Detroit Urban Craft Fair: Your One-Stop Shop for Handmade Holiday Gifts!

Get ready for the Detroit Urban Craft Fair (DUCF), returning to the iconic Masonic Temple on December 7th and 8th for its 19th year! Hosted by Handmade Detroit, this is Michigan's largest and longest-running indie craft fair, offering the perfect opportunity to find unique, locally-made gifts for everyone on your holiday shopping list.

With over 100 juried makers and artists, DUCF features a diverse selection of handmade creations. Whether you’re looking for jewelry, clothing, accessories, home decor, bath & body products, or even pet items, there’s something for everyone. Best of all, you can pick up your gifts and take them home that day—no waiting for shipping!

What to Expect:

• A Talented Lineup of Creatives: From modern styles to traditional craftsmanship, the vendors at DUCF are carefully selected to bring you the best handmade items. Whether you're shopping for family, friends, or yourself, you’re sure to find something special.
• Food, Music, and Fun: Enjoy a hot cup of coffee from Gooseneck Coffee while DJ Dave Lawson spins a mix of old favorites, forgotten gems, and seasonal classics. Plus, there’s a Kid Crafty Corner hosted by Mint Artists Guild and POST from 1-5pm each day to keep the little ones entertained while you shop.
• A Historic, Glamorous Setting: The Masonic Temple’s stunning interior will transport you to the glamorous celebrations of the 1920s, providing a beautiful backdrop for all your holiday shopping.

Event Details:

• Where: Masonic Temple, 500 Temple St, Detroit
• When:
  • Saturday, Dec 7th: 11am – 7pm ($5 admission, First 50 shoppers get a free swag bag!)
  • Sunday, Dec 8th: 11am – 5pm ($5 admission, First 25 shoppers get a free swag bag!)
  • Kid Crafty Corner with POST (Sat) / Mint Artists Guild (Sun) from 1-5pm
• What to Bring: Your friends, family, and a big shopping list!

Can’t make it in person? No problem! You can still shop with DUCF vendors online at DetroitUrbanCraftFair.com. Whether you’re in town or out of state, you won’t miss out on these amazing handmade goods.

~S

Discover the Uniqueness: 5 Reasons to Explore the Detroit Urban Craft Fair at the Masonic Temple

Photos By: Doug Coombe Courtesy of Handmade Detroit 

Detroit is a city pulsating with creativity, and one event that captures this spirit vibrantly is the Detroit Urban Craft Fair (DUCF). Set against the grand backdrop of the Masonic Temple, this December 2nd and 3rd, the fair promises an unparalleled experience for craft enthusiasts, explorers of unique finds, and families seeking a day of artisanal delights.

Poster By: Jason Abraham Smith 

Here are five compelling reasons why you shouldn't miss DUCF2023:

1. Curation at Its Finest
The DUCF isn't just another craft fair; it's a meticulously curated haven. With hundreds applying, only a select 120 artisans make the cut. Expect diversity in crafts, ensuring there's something to catch the eye and steal the heart of every visitor. From handcrafted jewelry to bespoke home decor, the variety astounds, catering to diverse tastes and budgets.

2. Early Birds Catch the Gift Bags
Arriving early holds a special treat! The first 25-50 attendees each day will snag an exclusive gift bag. Imagine starting your day with surprises curated by these talented makers, setting the tone for a day of discovery and delight.

3. Discover Unparalleled Finds
Ever gifted something so unique it elicits the question, "Where did you find this?" DUCF is precisely where those treasures await. It's the spot to uncover one-of-a-kind gems that speak volumes without words, perfect for those seeking gifts that leave lasting impressions.

4. Crafts Galore for All Ages
Families, take note! The fair isn't just for adults. Embrace the afternoon with free kids' crafts by AR Workshop and engaging activities for all ages curated by POST Detroit. It's an opportunity for creativity to flow freely, fostering a love for craftsmanship in the young and the young at heart.

5. Savor the Experience
Shopping can work up an appetite or a thirst for some caffeine. Fear not! Indulge in delights from local favorites like Gooseneck Coffee, Delectabowl for scrumptious bites, or even a crafted cocktail from the Masonic Temple itself. Sip, savor, and continue your journey through the fair.

When and Where to Immerse Yourself:

Dates:
Saturday, December 2nd, 2023: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Sunday, December 3rd, 2023: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Location:
Masonic Temple
500 Temple Street, Detroit, MI 48201

Admission:
Saturday: $5
Sunday: $3
Children 12 and under: Free after 1 p.m.

Special Events:
Free Kid Crafty Corner with AR Workshop: 1-5 p.m.
Free Crafting for All Ages with POST: 2-4 p.m.

The Detroit Urban Craft Fair promises a weekend filled with creativity, unique discoveries, and an atmosphere pulsating with the heart of Detroit's artisanal community. Mark your calendars, gather your loved ones, and prepare for an unforgettable experience!

~S

10 Good Reasons to Check out the Detroit Urban Craft Fair December 2/3/4, 2022

The Detroit Urban Craft Fair is returning to the city on December 2,3,4, 2022. The fair, which is ever-changing, has added lots of new things to make this year's event better than ever. Here are the 10 best reasons to go:

1- The Detroit Urban Craft Fair is a highly curated show.
Thousands of makers apply to be a part of the Detroit Urban Craft Fair. but only a little over a hundred makers are selected to be part of the show. A jury of veteran makers/curators gather together to go through every application to put together the perfect show. This means they have a great selection of different handmade items to browse through and a little something for everyone. They also consider the price point, their goal is you can buy a lot of things while you are there and get your shopping done.

2- This year the Detroit Urban Craft Fair will feature food from Delectabowl.
A Delectabowl is a delicious, satisfying, home-cooked meal in a bowl. Come hungry and eat well!

3- DJ Dave Lawson will be spinning vinyl all weekend long.
Do you love classic holiday music? DJ Dave Lawson will be bringing it all weekend long. His highly curated collection is unmatched. His presence adds to the fun and ambiance of the event.

4- Friday night has some extra fun features.
Friday night costs $10, but you get a lot more for your money! Cool Critters will be setting up their "Weepul People" station, POST will be making marbled ornaments with you, and there will be giveaways and some special one-night-only stuff throughout the night. Plus, you get the first chance to shop before everyone else!

5- There are lots of fun ways to entertain the kids!
Friday Night will feature a lot of different make and takes, and Saturday and Sunday will feature a kiddie corner that is curated and run by AR Workshop Ferndale!

6- You can get a warm Gooseneck Coffee Co. coffee to enjoy while you shop!
Gooseneck Coffee Co will be set up Saturday and Sunday to make sure you can get your caffeine fix!

7- Children under 12 are FREE from 12 a.m. - 7 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
Free is good, kids are welcome, but leave the strollers at the door because it gets tight in there!

8- There is a bar!
Do you want to have a drink while you shop? Head to the back corner and get a beer, some wine, or a cocktail and then start shopping.

9- You can find a holiday gift for everyone on your list.
There is a wide variety at the Detroit Urban Craft Fair. You can find gifts for kids, comic lovers, beauty junkies, and unique décor collectors. The selection process for the show ensures that this fair always has the perfect mixture of goods to make shopping locally extra easy.

10-The first 50 people through the door on Saturday get a gift bag.
The first fifty people to enter the fair on Saturday morning will get a #DUCF gift bag to take home.  Make sure you show up early because the doors open at 10 a.m. and the bags go fast! 

The Detroit Urban Craft Fair will take place at The Masonic Temple this Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, December 2nd, 3rd, and 4th. The show will run from 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. on Friday, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. on Saturday, and 11 a.m.- 6 p.m. on Sunday. Friday night's preview event is $10, and the rest of the weekend ranges from $5 to $2 depending on when you come. More information about the show can be found here.

~S

Hey Makers! It's Time to Apply for the Detroit Urban Craft Fair!

2021 group photo by Doug Coombe

(Yes, that is Sadie waving her arms in the back)

This is a call to all the makers that want to get their goods into local homes this holiday season. It's time to apply to the Detroit Urban Craft Fair! Every year, this highly curated event elevates its selection and offers something new to its shoppers. It is a truly one-of-a-kind weekend experience that you can only get in Detroit. That being said, a lot of people want to be a part of this event, so it's not as easy to get in as you might hope it would be. You have to apply (that part is easy in theory) and be approved for the show. How do you get approved? You COMPLETELY fill out every section of the application, no matter how boring or mundane. Then, take some time and really sell who you are, what you do, and how you think it would elevate this year's event. What are you going to have on your table, how will it be laid out, and why do you think people have to have this under their holiday trees?  The more creative you are in crafting your application, the more likely you are to be picked by the jury of people that will be making the selections. Around 120 makers will make it into this show and then they will start to announce all the cool things that they have cooked up for the show. So, if you want in, set aside some time, get creative with your words and photos, and apply to be a part of one of the most magical local events this December.

The Detroit Urban Craft Fair will take place on December 2nd ,3rd and 4th, 2022 at The Masonic Temple in Detroit. You can learn more about The Detroit Urban Craft Fair here and you can apply to be a part of this year's show here. Follow DUCF on social media to keep up with them all year long here.

~S

Hip in Detroit's Picks for the Weekend: December 4-5

 We're a day late getting them to you, but here are our picks for this weekend! 

Saturday, December 4th & Sunday, December 5th - Detroit Urban Craft Fair @ The Masonic Temple: Shop with over 100 makers this weekend at the Detroit Urban Craft Fair! This is one of our favorite events of the season and we are so glad that it is back to an in person event again this year. This craft fair isn't like your typical craft show at the local high school. There is awesome art, fun gifts, and something for everyone. Check out the list of vendors here. DUCF kicks off Friday night, then the fair is open from 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. on Sunday. Admission ranges from $2-$5 depending on what time you get there. Proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test from within 72 hour is required for entry. 

Saturday, December 4th - Rival Summers Last Show @ The Loving Touch: Leo Bautista has been playing music as Rival Summers for over a decade and Saturday night he closes that chapter of his life. Don't miss the last Rival Summers show ever at The Loving Touch. Cover is $13 in advance or $15 at the door. Advance tickets can be purchased here. Rival Summers will be joined by Weeknight Motion, Ohly, and The Timbre of Cedar. All ages are welcome and proof of vaccination is required. Doors open at 7 p.m.

Saturday, December 4th - Munster, Go Home! (1966), with live appearance by Butch Patrick @ The Senate Theatre: The historic movie theatres in the Detroit area have brought some legendary actors to town during screenings and this weekend the Senate Theater has a great star lined up. Eddie Munster himself (Butch Patrick) will be in town for a screening of The Munster's movie Munster, Go Home! Patrick will do a Q&A before the screening and will sign autographs after the movie. Tickets to the screening are $15, there is an additional fee for autographs and photos. Tickets can be purchased here, doors open at 7 p.m., and the event starts at 8. 

Sunday, December 5th - It's A Wonderful Life @ Monroe Street Drive-In: Get in the holiday spirit at the drive-in this weekend! The holiday classic It's A Wonderful Life will be playing at the Monroe Street Drive-In this Sunday night. Watch a movie in the comfort of your car with the lights of the cityscape and Christmas tree all around you. Admission is $20 per vehicle and the movie starts at 7 p.m. To purchase tickets and for details, including how you can get food delivered to your car from your favorite restaurants downtown, click here. 

~C

Here are 3 Ways to Support Detroit Artists this Weekend

Playground Detroit is Hosting an Artists Market On Small Businesses Saturday

This Small business Saturday, Playground Detroit will be opening a new temporary artist market that they have curated to help everyone shop local this season. The pop will feature 25+ artists and makers with limited, exclusive items and gifts! This will include books and magazines, gifts under $20 and $100, original artwork and limited edition prints, as well as apparel, accessories, home goods, baby, textiles, and more. The shop will be open to the public Thursday - Saturday from 12-7 p.m. and Sunday from 12-5p.m. The pop-up shop will be located at 1435 Farmer St., Detroit, MI 48226-2101. Metered parking is free on Friday/Saturday/Sunday, so do not worry about paying, just come shop! You can find out more and keep up with this event here.

Detroit Urban Craft Fair

The Detroit Urban Craft Fair is already in full swing. They have had 2 artists taking over their Instagram every day for a month and a half and the entire experience has been amazing. You can head over to HandmadeDetroit.com anytime and shop 112 makers in the same space. Each maker has a bio, some have discount codes, and they all have something special to offer to shoppers looking for a unique gift. You can learn more and shop here.

Detroit Artists Market

The Detroit Artists Market is not canceled. They have taken everything online this year where you can shop a variety of one of the kind original works that were created by local Detroiters. You can learn more and shop their current selection here.

~S

It's Time to Shop The Detroit Urban Craft Fair from the Comfort of Home

The Detroit Urban Craft Fair has been one of Metro Detroit's favorite holiday staples for a decade and a half.  It has become the place to find something special for everyone on your list during the holiday season. But, due to COVID -19, gatherings like this aren't safe, so the organizers of the fair decided to take things in a different direction this year.

Instead of confining the fair to four walls and a single weekend, they have taken the event to the internet and turned it into a multi weekend event! Now through December 6th, you can shop 112 Michigan makers by simply visiting handmadedetroit.com. When you visit, you will see two makers at the top of the screen. Those makers are the people who are taking over their Instagram that day. Makers taker over from 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. through 8 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. On Mondays, one of the devoted sponsors takes over the feed for the whole day! They also have giveaways every Monday and interesting takeover on their IG. This includes crafts on Fridays and yoga classes with Motor Om on Sundays. They have created an entire virtual experience that is as cool as the in-person event.

It is really fun to go behind the scenes to learn more about each of the artists and a lot of the takeovers, include discount codes and sales. So it is worth following along to make sure that you can take advantage of all the deals that the makers offer.

To follow all the takeover on IG click here

To shop all 112 makers click here.

Michigan makers need your support more than ever before. So, please consider shopping the 2020 Detroit Urban Craft Fair for all of your holiday gifts.

P.S. - You can scroll through the @handmadedetroit IG feed to see all the previous takeovers and you can watch all the previous stories in the highlights!

~S

Hip in Detroit's Picks for the Weekend: January 31 - February 2

Saturday, February 1st - Friends of Dennis Wilson Record Release Show @ Outer Limits Lounge: Friends of Dennis Wilson will be taking over Outer Limits Lounge this Saturday night to celebrate the release of Space Maintainer on vinyl. The band will be joined by Oblisk and Dizzy Hotel for this one. Cover is only $5 and doors are set to open at 8 p.m.

Sunday, February 2nd - Pop Up Brunch Sundays @ Bagley Central with Faniz Bitez: For once, there's a lot happening on Sunday! So start your day off right with brunch at our favorite bar, Bagley Central. They will be hosting a pop up with Faniz Bitez. There will also be a Bloody Mary Bar and Mimosas on special for $5 by the glass or $20 by the bottle. Keep an eye on the Facebook event page for the menu and information on other drink specials. Brunch runs from noon until 4 p.m.

Sunday, February 2nd - VMKT 2020 @ The Majestic: If you're a fan of the Detroit Urban Craft Fair, this is the next best thing! The crew from Handmade Detroit presents VMKT, a 35 maker-market curated for seasonal shopping. In addition to the great makers, there will also be a DJ, make & take stations, door prizes, and much more. Admission is $15 if you want to do the make it take its, or $1 if you just want to shop. The fun runs from noon until 5 p.m.

Sunday, February 2nd - Super Sunday Big Game Bash @ Small's: If you want to watch the big game this Sunday, there's no better place to watch than our other favorite bar, Small's. While the Super Bowl plays on the big screen, there will be a free nacho bar for you to snack on, and all drinks are $1 off. This party is free to attend and it kicks off at 5 p.m.

Sunday, February 2nd - Twilight Zone Marathon - No Super Bowl Sunday @ Lost River: If you're not into the Super Bowl, Lost River is the bar to be at on Sunday night. Instead of having the game on, they will be hosting a Twilight Zone marathon. Get weird, drink rum, and eat some dumplings. This party also starts at 5 p.m.

10 Reasons You Want to Check Out the Detroit Urban Craft Fair this Weekend

The Detroit Urban Craft Fair is returning to the city on December 6th, 7th, and 8th. The fair, which is ever-changing, has added lots of new things to make this year's event better than ever. Here are the 10 best reasons to go:

1- The Detroit Urban Craft Fair is a highly curated show.

Thousands of makers apply to be a part of the Detroit Urban Craft Fair. but only a little over a hundred makers are selected to be part of the show. A jury of veteran makers/curators gather together to go through every application to put together the perfect show.  This means they have a great selection of different handmade items to browse through and a little something for everyone.

2- This year the Detroit Urban Craft Fair will have food, snacks, and coffee!

The DUCF will feature food from Delectabowl and snacks and coffee from Gooseneck Coffe Co. on Saturday and Sunday.

3- They have great DJs playing music all weekend long.

DJ Eugene Machine will be kicking off the music on Friday night and DJ Dave Lawson will be spreading holiday cheer on Saturday and Sunday. The fun music always adds to the fun atmosphere of the show.

4- Friday night has some extra fun features.

Friday night costs $10, but you get a lot more for your money! Subtle Design will be teaching letterpress, POST Detroit will host a make and take a class, Cool Critters kids will be setting up their "Weepul People" station, and Paper Honey Bee will have a craft. Imperfect Foods and Gelato Bean will be handing out samples and there will be raffles and giveaways. Plus, a portion of the proceeds from the door will be donated to Art Road.

5- It's only $1 to get in Saturday and Sunday. 

Some people say you can't do anything fun for a dollar, we beg to differ. The Detroit Urban Craft Fair is only $1 all day Saturday and Sunday.

6- Part of the proceeds from the DUCF go to Art Road.

Part of the proceeds from the event will be donated to Art Road, a nonprofit that is trying to ensure that every child has the chance to experience music and art at their schools. 

7- Children under 12 are FREE all weekend!

Free is good, kids are welcome, but leave the strollers at the door because it gets tight in there!

8- All of the makers are at the show.

If you see something and you want to ask the maker about it, you can. ALL OF THE MAKERS that participate in this show will be on-site all weekend. You can talk with the makers and ask them bout their craft! No strong sales pitches here, just a chance to connect with some great makers.

9- You can find a holiday gift for everyone on your list.

There is a wide variety at the Detroit Urban Craft Fair. You can find gifts for kids, comic lovers, beauty junkies, and unique decor collectors. The selection process for the show ensures that this fair always has the perfect mixture of goods to make shopping local extra easy.

10-The first 50 people through the door on Saturday get a gift bag.

The first fifty people to enter the fair on Saturday morning will get a #DUCF gift bag to take home.  Make sure you show up early because the doors open at 10 a.m. and the bags go fast! 

The Detroit Urban Craft Fair will take place at The Masonic Temple this Friday, Saturday and Sunday, December 6,7, and|8. The show will run from 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. on Friday, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m.- 6 p.m. on Sunday. Friday night's preview event is $10, the rest of the weekend is $1. More information about the show can be found on their Instagram, follow them here.

~S

Handmade Detroit Presents Their First VLNTNSDYMRKT at The Majestic

It's been over a decade since Handmade Detroit launched their first Detroit Urban Craft Fair inside the Garden Bowl at The Magic Stick. Since then, they have established themselves as the people to talk to if you want to create a one of a kind DIY maker-centric experience in the City of Detroit. They know every maker in town and have perfected the ability to throw together a show that is both fun and shop-able. These are just some of the reasons why we we're excited to hear that they have taken over as the new curators of the VLNTNSDYMRKT that was originally created and curated by Pot + Box's Lisa Waud. This perfect storm of talent and creativity promises to bring us the most interesting Valentine's Day market to date inside the space where it all started for Handmade Detroit.

The VLNTNSDYMRKT will take place on Sunday, February 10th and it will feature 25+ local merchants alongside a live DJ, a photo booth, and a variety of make and take stations where attendees can learn the art of creating from some of the best. Entry to the market is only a $1 a person and bracelets to walk around and participate in all the actives are only $10. Tickets will not be sold in advance for this event, they must be purchased at the door. This is the perfect way to celebrate love and have some fun with friends or someone that you love. To learn more about the market and to keep up with all of the big updates before the 10th click here.

Don't forget, the Magic Stick has a full bar and you can grab a slice from Sgt. Pepperoni's before or after you walk the show. Pro tip: Call your own pizza order in 20 minutes before you show up or before you are done and get something hot and fresh with all the topping that you want! They even have vegan options!

~S 

Eat, Shop, and Celebrate Local at The Detroit Urban Craft Fair this Weekend

Have you ever noticed that the older you get, the less magical the holidays can feel? I've noticed that once Halloween has passed, I start to get stressed out because even little trips up to the grocery store can feel overwhelming and there is traffic everywhere I go. It impossible to just "run into" a store and everyone including me seems stressed out. All the stress and anxiety really sucks the joy right out of gift giving and getting together with friends and family. But, there are a few ways that we have found to put the happy back into the holidays and one of those magical experiences is coming to Detroit this weekend.

The Detroit Urban Craft Fair will be returning to Detroit for the 13th year in the row. The three day extravaganza is one of the only events that we look forward to every year because not only is it fun, it's also one of the best places to get a bunch of shopping done in one place. The craft fair features over 100 local vendors that are actually there behind the tables repping their brands. If you have a questions about one of the handmade items, you can ask the person who made it and gift it along with a story about where it came from and how it was made. It makes the experience of shopping magical and interesting instead of stressful. It's more like going on a treasure hunt for something special for someone you love, than fulfilling the obligation of getting a holiday gift.

The three day fair takes place November 30 - December 2nd at The Masonic Temple in Detroit. The first day or preview event is $10 a person and the next two days are only $1 a person with 12 and under getting in for free. This year's opening party proceeds will be donated to Girls Rock Detroit.  The show will run from 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. on Friday, 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. on Saturday, and 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. on Sunday. The preview event also features some special surprises every year and the first 50 people through the door on Saturday will get a swag bag with entry.  To find out more about the fair, including the full vendor list for the show, you can click here. There will be food and drinks for sale and you can walk around with a cocktail while you shop. In fact, we highly suggest it! 

~S

Detroit Urban Craft Fair is Now Accepting Applications

This winter,  The Detroit Urban Craft Fair will return to the city for its 13th year in a row. The highly curated 3 day craft fair features around 100 cool creators every year. Thousands of people and companies apply to be part of the show, but only a few are chosen to be part of the show. In fact, they have already started looking for vendors and applications are due by the 25th of September!

So, this is a call to all of the cool companies out there that want to get in front of huge crowds of eager shoppers this holiday season. You need to head of to the DUCF website and apply to be part of this year's show. But, you need to be prepared to do some work if you want to be featured! All vendors that apply must pay the application fee and agree to be present all three days of the show. They do not allow vendors to send other people to cover for them because they want shoppers to be able to get up close and personal with the hands that made the handmade goods, which makes the shoppers' experience even more magical.

   

Don't forget to mark your calender's for this year's event which will take place from  November 30 until December 2nd. They also have a great lineup that includes live music and interactive events, including kid friendly stations. Plus, there is always some great local food and drinks!

~S

The 12th Annual Detroit Urban Craft Fair Returns to the Masonic this Friday!

Over the weekend I asked my mom to send me a Christmas shopping list. When I got it and took a look, I was immediately overwhelmed with sadness. Everything that my mom asked for was practical. She asked for some new cupcake pans, a new turkey roaster, and she even asked for her favorite brand of Tic Tacs. And although I love to make my mom smile and get her what she wants over the holidays, I can't bring myself to get her any of that stuff on the list.

I am sick of giving gifts for the holidays because you are supposed to. I want to go back to giving gifts because I want to, and I think the only way to do that is to buy something special that someone can't necessarily buy for themselves. I want to give my mom something she doesn't even know she wants. I want to find the perfect token of my love and appreciation without spending a bunch of time in line with a bunch of angry people who are eagerly trying to complete their must-have lists.I also want to make sure that the money I spend goes back into my community, which means that this holiday I have decided that I am 100% shopping local. I only have a few people I plan to shop for, so I'm going to go out to the stores in my area, the craft shows, and the bazaars and I'm going to find something special to give the people that I love.

I'm going to start that hunt this Friday at the 12th Annual Detroit Urban Craft Fair because, as many of you already know, it is the biggest and best gathering of DIY talent in the Mitten. For three days, Handmade Detroit puts on the most bad ass craft fair that you have ever seen. The variety of vendors is usually so different that I can get most of my shopping done during my visit. Plus, I get to know that every dollar I spend is going into the pocket of someone who lives, works, and plays in the same community that I do, which makes Christmas seem a whole lot more joyful to me.  

I reached out to Carey Gustafson, one of the masterminds behind the legendary craft fair and creator of Glass Action, and I asked her a few questions about this year's event. Check out what she had to say about the event and make sure to head out to the Masonic Temple sometime this weekend to take a stroll around the bazaar for yourself. There will be good music, good food and drinks, and most of all, good handmade gifts for everyone on your list that you can buy guilt free! Stop shopping off of Amazon wish lists and start making the holidays wondrous, worry-free and magical again!

HID- Are there any specials or deals that we need to know about? 

Carey- "Opening night is $10 and runs from 6-9 p.m. This is a breezier party atmosphere that you can be first to select from our vendors stock, and enjoy some special Friday Night only attractions, including samples from Avalon Bakery, Blu Kitchen, Gus + Grey, a make and take with Craftsanity, a lettering station with Moving Beauty and more! 

Saturday and Sunday our admission price is $1, or folks are free to round up to further support Handmade Detroit! We're proudly the first and longest running contemporary craft show in Michigan, and all proceeds are infused right back into our community. Produced by local Michigan women! Every dollar helps run this 100 vendor show!"

HID- Why did you decide to donate some of the proceeds from the Friday night preview to Girls Rock Detroit? 

Carey- "We were excited to support and shine a spotlight on a group that was not only providing a fun rock n roll element to a camp dynamic but using music and a live-venue approach to empowering young girls to stretch their interests in the arts. They're learning about booking shows and setting up on stage and rehearsing together with women and venues in metro Detroit. Personally, I know a few families whose daughters went through the camp program and couldn't say enough great things!

Friday night is our special opening night celebration and some campers will be there talking with guests about their camp experiences, and Girls Rock Detroit has secured a few teen DJs to provide the music Friday night for our guests and shoppers!"

HID- What kind of music will you have this year?
Carey- "Crowd favorite DJ Dave Lawson will be spinning all day on Saturday 10-8 p.m. and 'Macho City' man Mike Trombley of Happy Endings Dance Party is our DJ Sunday from 11-6 p.m.!"

HID- Is there still going to be a cash bar this year?

Carey- "Yes! DUCF is set up once again in the Drill Room of the Masonic Temple (home base for the Derby Girls, if you've seen a bout!) and the MT supplies a bar with chips and snacks, pop, water, beer, mixers. Our entire show is located in one room. Guests love to 'try' and explore the Masonic when they come but many other areas have private parties or are blocked off, but guests should know for future reference that the MT does provide official tours of the Masonic! 

Delectabowl will be back to provide food Saturday from Noon-6 and Sunday from Noon-5 for guests from snacks to full meals to keep shoppers and their kids fed while they explore the craft fair!"

HID- What if you’re a local DIY crafter who wants to be in the show next year, what’s the best way to make that happen? 

Carey- "Great question! We field daily emails about this. Each year we open our applications for 9-10 weeks starting in mid-July. We close the apps late September and from those in-time applications, we build our show; the available spaces AND the waiting list. We pull people up if someone has to cancel. We have 95 spaces and received almost 400 applications this year! For those that follow or have attended a DUCF it's a modern show. We review price points, originality, quality of work, type of materials and the appeal of the goods for our audience. It's a special jurying process that is managed by a panel."

HID- Is there anything else that you would like our readers to know?

Carey- "I always like to remind people that if you're turned off by the big morning crowds, think about coming down mid-day, before dinnertime. Saturday always eases up around 3:30/4 p.m. and Sunday it really slows down around the same time, and we're there until 6 p.m. There's a freight elevator that anyone that has special physical needs or has a guest in a wheelchair, you're encouraged to check in at the back desk/entrance of the Masonic and call for that service. There's also a DUCF parking lot for our guests! It's located at 640 Temple, just down the street.

The last thought is that if you've not been back in a few years, or a seasonal regular, it's exciting to boast that this year 30 percent of our show is BRAND NEW vendors to us. You'll also see crowd favorites that have been juried in. 20% of the show is from Detroit proper, and 90% of the show is MICHIGAN makers. The crafters you are shopping you will meet! You won't be greeted by brand ambassadors! DUCF will always be rooted in a local community party making the atmosphere. Come have some fun with us!!"

The Detroit Urban Craft Fair happens this weekend, December 1st thru 3rd at the Detroit Masonic Temple. The fair takes place on Friday from 6-9 p.m., Saturday from 10-8 and Sunday from 11-6.

~S 

Calling All Crafters! It's Time to Apply for the Detroit Urban Craft Fair!

The Detroit Urban Craft Fair is one of our favorite annual events. This yearly gathering of approximately 100 vendors is a finely curated event that features an array of different products in different price points and unlike other shows, you have to make something to be part of it. This craft fair does not allow anyone who sells vintage goods or chain items to participate. The ladies of Handmade Detroit work very hard to put together a truly unique experience and aren't afraid to switch up the booths from year to year. So if you have applied in the past and gotten turned down, there is no reason to believe that you won't make it into the show in the future.

The key to getting into this fair is showcasing your goods in the best possible light, using clear photos and descriptive explanations when you are filling out the paperwork. The more you can tell them about what are you planning to sell, the better! It is also important to remember that the designer must be at their booth throughout the weekend. The Detroit Urban Craft Fair is meant to be an interactive experience for the shoppers. So if you don't plan to be at your booth, don't bother to apply!

To apply for the show you must fill out this online application and send it in before September, 26th. It is smart to get it in as early as possible because there server gets overloaded on the last day and they do not under any circumstances accept late applications. So if you miss the deadline, you will have to wait for next years show! To learn more about Handmade Detroit and the Detroit Urban Craft fair visit their website here.

~S

It's Time for the 11th Annual Detroit Urban Craft Fair

Detroit oldest indie craft fair will be returning to the city for the 11th year in a row. The Detroit Urban Craft Fair will take over The Detroit Masonic Temple for three days to help you knock out some serious holiday shopping. This craft fair is hard to get into and thousands of vendors apply to be one of the hundred people who gets to showcase their DIY wares to the over 10,000 people that will come through the fair's doors. It is my favorite place to to try to knock out all of my holiday shopping every year. There is always something new and unique and it's easy to find something special for everyone on my list.

This year's fair kicks off Friday December 2nd at 6 p.m. Opening night is $10 a person and a portion of the proceeds are donated to Living Arts, a nonprofit that offers art education to youth in Southwest Detroit. Admission on Saturday and Sunday is only a $1 a person for people 12 and up. Delectabowl will be serving up food throughout the weekend and DJ Dave Lawson will be spinning some jamz for you to enjoy while you shop. The fair is open from 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. on Friday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. on Sunday. The first 50 shoppers on Saturday will receive a free tote bag with goodies. So if your going on Saturday try to make it out there early!

~S

The Tenth Annual Detroit Urban Craft Fair

Every year Handmande Detroit vets thousands of applications to curate the perfect craft fair. They choose 100 of the best handmade crafters that they can find to showcase their wares at The Detroit Urban Craft Fair. They have created a unique shopping experience where guests can find all sorts of special one of a kind items for all of the special people in their lives. The show has been changing each year and has been consistently been getting bigger and better. There is no better way to spend your money than on DIY designs from local vendors, so mark your calenders and make sure to head out to the three day show taking palace at The Masonic Temple this weekend, December 4th-6th.

This year's show will feature vendors selling jewelry, clothing, accessories, home decor, bath products, children's items, and other handmade goods. The Lunch Room will be serving up Vegan food throughout the day and DJ Dave Larson will be spinning records.

This year they are also adding on more time to shop! The show has expanded to a three day event, with a preview on Friday Night. Admission to the festival on Saturday and Sunday is only $1, admission to the preview show on Friday is $10 and half of the proceeds from the Friday night preview will be going to Living Arts, a nonprofit organization offering arts education to youth in Southwest Detroit.

Friday's event will run from 6-9 p.m, Saturday from 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. through 7 p.m. If you want to get the first look and the first chance to purchase, you need to come on Friday. If you can't make it there until Saturday or Sunday, be aware, this show gets packed fast!

You can follow the event on Facebook to get details about which vendors will be showcasing their goods at this year's event. Shop local this holiday season!

~S 

Everything You need to Know about D.I.Y Street Fair Coming to Ferndale September 13,14, and 15th

The summer is beginning to wind down and that means its time for one of my favorite yearly events, the DIY Street Fair in Ferndale. This is probably my favorite weekend of the summer (it helps that the last two years it has taken place during my birthday). This festival has the best music, food, and vendors in the area all gathered into one space for one weekend. You can go shopping for one of a kind items and eat El Guapo at the same time, count me in.

The festivities kick off Friday, September 13th and continue through September 15th. Each day brings its own special lineup of music to one of the three stages they have set up this year. They have over 60 merchants, including Glass Action!, Handmade Detroit, and UHF Records. They have tons of food, including two of my favorites El Guapo and Treat Dreams. The beer tent and libations will be sponsored by PBR this year and the drinks will be flowing as always. They will also have a Kids Zone featuring a Ferris wheel, climbing tower, dunk tank, and face painting.

Here's my list for the don't miss bands of the weekend. Please come up and say "hi" if you see Christie or me (Sadie) in Ferndale this weekend! We would love to give you a pin or a sticker and say hello. Let's end the summer together with a bang!

FRIDAY

WAB STAGE:

CHILD BITE  - 10:30 p.m.

THE SUICIDE MACHINES- 9:20 p.m.

DOC WAFFLES & EDDIE LOGIX - 8:30 p.m.

ALEXIS - 8 p.m.

 

RUSTBELT STAGE:

TUNDE - 9 p.m. 

GEORGE MORRIS - 7:20 p.m.

MCCLURES STAGE:
(After Party inside The Loving Touch)

THE COLD WAVE

THE ILL ITCHES

SATURDAY

WAB STAGE:

THUNDERBIRDS ARE NOW - 8:45 p.m.

THE HANDGRENADES - 7:50 p.m.

TOUCH THE CLOUDS - 4:20 p.m.

RUSTBELT STAGE:

THE HARD LESSONS - 9 p.m.

SILENT LIONS - 4:50 p.m.

SUNDAY

WAB STAGE:

OJALA - 9:20 p.m.

BARS OF GOLD - 8:10 p.m.

DESTROY THIS PLACE - 5:30 p.m.

JAMES LINCK - 4:40 p.m.

RUSTBELT:

SEVEN BIRDS ONE STONE - 3:30 p.m.

~S

It's Bazaar Time!

Just when you thought you were running out of ideas, or even time to shop, another great event is coming up in the nick of time to help you! The 7th Holiday Baar Bazaar is happening this Friday, December 14. As usual it will take place at the Majestic and goes from 8 p.m.- 1 a.m. Shopping that late sounds perfect to me! No need to worry about rushing to get to a store before they close! Plus, you can even get a drink and have a little more fun while doing your shopping and supporting local vendors.

Speaking of vendors, there will be 30 different vendors on hand for your browsing pleasure. They will be selling anything from handmade crafts to records to different collectibles and plenty other fun things! For a full list of the vendors, you can go here. Reware Vintage is putting the whole thing on again this year and will of course be on site with her wares for sale.

There are a couple other things that set this event apart from some of the other craft fairs around town. There will be bands playing! Pink Lighting and I Love Lightning Bugs (so much lightning!), plus other special guests will be playing while you shop. The other thing is that Hype Ignition will be there to make t-shirts on the spot. You can either buy a Baar Bazaar one, or for only $5, bring your own t-shirt (or buy one from them) and have them print whatever you want on it! That's a pretty good deal if I do say so myself.

So let's add this up: good music + beer + shopping + t-shirts = all of my favorite things! Oh, and it's free to get in and all ages. So head on down there, even if it's early so you can get to one of the many other fun things going on that night after, and support your fellow Detroiters and have a fun time shopping!

~B

Feelin' Crafty?

It's that time of year when you have to start making pesky lists of what you are going to buy everyone for the holidays. And there is always at least one person that you have absolutely no clue what to buy for, or in my case, many people. I usually end up wandering the mall or going to every shop I can think of until I come across that one random thing that is just perfect! But that's me, and I am always a last minute shopper. 

However, if you are like me, or even if you're smart and plan ahead but just like to shop, then one stop you should definitely make this year is at the Detroit Urban Craft Fair, put on by Handmade Detroit. The annual fair, which is in it's 7th year, will take place at the Masonic Temple this weekend, December 1 from 10 a.m.- 7 p.m. and December 2 from 10 a.m.- 6 p.m.

There will be 100 local and national vendors selling unique, hand-made items ranging from homemade treats to home goods to accessories and clothing. So I'm sure you'll be able to find something for everyone on your list! A lot of our favorite local artists/designers will be on hand like Shawn Knight, Glass Action!, FLEE Studio and many more! For a full list of the vendors that will be there this weekend, you can go here.

If you get there early on Saturday and are one of the first 50 people in the door, you'll get a 'swag bag' filled with homemade goodies and coupons to make it worth getting up early!

Admission in to the fair is $1 for those 12 years and up. Happy shopping and remember to shop local and support your fellow Detroiters this holiday season!

~B

A Look Inside the Coolest Jewelry Company to Ever Come Out of Detroit

Last year when I attended the Ferndale D.I.Y. Fest I had 2 goals in mind. First was to buy a ticket to Theatre Bizarre (that's a story for another time) and second was getting a Michigan necklace from a company called Glass Action!.  My friend, Channing Pierce, was Miss Michigan USA 2011.  When she won the title, she began wearing her friends "Michigan" necklace to promote her love for her home state.  Every time she wore it, I could not take my eyes off of it. I love Michigan and couldn't get over how cute it was to wear two necklaces that were in the shape of the upper and lower peninsulas.

Photo Courtesy of Fabrizio Costantini

I have received so many compliments on this necklace and have wrote out "Go to Etsy page Glass Action!" more times than I would like to count. This is why I decided to contact the owner, designer and creator of Glass Action!, Carey Gustafson. She was kind enough to answer a lot of questions about her company and how we can get more of what she's selling.

The most interesting thing I learned during this interview was that this lady can literally make you anything your mind can imagine. In fact she made a night light of Conan O'Brien's face and had her friends in Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. take it to the host on their recent guest appearance. I loved seeing that picture on my Facebook feed!

So without further ado here is the scoop on my favorite necklace and the amazing lady who started it all.

 Photo Courtesy of Jen Jeffery

HipInDetroit - When did you start your company Glass Action! and what was the inspiration?
Carey - "I named Glass Action! in 2005 - I was selling at the original Baar Bazaar in the Garden Bowl almost every week - but I'd been a full time stained glass designer and fabricator for a few different shops for about 15 years at that point!"


HipInDetroit - What made you decide to work with glass instead of many of the other traditional "necklace materials"?
Carey - "I really like that stained glass projects have a beginning and an end. There's no question when you're done because of all the steps. And you can stop at almost any stage of making to walk away either for a few hours or months!"


HipInDetroit - Your website describes your jewelry as traditional "Tiffany" style jewelry. What does that mean?
Carey - "It was a big part of Louis Comfort Tiffany's method - wrapping pre-cut pieces of glass with a copper tape, then soldering everything together. I work exclusively in foil, no lead came or zinc, except for the occasional trim around panels."

HipInDetroit - How did you come up with idea for the Michigan necklace?
Carey - "Believe it or not, when I first started making them, there wasn't Michigan Making Madness quite yet! I started with the mitten but quickly incorporated the U.P. after a few stern requests from some show-goers! That's why they've always had their own chains, so you can wear one or the other or both at the same time."

HipInDetroit - I loved the mirrored tooth I saw you wearing when we met at The Metro Times Blowout. What jewelry designs are you currently featuring? 
Carey - "I've been steering myself into the indie wedding market, and have had a few commissions for bridesmaids jewelry! I've been making bangle and leaf necklaces that have been doing very well at Naka (Ferndale) for over a year now. I cut the glass, use a lot of mixed chain draping and found items - like the silver "leaves" on the necklaces are highly polished fishing lures!"

Photo Courtesy of Emily Gustafson

HipInDetroit - I know that you make nightlights and many other glass pieces, what other things besides jewelry are you constructing these days?
Carey - "The custom portrait night lights are doing really well! I love doing these. People send me jpgs of their friends, family or usually couples getting married and I make them into night lights. The rock star night lights I take out to shows with me are some characters I hope people will like, but working on civilians likenesses is my favorite."

Photo Courtesy of Carey Gustafson

HipInDetroit - Tell us a little about how the customs orders work? Can you make anything?
Carey - "THANK YOU for asking me that! That's been the "hardest" part of my business to convey. People I don't think would hesitate thinking "could you paint my parents portrait?", but with my work I get that question all the time, and it's not much different - just different materials. And I actually DO paint the faces, the glass is the canvas. With the basis of artistic license in mind, People, pets, homes, cars - send it my way!"

HipInDetroit - I have seen you featured at many of the local events around the city, including the D.I.Y. fest in Ferndale. Are there any events in the near future where someone could come to check out your wears?
Carey - "I'm working with my partners in Handmade Detroit right now, working on the details for our Spring craft show called "Craft Revival". It's at The Loving Touch in Ferndale on Saturday, May 12th."

HipInDetroit - Where can someone find your stuff for sale online?
Carey - "You can shop Glass Action at my Etsy store:
 www.etsy.com/shop/GlassAction and I always encourage people to write me with project ideas! Quotes are always free. glass_action@yahoo.com "

~S