(Banner by Oscar Rosales, of Bleenkies™, and used with permission.)
You know how all-handmade artists’ organization Handmade In South Bay provides a great “all-handmade-and-local” Christmas shopping opportunity? And how they give back to the community, at the same time?
Well, they’re just about to do it again.
Tomorrow, December 5, they’ll host their Third Annual Holiday Boutique at CRAFTED year-round crafts marketplace, in San Pedro.
So, what might you see if you stroll into CRAFTED between 11 am and 6 pm tomorrow? Let’s see…
Talented graphic artist Oscar Rosales will be there, in Artists’ Alley–and he may very well be drawing cats! Check out his latest fun artwork from his Bleenkies™ line, on his Facebook page.
Jackie Demyers will be back, with her totes, fleece blankets and patchwork quilts that just make you want to curl up in them! (Like a preview? Check out her Crafts by Jacqui Etsy store!)
Last year, I completely fell in love with Mary Anne St. John’s Christmas-tree earrings, made out of Swarovski crystals. She’ll be back with all kinds of new jewelry creations again this year!
Isn’t this a fun picture of Angel Art Dreams proprietor Gale Rugnetta in action? If you ask, she may very well show you the intricacies of Viking knitting–with wire, not wool!
Jessica Johnson, of Jessie J Inspirations, creates original art with a wide range of inspiration, including anime and 1940s pinups. You’ll remember, from an earlier post, that she and her cute pal “Brodie” are involved in the “I’m Not a Monster Holiday Drive” for misunderstood dog breeds. Jessica’s currently collecting toys, blankets and treats for homeless pets–and if you’d like to help, we understand there will be several pet-related vendors there on Saturday!
Meanwhile, a lot of our favorite authors will be onsite, in the Authors’ Alley area. Seeds of Inspiration proprietor Barbara Lieberman is looking forward to the January release of her “prequel” to Message On the Wind. And if you ask Barb about her “finest work”…
…you just might meet another author whose book you can’t put down! Acorn Tops proprietor Ellie Lieberman just published her first young-adult book, Society’s Foundlings, earlier this year.
And, if you aren’t hungry when you first walk in tomorrow…
…that could change in a hurry. Tamiza makes some pretty irresistible cakes, popcorn, small breads and cookies –and she’s just one of the artisan food vendors who’ll be there.
Among the vendors we’re looking forward to meeting? Haven’t yet had the opportunity to see Mike’s Woodwork, but if his Facebook page is any indication, we’ll be “oohing” and “aahing”. And there are probably at least twenty other new favorites we’ll discover tomorrow.
Best of all, Handmade in South Bay is a “give-back” kind of organization. At last year’s Holiday Boutique, Cub Scouts wrapped gifts, in return for donations, and CITY’s youth-owned businesses were front and center. In addition, HMSB generally conducts a raffle and raises funds for at least one local charity, with each of their events.
So–I’ve got my shopping bag ready for action! How about you?