Get Your Craft On Hon! This Saturday!

Baltimore’s Pile of Craft Fair will be the place to get your craft fix this weekend. The Charm City Craft Mafia has assembled a super fabulous mix of indie crafters and this event is not to be missed.

We chatted with organizer Rachel Bone of Red Prairie Press (she printed the dress below) to get the skinny on this Saturday’s show. See you there!

Printed dress from Red Prairie Press

When is it? How often does Pile of Craft Fair occur?
Saturday June 23rd, 10-5pm. This is the inaugural event, which we hope will be every year- but we hope to start having a holiday event as well.

Where is it? How do I get there?
2640 Saint Paul Street is the location. It’s St. John’s Church, and the space inside is run by Red Emma’s communist bookstore! There are directions to the space on our website.

Who are you? Why are you doing it?
The Charm City Craft Mafia is a collective of independent artists, designers & crafters owning independent businesses in Baltimore. The purpose of our group is to create networking and support for the indie community in Baltimore with resources for running small business, access to craft shows, etc. We are starting this show to help bring indie craft together in Baltimore, as well as put our city on the map for crafters and artists from other cities.

What 5 words best describe the Pile of Craft?
Indie, art, craft, unique, free!

How is this market different from other markets in the area?
We are focusing more on young contemporary indie craft with emphasis on handmade. Rather than tea cozies and plastic canvas, our artists offer screen-printed apparel, sculptural jewelry, nifty plush objects (such as ice cream, toast, milk and monster softies), fine art, etc.

Plushy goodness from My Paper Crane.

What vendors are you most excited about?
We are excited about all of our vendors! We hand selected almost 40 indie businesses to be a part of this inaugural show. Each artist sells their own wares, and we are not just excited to see what they bring. We’re excited to meet each of them as well!

Honeycomb Glove and Headband Combo from It Knits

How much money should I bring?
Lots of cash. More than you think you want to spend! While some vendors will accept credit cards, and many accept checks, cash is almost always preferred. There is an ATM just off 25th street, and a Bank of America on Charles Street.

Will there be food at the fair? Nearby?
At the fair, Red Emma’s will be selling coffee & snacks. There are many great restaurants in Charles Village, both north and south of the venue on Charles St & St. Paul St.

Will Charm City Craft Mafia be selling goods at the market? If so, what are you working on?
Yes! Those participating (we are a large group) will have their own booths and will be selling a little of everything: cotton monsters, screen-printed apparel, jewelry, handbags, pottery, comics, accessories…You name it!

Handbag from Bake Sale Designs.

Anything you’d like to add?
Our vendors will fill up two large rooms of the church, so visit both rooms, and pick up more info about the Craft Mafia at our outside booth. We’re also holding a raffle with items donated by our members to raise money for future shows…Be sure to try your luck!!!

6/22 UPDATE
Check out this sampling of craftacular items from vendors that will be at Pile of Craft.

Blossom Wallet by Imogene

Colorful Pendant from Broken Plate Company. I picked up a couple of her pendants at Handmade Arcade last Nov. and love, love, love them both.

Purple tote from Denada Designs

Ninja Fetus Onesie from Fort Cloudy

Heavy Duty Vaya Bags

Sushi Cat Toys from Needles Noodles

Cherry Shirt from Salt Lick