Digging Pitt Stuff

Sweet Mother Handmade Arcade

2006-11-16T23:09:00.000-05:00

Yeah, so I know that other crafter events have been going on for longer, but Pittsburgh needs to consider itsself lucky to have Handmade Arcade. This year there were still more vendors. I spoke to artists from all over the country and from Canada! AND, some of the people who have been to craft events everywhere were blown away by us and already said they would definately come back next year. Take that f*cking Sienna Miller. (Didn't see you at Handmade Arcade, loser).

So I really appreciated Heidi Kenney's table www.mypapercrane.com . Kenney makes cute inanimate objects out of what appears to be mostly felt, including little donuts with beaded sprinkles ('jimmies' for the Yinzers). The supercute donuts were displayed in a pastry case. Crafter power! Also in the upper ranks of awesomeness were Mike Budai's concert posters, Squidfire's screenprinted vegetable track jacket www.squidfire.com , and Jen Cooney's stuffed Yetty and other creatures.

Honestly, since I had a table I feel like a really missed out on seeing a lot of stuff that was there, so if you were a shopper or an artist there and want to share your thoughts and observations, by all means . . .

2006-11-09T17:31:00.000-05:00

Yes! I'm getting ready for Handmade Arcade, so I've been absent from posts, but please have patience! One other crafter activity I've been considering is the legendary Punk Rock flea market. It happens in both Boston and Philly, and quite honestly it's a challenge to find any real info on the event. In the true tradition of punk, it's only advertised and discussed in alternative press and underground stuff (which is crazy because the event has grown SO much). A December 7th Boston Globe article from last year also mentions Bizaar Bizarre, a similar crafter activity where the founder has actually published a book on renegade crafts. More info can be found about the Philly Punk Rock Flea Market on the R5Productions blog. Table prices are cheap considering their average number of guests. Rock on, crafters.

2006-10-07T23:44:00.000-04:00

I thought I should say this since I mentioned selling 2D art. I work full time in an art environment, and one common question that I get from non-artists there is, "Where can I go to get cheap art?" Needless to say, I cringe - especially when they add, "you know, like a starving artists' sale." My answer to them is not simple. I take the time to correct their question and tell them that no art is "cheap" for an artist to make. That means crafts, too. I explain that the market in Pittsburgh is not always what artists would like it to be, affordable art is easy to find, and all of that. But I've learned from these interactions that a common misperception about artist's markets is, "It's a flea market, so artist's are selling for less and are willing to haggle." A word to the wise (if you're a newbee, because I don't want to preach to the choir), don't undercut your prices! I had to share this story, because as a crafter, myself, I was surprised to learn that some people believe that crafter artists can afford to price cut. Like our sales environment makes that much of a difference . . . No artist can afford to price cut, just like no doctor, lawyer, or other working professional can.

Craft Factory Number 2

2006-10-07T22:47:00.000-04:00

Hello again, artists and crafters. Hope you're happily creating goodies for Bright and Shiny. Since I feel that I would be most helpful giving info rather than opinion, I hope to be able to share a lot of news about artist craft events happening everywhere, and not just at Digging Too. The lastest news is the Matress Factory is repeating their sucessful Craft Factory event. For those who didn't participate in the last one as a vendor, you should know that it's a great event for selling 2d art, as well as crafts. Here's the info...

Saturday, December 2 from 10 AM - 5 PM.
Free with Museum Admission.
Come to the Mattress Factory to do some holiday shopping with one-of-a-kind items by artist from the local area. After your purchases stop by the holiday stamping table to decorate paper and wrap your presents.
Live music from 1 - 3 PM
Enjoy ARTLab hands-on art activities from 1 - 3 PM
PLUSFactory Installed Artist Talk with Dan Steinhilber 3 PM
Drop in guided tour at 1 PM

Open Call to Crafters!

2006-09-28T23:15:00.001-04:00

Digging Pitt's holiday plans include a small works show to be installed in both the original space on Butler St. and Digging Too, located just around the corner. It'll be HUGE! Good news for you, crafters - the man behind the curtain insists that crafters are to be an important element in this show because last year for this show artist craft sales were awesome!

Here's the skinny:
All mediums are welcome. Work must be ready to display. As of now we are not limiting the number of crafts per person, however we are limiting size (no larger than 16" in any direction). Small items appropriate for gifts are preferred. We may refuse any items that do not fit the criteria or aesthetic of the show. A $5-$30 price range is recommended. Gallery commission rate is 30% of the selling price. Please be sure that accepted pieces are labeled with your name and price, and sufficiently protected from damage (boxed or packaged).

Sound good? Contact us and let us know you're interested! Drop off for this show is October 26th-November 3rd, so don't wait! There's even more info about this event on Digging Pitt's main Blog page. Check it out!

What's Going Down

2006-09-24T22:52:00.000-04:00

Those of you who are already friends of Digging Pitt know about trying to roll out Digging Pitt Stuff at occational intervals at Digging Pitt Too. Or maybe you don't? Well , Stuff is our "artist crafter entity" and it is currently being scheduled at Too as monthly happenings. YES, fabulous crafter friends - you are formally invited to sell your wares at our upcomming events. Stay tuned for more...

Stay Tuned for more stuff about Stuff.

2006-07-08T12:48:00.000-04:00

Digging Pitt Stuff

Cool buttons pins jewelry craft items posters zines t-shirts handbags scarves ceramics glass ornaments dolls toys and other stuff from crafters all over Pittsburgh.