Craft Crawl!

Be sure to make the East Village your first stop this Friday night for something you won't want to miss.

During the months we actually want to go outside and do things, you can generally find great stuff going on in the Village on First Fridays - from open houses, sales, product launches and trunk shows to a few beers,  a cheese log (hey, we're not making promises here) and evening shopping hours in some of your favorite shops.

For May, so many are participating and it all sounds amazing.  The idea for the Craft Crawl, taking place between 5 and 8 pm,  originated with Jen at Eden and the artist she is hosting, Marissa Rae Kephart of The Moon & The Honey.  Quickly, we all jumped on board. It's a swell idea.  We're excited to be hosting a trunk show for Acanthus Apparel as they officially launch their much anticiated Kid's line. 

You can find a full list of who is where by checking the event facebook page (FIRST FRIDAY MAY: craft crawl)

Here is a link:

https://www.facebook.com/events/642655839081132/

and click here https://vimeo.com/64178210 to see the nifty video by Marissa. She also collaborated with Anna Frederick on the invite at the top of this post. 

 We are lucky to live and work in this amazing creative community.  Let's make a night of it  May 3rd.

Recycle Your Style

Whether you swap it out or reconstruct it on site - take charge of your wardrobe and change it up at this annual event.

It's almost time for the 4th annual Des Moines area Swap-o-rama-rama...an international phenomenon of alternative shopping and DIY workshops brought to us locally by artists Kelsey Blessman, Stephanie Bracelin, and a handful of dedicated volunteers.

Here's the concept:  bring $10. and any size bag of clothing to swap.  These will be sorted into types for easy shopping, and there you go...swap it out.  I have personally found killer designer jeans, vintage t shirts, and great dresses to wear and upcycle - which leads to the other component of the event :  there are sewing and screen printing stations where you can hop on a machine, learn a new skill or have a more seasoned crafter make it happen to order.  In the past, there have been felting workshops, as well as beading and other crafty endeavors to explore. And the supplies!! cool vintage and unusual fabric remnants, buttons & who knows what are there for the swapping too.

 The event is what you make it - that is, if you have a skill, consider sharing your expertise - if not this time around, then perhaps at s.o.r.r. 5.  It will come around again, like a lovely thrifty/crafty carousel.

Check out this year's Swap-o-rama-rama Sat. 8/25, 11 to 4pm at 6300 Pioneer Pkwy. in Johnston.  For more info, find them on facebook or contact them at dsmswap@gmail.com.   Support and take advantage of this cool opportunity!