I’m excited to announce that Drakestail Jewellery will be at the Totally Handmade Artisan Trinkets (T.H.A.T.) Craft Fair on June 14th! This is a brand new show in Ottawa, and will be taking place at 429 Parkdale Avenue, Ottawa, at the Parkdale United Church.
Since this is a brand new fair, I thought it would be fun to ask a few questions of the organizers, Breanne & Kate.
What was your inspiration to create T.H.A.T. Craft Fair?
K. Personally, I wanted to help create a vendor show that focused on handmade art–work that represents what our local community members are passionate about.
B. I started attending craft fairs in October and found that I kept meeting so many awesome local vendors making products that I would much rather buy from someone local vs. a large company. I have always had a passion for organizing events so it just seemed natural to me that I combine my new found passion for supporting these awesome local vendors and my love for organizing events.
Are you crafters yourselves? If so, how long have you been doing it?
K. Yes we are! I started BabyMakes Products last summer when I needed to supplement our household income when both my husband and I lost our jobs shortly after my third child was born. I have always made all-natural and gluten-free body care products for my own family but bringing it to the Cumberland Farmers Market opened up a new world to me.
B. Yes! I have been making dog collars for over 2 years now when I found it difficult to find affordable and cute dog collars. I did some research and started making my own and then launched Scruff Collars. I used to do crafts every Saturday as a kid so now I call this my adult arts and crafts.
How did you choose the two charities that the show is supporting?
K. I have been a theatre professional for 20 years and recently started working with Orleans-based Tale Wagging Theatre. This is a vital time for TWT as we prepare for our debut production in September at the Shenkman Arts Centre.
B. We decided because there were two of us that we would each pick one charity so we each picked one that is near and dear to our hearts. I picked New Beginnings Pet Rescue because it is the rescue that I got my dog, Denver, from and that is really where this all started. They are a small rescue that gets no funding so I try and give back to them whenever I can.
What are your goals for this Fair?
K. Given that we have chosen a date that coincides with WestFest and the weekly Parkdale Market, I expect a great deal of foot traffic through our venue at Parkdale United Church. The visibility and exposure that our vendors will receive will be very impressive.
B. To help try and support local people just like me. I hope that through this fair we can help promote some amazing local people that work very hard and are very passionate about what they do. Also, to try and help us all grow our audiences and our businesses in the local community.
Do you have any further plans for handmade/artisan events? Do you want this to be a recurring fair?
K. I think I speak for both Breanne and myself when I forecast that yes, you can expect to see more of THAT Craft Fair in the future. Not to let the cat out of the bag, but we are already talking about a November date for our next event.
B. Personally, I hope that this is just the beginning. We are already hoping to run fairs in the future.
Is there anything else that you think that vendors, or attendees, would like to know?
K. If you are someone who feels the need to create, I would like to say FOLLOW THAT INSTINCT! Create, work, live in art–our community is drawn together by artists. Follow your passion.
B. That we are two local artisans trying to grow the idea of supporting local. For people attending I would say don’t be afraid to ask questions, often vendors love to share stories about where the ideas for their work came from. Buy handmade, support the local community.
Check out the latest news on T.H.A.T. Craft fair on Facebook, and follow them on Twitter and Instagram.
-Robyn
