainters_IG

Please join us for a special film screening! 

Sign Painters

celebrates the hand-painted sign industry, an American tradition. This documentary explores a fascinating insight into a a highly specialized underground trade, emphasizing an appreciation for a balance between art and commerce.

WHEN: Saturday, October 4 at 4 pm

WHERE: Furman University, at the 

Trone Student Center: Burgiss Theater

Address:

3300 Poinsett Hwy, Greenville, SC 29613.

Click here for a campus map.

The Trone Student Center is located towards the back left of campus, on the lake.

COST: Free!

In addition to the film, local sign painters will be on hand to do demos and answer questions about their work and industry.

About the film:

We see them almost every day without a second thought. Weathered by time, distinct characteristics shining through, hand-painted signs are a product of a fascinating 150 year-old American history. What was once a common job has now become a highly specialized trade, a unique craft struggling with technological advances. Sign Painters, directed by Faythe Levine & Sam Macon, stylistically explores this unacknowledged art form through anecdotal accounts from artists across the country including Ira Coyne, Bob Dewhurst, Keith Knecht, Norma Jeane Maloney and Stephen Powers. These vanguards of unseen originality are leading a renaissance with a keen creative purpose and exemplify the working class American success story. Sign Painters celebrates those keeping the tradition intact with a bespoke approach and appreciation for a balance between art and commerce.

This film screening is sponsored by Indie Craft Parade,

The Film House,

and

Furman University.

Thank you for an amazing festival!

In case you're still reliving the amazing festival weekend, we don't blame you. We just want to say a huge thank you to our 7,000 attendees, 80 artists, 42 volunteers, 20 sponsors, 10 staff volunteers, and 6 food vendors who make Indie Craft Parade possible. One of our favorite things about the festival is all the photos that came out of it. If you haven't seen it, check out the great #indiecraftparade hashtag stream here.

Here's a look at some of our favorites. We love you all! See you at our next event!

Image via SavannahMaieDae.

Image via Lindsey George.

Image via Going Home to Roost.

Image via Swamp Rabbit Cafe.

Image via Eleanor.XVI.

Image via Strawberry Moth.

What to Expect at Indie Craft Parade

If this is your time first attending Indie Craft Parade, you might wonder what you can expect at the event.  Hopefully this post will answer all your questions!

Who is this festival intended for? The whole community! Indie Craft Parade is for anyone interested in purchasing handcrafted goods. Indie Craft Parade features the best handmade art in the Southeast from 80 independent artisans. We invite the public to attend this festival and enjoy high quality crafts, local food, live music, and connect with makers.

Is there a cost to attend the festival? Yes, there is a $2 admission fee at the door. Children, 12 and under, are free to attend. We will accept both cash and credit card payments. 

ICP_Uprinting postcard.indd

Where is the festival being held? Indie Craft Parade is held indoors at the historic Huguenot Mill in downtown Greenville, SC. The mill is located at 101 W. Broad Street, next to the Peace Center. The venue is handicapped accessible. There is street parking available, and several parking garages with easy walking distance.

Is this event family friendly? Absolutely! Saturday and Sunday are open to the public (again, kids are free), so bring the whole gang. However, your four-legged friends must stay at home (sorry, Fido!). If you have small children, we allow strollers, but do not recommend bringing them. The aisles are a bit narrow and make maneuvering a stroller a little difficult.  The only time alcohol will be served is at the VIP Gala, and attendees must be 21 years or older to partake.

9835298683_f7c40fff84_z

What type of goods can I expect to see? At Indie Craft Parade, you’ll find the best handcrafted goods in a variety of categories--everything from paintings to children’s toys, paper goods to jewelry, ceramic mugs to artisanal chocolate. You can get a sneak preview of some of the work by checking out blog posts like this one or this one.

Will credit cards be accepted? Most likely, but bring cash just in case. Many of the vendors may have the ability to accept credit cards. However you should be prepared to pay cash for some of the items you purchase. There is an ATM on site in case you forget your cash.

9835261106_c1e20435fd_z

Will I have to wait in line? It’s possible. We do our best to accommodate large crowds. However, depending on the turnout, you may have to wait in line before you enter. Obviously, our goal is to get everyone in as soon as possible, but we do have to respect the venue’s fire code. If there is a line, we’ll do our best to keep it moving quickly and aim to have everyone in within about 15 minutes.

Is there food and drink on site? Yes! We’re delighted to have the offerings of several local establishments available to our attendees. You can purchase items from Swamp Rabbit Cafe, Circa Doughnut, Luna Rosa, Tandem CC, Tealoha, and Methodical Coffee.

If you have any questions, please check out our FAQs. Reach out to us on social media.

VIP Gala

Hey everybody, only 10 days until the 5th Annual Indie Craft Parade. Every year we pack out the Huguenot Mill with fans who've been waiting all year to for the festival to come back. And to make it even more special, we kickoff the weekend within an amazing party--our VIP Gala. Only a limited number of ticket holders get to enjoy this preview event...and tickets are going quickly.

Haven't purchased your ticket yet? Better hurry! Here’s what makes our VIP Gala so great:

1) Ticket holders personally benefit Indie Craft Parade. Indie Craft Parade is a non-profit organization, and we are dedicated to keeping costs affordable for our artists. Many of them travel across the Southeast to show you their wares, and we don't want them to worry about losing their profits on the event itself. Your ticket purchases also help keep the festival inexpensive for the remainder of the weekend. We really want families, students, and especially kids to see the work of artists and be exposed to the creative community. And keeping the general festival admission so low means that nobody has an excuse not to attend.

2) Relaxed shopping atmosphere. We’re expecting a very large attendance on Saturday and Sunday, which means crowded aisles and limited access to all the artists. When it comes to the variety and extent of the artists’ work, Friday night is definitely the best way to see it. We frequently have artists sell out of goods before the festival ends, so if you want the best selection, get it on Friday night.

3) Giveaways! Our artists have gone above and beyond this year in donating work to our giveaway baskets. We have 15 baskets assembled—each one is worth over $100. Some are worth almost $200. The lucky winners of these baskets will be going home with a lot of loot.

4) Live Local Music. We've teamed up with the local band, Pioneer Fires, who will be providing music for the evening. Set in the entry of the beautiful historic Mill, the band will give the perfect mood for the evening.

5) Free Food and Drink. We’ve received the menu from our amazing caterer, Chef 360, and the food is going to be out of this world. The incredibly talented Chef Peter has worked up quite the menu for us—As artful as it is tasty. You can also expect some special treats from some of our favorite local restaurants, Swamp Rabbit Cafe and Tandem CC.

Just like last year, we're extremely excited to be providing only locally produced beverages at the VIP Gala. That list includes our favorite coffee guys, Methodical Coffee—who’ll delight us with some of the latest trends in coffee brewing; as well as our old friends at Tealoha---who will be bringing batches of house blended teas and lemonade; and a selection of South Carolina beers and ciders.

This is a party you don't want to miss. Do good and have a great time altogether at the VIP Gala. Be sure to get your tickets before it's too late!

Featured Sponsor: Squarespace

Have you ever wanted to make a website for your artwork, your wedding, your business, but lacked the technical skills to make it happen? Or perhaps your looked into hiring a web designer but found it too pricey for your project. Well, despair no more. We'd like to introduce your new best friend: Squarespace.

Squarespace makes it simple for anyone to build an incredible website. With their beautiful templates, your portfolio, restaurant, or blog will shine. Their integrated commerce makes online shopping a breeze, and managing inventory and print packing slips is so easy it's fun. The list of perks keeps on going, including free logo design and top-notch customer service.

Squarespace is designed for creative entrepreneurs, and their commitment to quality shows in everything they do. We're so glad to partner with Squarespace for the 2015 Indie Craft Parade festival!

Try out Squarespace for free! Make a beautiful website and see what happens next.

Sneak Peek: Gala Giveaways

It's less than 3 weeks until Indie Craft Parade kicks off with the VIP Gala! Did you get your tickets yet? There’s not many left, don’t miss out.

The VIP Gala offers an exclusive first look at the artists’ work. Enjoy the opening night of the festival with a relaxed shopping atmosphere and live music. Comlimentary hors d'oeuvres and beverages (handcrafted coffee, tea, craft beer, and hard cider) are provided.In addition to all this, our gala guests can also win amazing giveaways! Take a look at just a few of the wonderful handmade items our artists have donated for the giveaways:

Credits: Slab. / Crave Studio / Sweeteeth / Perla Anne / Queen's Cupboard

Credits: paperform / Once Again Sam / Emily Jeffords Studio / Block & Hammer

Credits: Lily Pottery / January Jewelry / Spectrum / Maritime Supply Co.

Credits: Finkelstein's Center / Strawberry Moth / Owlette / Pogoshop / Precious America

Credits: Zen Succulent / Very Fine South / Bean & Bailey Ceramics / Oriskany Glass Studio

Credits: Paige Elizabeth Design / Shed Labs / Cory Godbey / Ello Lovey

Credits: Whispering Willow Soap Company / Culleymade Knits / billiamjeans / Muncle Fred Art

You could go home with a giveaway basket worth several times the ticket price! Tickets are $30 each and are available here.  Ticket proceeds help support Indie Craft Parade, a nonprofit organization, and our desire to keep festival costs affordable for both established and emerging artists.

Artist Showcase: Everything Else

In our artist showcase series, we feature a few makers from each category, who you’ll get to meet in just over 2 weeks. Can you believe the festival is almost here?! We guarantee this little sneak peek will have you counting down the days until Indie Craft Parade! The Et cetera category has a great variety of artists and goods that stand in a group all their own. From home decor and accessories to kitchen and garden goods, you'll want to remake your life around these products.

Don't forget, if you want to see everyone, old and new, who will be at this year's festival, check out their websites, found on our main site.

Hawks & Doves is a NC based maker who repurposes found materials in conjunction with both new and dead stock American made textiles and USA leather. We're dying over the feed sack pillows and especially those gorgeous aprons.

Blackjack Wax Company focuses on creating high quality, small batch soy candles. Each candle is personally hand-poured in batches of ten or less. We think you'll love their original scents like "front porch" and "film noir."

NATIVE BEAR products include hand printed paper goods and home decor featuring original designs and illustrations. Channel your inner bohemian and enjoy this collection.

The Zen Succulent is a mother/daughter team making contemporary glass vases filled with minimal color-blocked landscapes and live greenery. Each piece uses both live and preserved plants for a product that is one-of-a-kind.

Very Fine South makes a fantastic collection of bags and home decor. We think we can find a use for every one of her products.

Calling All Volunteers

Every year the festival relies on a lot more than the staff who organizes it or the artists who make it awesome. We need a core group of volunteers to ensure the festival runs smoothly. If you've attended and enjoyed the festival in the past, it's largely to the credit of the people who give their free time over the course of the weekend. The volunteers keep things running smoothly and efficiently, and we're so thankful for them.

So if you'd like to be involved as a volunteer for Indie Craft Parade, please get in touch by emailing jen@makerscollective.org. You don't need any particular skills--mainly a friendly smile and the willingness to dig in and help! 

artist showcase: paper goods

In our artist showcase series, we feature a few makers from each category, who you’ll get to meet in just a few weeks. We guarantee this little sneak peek will have you counting down the days until Indie Craft Parade!Today we’re highlighting a handful of artists from our Paper Goods category. Books, stationary, posters, accessories are just a few of the amazing things you'll find. All the sudden you'll want to send letters to everyone.

Strawberry Moth creates amazing illustrated products from cards, posters, pennants, and accessories. We can't wait to see this entire collection in person.

Linen Laid Felt combines traditional book-binding techniques with contemporary designs. We particularly love that the books can be used as photo books. Even your Instagram photos can have a place to go.

Tin Oiseau is a delightful collection of purposeful and customized stamps. You'll want something for every part of your life...library, cards, and tags. It will make sending gifts and mail that more special.

Paper Sparrow is an Indie Craft Parade veteran, but has developed a wonderful expanded line of posters, cards and stationary. My favorite is the abstracted representation of composers' work. These posters are great.

artist showcase: to wear

In our artist showcase series, we feature a few makers from each category, who you’ll get to meet in just a few weeks. We guarantee this little sneak peek will have you counting down the days until Indie Craft Parade! Today we're highlighting a handful of artists from our To Wear category. This is a broad lot including jewelry, menswear, kids clothes, and a lot of accessories. You'll be able to find something for everyone in your life from these artists.

Esse Quam Videri uses the Japanese dying technique of shibori to create these lovely one-of-a kind silk scarves.

Megan Cash has made a perfectly classic, yet fresh take on menswear. Keep the men in your life looking dapper with her creations.

Carolina Keiki has created an adorable line of kids' clothes from their studio / shop in North Carolina. Pretty sure you wish your clothes were this cute and comfy.

Timberline Jewelry is the creation of furniture designers turned jewelry makers. Building off strong geometric patterns and designs, this line is both classic and trendy.

Maritime Supply Co. reflects all of our needs to get to the ocean. Suited for both men and women, these pieces will make you want to head to the beach.

Artist Showcase: Fiber Art

In our artist showcase series, we feature a few makers from each category, who you’ll get to meet in just over a month. We guarantee this little sneak peek will have you counting down the days until Indie Craft Parade!

Today we’re highlighting some of the artists from our Fiber Art category. In this section you’ll find amazing handmade work created with felt, fabric, and yarn. Often the artists are even responsible for making their own patterns, prints, and even the materials themselves. And once again we had a difficult time choosing who to showcase, there are so many talented artists in this category!

Bonnie Christine is a woman of many talents. She runs the blog Going Home to Roost, makes her own fabric designs, illustrations, and patterns. And makes the most amazing products from them all.

Jennifer Lesley Design creates a variety of original home goods and decorations. From hand printed, painted, or dyed fiber and fabric, she makes a one of a kind collection.

Muncle Fred Art is a felt florist. Whether looking for a long lasting arrangement for your living room, a gift for a special occasion, or decorations for you next big event, you're sure to love these creations.

Hey Baby Craft Co. is doing an amazing job of preserving traditional quilting with her own modern twist. We can't wait to see these in person!

2014 VIP Tickets now on sale

It’s already that time of year again…VIP Gala tickets are on sale as of today! This kickoff party will begin our favorite weekend celebrating handmade goods.

If you’ve never been before, here are a few things you need to know that make the VIP Gala special:Lighter crowds: The opening night is your best chance to get to know the artists and get first dibs on their work. We sell a limited number of VIP tickets to make that evening special and allow ticket holders to avoid the crowds of Saturday and Sunday.

Giveaways: Our artists always go above and beyond in donating work to our giveaway baskets. We usually have 12-15 baskets worth over $100 each. Each basket will find their way home with a VIP ticket holder.

Free Food and Drink: Catered this year by Chef Peter and his team at Chef 360 Catering, the food is going to be out of this world. And in keeping with the theme of buying fine local craft products, we’ll be serving locally produced beverages including coffee from Greenville's newest coffee shop, Methodical Coffee, house blended teas and lemonade from Tealoha, and a selection of South Carolina made beers and ciders.

Live Music: And to top it all off, there's live music! This year we're excited to have local band Pioneer Fires playing for us during the VIP event. Their sound will be the perfect backdrop to the party. You won’t want to miss it!

The 2014 VIP Gala will be held on Friday, September 12 from 6 to 9 pm at the Huguenot Mill in downtown Greenville, SC. This ticketed event kicks off the festival weekend, and helps support our artists and the mission of Indie Craft Parade. Check out the full details on our website and get your tickets here!

Artist Showcase: 3D Fine Art

In our artist showcase series, we feature a few makers from each category, who you’ll get to meet at the festival about a month and a half. We guarantee this little sneak peek will have you counting down the days until Indie Craft Parade!

Today we’re highlighting some of the artists from our 3D Fine Art category. In this section you’ll find amazing handmade work created with wood, glass, metal, and ceramics. And once again we had a difficult time choosing who to showcase, there are so many talented artists in this category!

Bean and Bailey ceramics is a Chattanooga duo producing small-batch functional porcelain pots. They use colored porcelain slip to construct both subtly organic forms, as well as faceted vessels inspired by natural crystals and gems.

Churp Modern combines an interest in bird houses and modern architecture. Matt Estrada uses reclaimed wood to house the yard birds in style.

SLAB creates beautifully function home goods. From the local Greenville mills, they source top quality walnut, cherry, and maple wood and produce serving boards, utensils, and perfectly streamlined furniture.

Pixels and wood combines a love of hand lettering with reclaimed goods. From the workshop in Winston-Salem, they take pride in bringing new life to old things and repurposing them in unexpected ways.

Featured Sponsor: MailChimp

One tool we frequently use that makes our lives easier also happens to be a company who actively supports creative events across the country like Indie Craft Parade. It’s our friends at MailChimp!We like to seek out sponsors whose services are valuable and relevant to our artists and fans. And we also like to share tools we use to make our organization more efficient. MailChimp is both of those.

If you receive our Indie Craft Parade or Makers Summit newsletters, then you’ve seen MailChimp in action. (And if you’re not on the list, you can sign up at the bottom of our sites!). MailChimp makes communicating via email so much easier.

They also provide a set of great Resources for beginners, whether you're selling items online, a nonprofit like us, or just getting started sending emails. For those already familiar with MailChimp, be sure to look into the many ways you can integrate your MailChimp account with other services you use regularly like Facebook, Twitter and some eCommerce platforms!

While you're at it, be sure to let MailChimp know you appreciate their support of events like Indie Craft Parade.

Artist Showcase: 2D Fine Art

It’s time to start one of our favorite blog series. As we get closer to the 2014 festival, we’ll be featuring a few artists from each category. You'll get to meet them all at the festival in just a few short weeks. We guarantee this little sneak peek will have you counting down the days until Indie Craft Parade! 

Let’s start off the series with some makers from our 2D Fine Art category. There are so many talented artists; it’s hard to pick just a few!

Chris Koelleworks on a variety of illustrative, graphic, and design from here in Greenville, SC. You should check out his impressive list of published works. His series of botanical prints and originals will be a feature of his booth at Indie Craft Parade.

ElloLovey creates inspiring and whimsical prints as well as other handmade goods from her home studio. You'll find that her creations are partly inspired by her British heritage as well as the woodland scenery that surrounds Asheville, NC.

Joe Engel is a mixed media artist dividing his time working and living in Western North Carolina and Eastern Tennessee. Working out of a small studio in the countryside, Joe creates original handmade artwork with a combination of salvaged materials and original designs. 

2014 Artists Announced

We are excited to announce the 2014 list of Indie Craft Parade participants! Our fifth annual festival will feature 80 artists — 33 new and 47 returning. Mark your calendars for September 12-14 and come see us at the Huguenot Mill at the Peace Center. We know you can't wait to start shopping, so go check out the complete list on our website, and start making those wishlists!

2014 Call for Entries: Last Chance

This is it! Sunday, June 22 at midnight EST is your last chance to apply for this year's Indie Craft Parade. We do not consider late or incomplete applications, so if you've started an application but haven't finished yet, this weekend is your last opportunity to finish and submit!

For those who aren't applying, but know an artist who should submit their work, we've made it easy for you to send out an email introduction to Indie Craft Parade. Help us find the best handmade goods in the South!

It's the National Day of Making!

Hello Crafters, Creators, and Makers of all kind, and Happy National Day of Making! We love that in the past few years more and more Americans are looking to their neighbors and  friends as well as local/regional sources to buy things that they used to purchase from faceless corporations. It's exciting to watch people actually discover where their goods come from--whether that's forming a relationship with a farmer or small grocer, buying handmade decorations and accessories, or searching for local businesses to accomplish a task or need. All across the country and even across the globe, people want to buy from other specific people.

We're also very proud that Indie Craft Parade has helped facilitate some of these changes in our own area. Every time we host the Festival or The Makers Summit, we see new artists taking the next step to increase what they make, and we see new people in the community hungry to buy from them.

So in this spirit of celebrating making, we join Maker Faire in spreading the word about this day dedicated to making. For those of you unfamiliar with Maker Faire, a brief explanation: Part science fair, part county fair, and part something entirely new, Maker Faire is an all-ages gathering of tech enthusiasts, crafters, educators, tinkerers, hobbyists, engineers, science clubs, authors, artists, students, and commercial exhibitors. All of these “makers” come to Maker Faire to show what they have made and to share what they have learned.

Maker Faire hosts events all across the country to support individuals and businesses using their creativity. While the scope of Maker Faire is much broader than Indie Craft Parade, many of our objectives are the same. Chiefly...promoting making, and everyone who's doing it. Maker Faire's impact has become so extensive that it even caught the attention of the President. Today the White House itself is hosting its first ever Maker Faire (as explained by OK GO in this video).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HaTgKLym0Dg

So spend part of your day celebrating making. If you're an artist or crafter, show the world what you're working on. If you know makers who should be celebrated, tag them in your social media posts. And be sure to watch all of the action of the Maker Faire at the White House today. Follow #NationOfMakers on Twitter and Facebook. Oh, and of course, tag Indie Craft Parade on Instagram when you post photos what you're making.

P.S. If you're curious which makers we're loving right now, check out our newly added Etsy page. Celebrate making! Celebrate handmade!