This weekend, the Crafty Jury will be meeting to determine which crafters will become Crafty Bastards vendors. With more than 450 individual applications to review and only 150 vendor spots to fill, the Jury is psyched and ready to go!

The Crafty Jury has met for the last 5 years of the fair, with a different jury from year-to-year.  We rate each applicant through a unique system that keeps the vendor selection process fair for all crafters.

We’re excited to share our Jury process this year! If you have any questions, please feel free to leave a comment.

How long does the Jury process take?
The Crafty Jury meets for two days, approx. 10 hours per day.

How are the applications judged?
Each application is reviewed one by one, with special attention paid to the 3 photos and vendor statement. From there, each juror rates the applicant on 9 craftigories; the first 8 craftigories receive a score of 1-10. The last craftigory is an Overall score, which is worth 20 points.

So the best possible score for an applicant would be 100 craftaculous points! The lowest is 10.

All of the applicants’ ratings are then compiled and each applicant is given a total score based on the average score from all 7 jurors.

At the end of the jury process, those applicants with a score of 75 or higher are automatically accepted into the fair. We then take a look at the categories of craft that we might be missing, and try to fill in the gaps from there. For example, if there are 5 spaces left in the fair, and we have not accepted any ceramic artists, we will take a look at the highest rated potter applicant and may decide to accept them into the fair.

This process allows for an excellent shopping experience for our attendees, and a profitable day for our vendors.

What are the Craftigories?
1.) Craftsmanship/Skill
How well-made are the crafts? We keep in mind some things are meant to look rough or undone.

2.) Inventive use of materials?
Does the crafter use pre-manufactured materials or do they make their stuff from scratch?

3.) Labor/Time Investment
Does it look like there was time invested in the concept/design/product?

4.) Physical Design – How much thought was put into the aesthetics/function of the work?

5.) Alternative Subject Matter/Vision?

6.) Rarity/Singularity – How unique are the products?

7.) Excitability – Would we buy this or recommend it to someone?

8.) Appeal – Does this vendor appeal to a large group of shoppers, or would their products only appeal to a very niche group?

9.) Overall (worth 20 points)

Why do you use this rating system?
This rating system provides an equal opportunity for all crafters to have a chance to vend at the fair. Where some applicants might get a high score in the uniqueness of their work, others may get a higher score in how well their products are made.

Is there a wait list?
Yes. We usually pick a small number of applicants with scores closest to 75 to be on our Pending List. Those on the Pending List will be notified of any booth space that may open up for various reasons.

Who is on the Jury?
The Crafty Jury is comprised of award-winning art critics and designers, as well as crafters and Directors of Hello Craft — the non-profit which is powering Crafty Bastards this year, alongside Washington City Paper.

Meet the Jurors:

Kriston Capps

Kriston Capps writes about art around the nation and life in the District. His writing appears in the Guardian, Dallas Morning News, Art in America, DCist,  and other places.

Jeffry Cudlin

Jeffry Cudlin is an artist, curator, musician, and award-winning art critic. Since 2004, he has written features about museum and gallery shows for the Washington City Paper. He has been recognized with First Place awards for Arts Criticism from the Association of Alternative Newsweeklies in both 2008 and 2009. His visual arts blog, Hatchets and Skewers, is nationally recognized.

Since 2007, Cudlin has served as the Director of Exhibitions for the Arlington Arts Center. There, Cudlin curates five exhibitions of contemporary art each year, focusing on the work of mid-atlantic artists, but also bringing national and international art stars to the D.C. area in themed exhibitions exploring topics of the moment. His current show at the AAC, PARADOX NOW!, features historical reenactments, parodies, and anachronisms, and includes video works by New York new media artist Mark Tribe and British filmmaker Anna Lucas.

As an artist, Cudlin has organized projects in Washington, Baltimore and Richmond. In 2007, his mockumentary, Ian and Jan: The Washington Body School, appeared at DCAC and received accolades in the Washington Post. For that project, Cudlin and his collaborator, Meg Mitchell, performed an art-historical intervention by interviewing local art luminaries and asking them to describe a nonexistent D.C. art movement. Cudlin will have a one-man show next June as part of Flashpoint’s 2009-2010 season.

Jeffry received his M.F.A. from the University of Maryland, College Park, and his undergraduate degree in studio art from the University of Virginia.

Pete Morelewicz

Pete is the former art director of City Paper and currently designs several magazines you’ve never heard of. You may have seen him at Crafty Bastards’ in the past, whether squishing Crafty Bastards pennies, selling his paintings of Bob Ross, schlepping tables in the pre-dawn darkness, or just generally harassing the vendors. This is the fourth year Pete has had the honor of sitting on the Crafty Bastards jury, and in the process has learned more about sculpey than he ever thought possible.

Tina Seamonster

Tina Seamonster is a podcaster, blogger, crafter and mom to 4 year old twins. She usually writes in third person like this because it either scares people or makes them laugh.

Seriously, I really am honored to be a part of Crafty Bastards. This is my 6th year as a vendor and 2nd or 3rd as a member of the team. My credentials for job as juror include my many trips to shows with my own products (this includes getting into shows AND being rejected from them), my work with organizing the Craft Mutiny’s local holiday shows, blogging for the Etsy Storque, Cut the Craft Blog and Hello Craft. My newest and most loved project is a listener-generated podcast for Hello Craft, where crafters call a toll free voice mail line and tell me their stories. I love the stories that I hear from crafters and customers. If punk rock saved YOUR life, indie craft has saved mine.

You can check out what I make (including my world famous line of Zombies Plague Holiday Cards) at tinaseamonster.com. You can check out my podcasts at hellocraft.com and televisionzombies.com.

Kelly Rand

Kelly Rand is an arts writer for DCist.com, lead writer for Crafting a Green World, and is co-founder of Hello Craft, a non-profit trade association dedicated to the advancement of indie craft and the handmade movement. This will be Kelly’s second year serving on the Crafty Bastards jury. Kelly received her BFA from the Savannah College of Art and Design and is a compulsive knitter and avid maker. Kelly believes that handmade will save the world.

Kimberly Dorn

I’m a crafter and an event planner with a penchant for all things Hello Kitty, Lingonberry Juice at Ikea, and crafts that combine cute with functionality.

When serving on the Crafty Jury, I’m looking for crafters that take an innovative approach to whatever they do. My favorite category to review is Housewares, because I like to see how crafters merge their design ideas with functional pieces.

My background in crafting started with a BFA in Sculpture from SUNY Albany, which eventually turned into printmaking, which led to photography, and now also includes knitting, paper arts, making hair accessories, silk screening, and leaving trails of yarn, felt, fabric and other craft bits all over my house.

Being part of the handmade community has been an awesome experience, and has led me to meet many amazing, motivated and inspirational crafters and artists. As one of the Festival Directors behind the Crafty Bastards Arts and Crafts Fair and the Handmade Mart, as well as being the Executive Director of Hello Craft, I’m excited to once again serve on the Crafty Jury.

Sara Dick

I enjoy fresh produce, bumpy yarn, Etsy browsing, craft brews, Frank Zappa and smart people. I make stuff and love to buy handmade.

As a crafter, I’ve sold my work at Renegade Brooklyn, Handmade Arcade in Pittsburgh, Holiday Heap and Pile of Craft in Baltimore, Crafty Bastards and a handful of smaller shows in the DC area.

I’ve helped organize and curate Crafty Bastard since 2004, putting the number of CB vendor submissions I’ve reviewed somewhere in the thousands. The past two years I’ve worked with DC’s Craft Mutiny to produce the Holiday Booty Market and most recently, curated Hello Craft’s Show of Awesome.

As a handmade shopper, I am proud to have supported artisans (and filled my apartment) with purchases at craft shows like Renegade Chicago, Crafty Wonderland’s Super Colassal Holiday Show in Portland, Bust’s Spring Craftacular and all the shows of which I’ve been a participant. Can’t wait to see what I’ll be buying this year!

Questions?
Please leave a comment. We will answer in the comments so that we can share the information with all of  our readers. Please note that the Jury will be in session this weekend, so we might not be able to respond right away.

What was once just a celebration of the arts in the Penn Quarter area, Arts on Foot has become a HUGE central event.

The past few years, an ever growing market of artists and craft vendors has popped up at Arts on Foot. Last year, the vending expanded to Friday and Saturday. This year, the vending creeps even earlier into the week, with opportunities to sell your wares Thursday, Friday and Saturday- the 10th-12th of September.

This year, the application process is being handled by Diverse Markets- lead by Eastern Market artist Michael Berman.  Go to their website at http://www.diversemarkets.net/ for information and to apply.

Hurry! Deadline is the 17th of July!

Application requires a non-refundable $25 fee

Artists can apply for only Saturday the 12th or all three days.  Artists may be accepted for only Saturday or all three days. Booth fee is $150 for saturday or $350 for all three days. Included in the fee is a tent, secuirty for tent overnight, and parking for one car downtown during the event.

Applications for Crafty Bastards 2009 are now being accepted. The deadline to apply for booth space is July 5, 2009.  Get more info and submit your Crafty Bastards application here.

There is a $10 non-refundable application fee. The jury will review and score all completed entries on various criteria from design and craftsmanship to saleability and alternative subject matter.  Applicants will be notified of their status by July 20th.  If accepted, the booth fee is $120 and will be due July 31st.  The vendor list will be announced in August.  Crafty Bastards will take place Saturday, October 3rd from 10am-5pm.

In the past we have received between 300 and 400 applications for the 100+ spots available at the show.  Vendors from previous years are not given special consideration or guaranteed a space at this years’ show. All applicants are strongly encouraged to submit clear images and descriptive work statements.  Tina posted some craft show application tips here and here.

Questions?  Send them to craftybastards@washingtoncitypaper.com.

The Crafty Bastards 2009 application is coming soon! Just keep an eye here and I swear I will tell you the minute it is available. Until then, apply to some spring shows!

BUST is accepting vendor applications for their Spring Fling Craftacular. Apply online by April 11th. If accepted, a vendor table costs $250. From the BUST Craftacular site:

BUST Magazine’s Spring Fling Craftacular is a lovely Garden Party themed shopping affair running from 12pm until 7pm at The Warsaw in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, featuring over 50 crafters, DJs, drinks, and dancing. Shoppers can sip on springy cocktails and nosh on pierogies, learn about guerilla gardening, how to grow their own food and supporting local farms. BUST Magazine will be hand-picking over 50 of the most unique and talented crafters from across the country to participate.

The Indie Craft Experience in Atlanta is accepting applications through April 17th. From the I.C.E. site:

All items sold at the Indie Craft Experience must be handmade. This is a juried event with a limited number of slots. We receive many applications and cannot accept everyone. The application deadline is April 17, 2009. We will send out notifications by April 22, 2009. We will not consider your application if it is not complete or if we receive it after the deadline.

Fee:
The fee to participate is $225 (this amount does not include parking – parking fees are the responsibility of each vendor). This amount is due with your application. Once accepted, you will be given the option to rent a tent ($100), tables ($10 each) and chairs ($5 each) from us to use during the event. This is optional, you can bring your own.

If you are not accepted $215 will be promptly returned to you after April 22, 2009. There is a $10 processing fee.

Renegade Craft Fair is accepting applications for their show in multiple cities.

First is Renegade Los Angeles, with applications due May 1. From the Renegade site:

• The Los Angeles event will take place July 11 + 12 from 11am – 7pm at the California Market Center.
• You must submit your application, photos + payment by May 1 in order to be considered for a spot in the fair.
• You’ll be notified by email on May 11 whether or not you’ve been accepted into the fair. If you are not accepted, $300 of your $310 fee will be refunded by May 15.
• Booth spaces are 10ft. x 10ft., and will be supplied with 2 tables + 2 chairs. The fair is indoors, so no need for a canopy!
• Your fee covers booth space for both days, and your logo + link on our website throughout the year!

Renegade San Francisco applications are also due May 1. From the Renegade site:

• San Francisco’s event will take place July 18 + 19 from 11am – 7pm in Fort Mason’s Festival Pavilion.
• You must submit your application, photos + payment by May 1 in order to be considered for a spot in the fair.
• You’ll be notified by email on May 11 whether or not you’ve been accepted into the fair. If you are not accepted, $300 of your $310 fee will be refunded by May 15.
• Booth spaces are 10ft. x 10ft., and vendors are responsible for supplying their own display items. Tables + chairs will be available to rent thru us once accepted. The fair is indoors, so no need for a canopy!
• Your fee covers booth space for both days and your logo + link on our website throughout the year!

In case you are waiting til the last minute, tomorrow marks deadlines for two big indie craft fair applications. Tis the season for these, so check back here for more application information (including your favorite local fair, yes you know the one!).

Art Star Craft Bazaar is accepting applications online until April 1st. Here’s some info about the show from the Art Star site:

The Art Star Craft Bazaar is an annual juried arts & crafts retail show. We are looking for artists & crafters who create handmade, original work. All mediums are welcome. The event is held outdoors & each participant will get a 10ft. x 10ft. space, 2 chairs, one 6ft. long table, and 1 weekend parking pass. Tents will be available to rent, as well as additional chairs and tables. Participants are required to bring everything else that is needed for set up & display. Up to two artists may share one 10ft. x 10ft. space, but must apply together & both be accepted. Art organizations & collectives are welcome to apply, but must apply as a group.

Location: The Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing, which is along Columbus Blvd, between Walnut & Chestnut Streets.

Dates: Saturday, May 30th 11- 6 PM & Sunday, May 31st, 11-6 PM Rain or Shine

Fee: $250

Bazaar Bizarre is accepting applications for their market at the Bay Area Maker Faire. Deadline to apply is April 1. Here’s some more info from their site:

Bazaar Bizarre Maker Faire is a juried event with rotating guest judges from the greater craft community. Bazaar Bizarre supports artists and craftspeople that appeal to the aesthetic of the “indie art and craft scene” and have innovative approaches to traditional craft forms.

Where and When Is This Event?
Saturday, May 30th 2009 10AM – 8PM
Sunday, May 31st 2009 10AM – 6PM

This Bazaar Bizarre event is happening as a part of Make Magazine’s Maker Faire 2009. The entire event takes place at the San Mateo Fairgrounds. Last year’s Maker Faire drew over 60,000 attendees. This year the Bazaar Bizarre will be located in an indoor location.

What is the cost?
The fee for a vendor booth space is $130.00 for the entire weekend. There is a NON REFUNDABLE $10 jury fee for applying. You’ll be notified by email on April 6th 2009 whether or not you’ve been accepted into the fair. If you are not accepted, $130 of your $140 fee will be refunded by April 10th 2009.

Crafts and Kisses, a Valentine-themed craft fair, is happening Feb. 8 at the Josephine Butler Parks Center at 2437 Fifteenth St NW, right next to Malcolm X/Meridian Hill Park in Washington, DC!

25 local vendors are participating! Pick up something fun for your lover, your friends, and everyone you admire, or indulge your own indie design craving.

Admission is free, the kissing booth is back, and goodie bags go to the first 50 visitors!

Check out the event on Facebook or see the impressive list of vendors on the offical Web site, http://craftsandkisses.com.

The last Craft Mutiny show of the year is happening at Design Within Reach in Georgetown, this Saturday, December 13th! Shop for awesome handmade goods while hanging out in the sleekest home furnishing showroom in DC.

Craft Mutiny, DC’s most exciting craft collective, has been hosting holiday shows for the last 3 years, encouraging shoppers to buy handmade during the gift giving season.

This is your last chance to get your hands on fabulous Craft Mutiny finds, as well as a slew handmade gifts from local vendors such as Jaime Zollars prints, Spaghetti Kiss Sci-Fi tees, Imogene’s lovely silver jewelry and recycled leather wristcuffs from Fisticuffs Leather.

You can check out the vendors and get directions here.

Craft Mutiny Holiday Trunk Show and Sale
THIS SATURDAY, December 13, 10am-5pm
Design Within Reach – Georgetown (3307 Cady’s Alley NW, Washington, DC 20007)

For more information go to craftmutiny.com.

The holiday season might have crept up on YOU, but local craft show organizers have been hard at work setting up so many shows in the Washington, D.C., and Baltimore areas. Every weekend between now and the end of the year you will be able to go and buy local and handmade. Crafty Bastards veterans can be found at all of these events so mark your calenders!

11/15, Holiday Heap, Baltimore MD
Holiday Heap is an indie craft fair featuring a jury-selected group of more than 50 of the country’s most renegade crafters, selling their own handmade jewelry, screenprinted apparel, stuffed toys, cermaics, knitwear, paper goods and so much more! Come this Saturday (November 15th) to St. John’s Church at 2640 St. Paul Street from 10am – 5pm for Holiday Heap. For more info, check out their Web site.

11/28-29, Bazaart American Visionary Art Museum, Baltimore MD
A Holiday Marketplace of original creations by 50 regional artists and craftspeople. Painting, sculpture, papercrafts, metalwork, jewelry, textiles, mixed media, and other work that simply defies categorization. FREE ENTRY. American Visionary Art Museum, Jim Rouse Visionary Center 3rd Floor. More info.

12/6, Craft Mutiny Holiday Booty Market, Washington, D.C.
Start your holiday shopping off right, by buying handmade from the 20 coolest indie crafters in Washington, D.C. There will be snacks and music and free goodie bags to the first 100 shoppers! This cozy little show is at Hilda’s in the National City Christian Church on Thomas Circle from 12-6pm. This event is sponsored by Dekka and Chipotle. List of vendors coming soon at their Web site.

12/7, Creative Alliance Merry Mart, Baltimore, MD
No manic mall madness necessary! Do your holiday shopping at The Patterson from 11am-5pm! 35 + handpicked artists sell some the best of Baltimore-made items. Gorgeous turned vessels, elegant jewelry, whimsical stuffed critters, origami lights, felt applique, hand knits, housemade soaps, wacky fly swatters, photos in jars, totally cool totes, and mucho more. More info.

12/7, SquidFire’s 2008 Winter Art Mart, Baltimore, MD
Join Squidfire and many other vendors at the Lyric Opera House (110 West Mount Royal Avenue – Baltimore, MD 21201) on Sunday December 7, 12-6:30pm. Check out the vendor list on their Web site.

12/13, Craft Mutiny Holiday Trunk Show, Washington, D.C.
Get your last minute indie holiday shopping done with Washington, D.C.’s favorite indie craft collective Craft Mutiny, at Design Within Reach Georgetown (3307 Cady’s Alley N.W.) on Saturday, December 13th from 10am-5pm. Buy handmade goods and meet local crafters at this one-day event, hosted at the slickest home store in D.C. One-of-a-kind goods for sale include clothing, stationary, prints, jewelry, handspun yarn, plush items and more. List of vendors coming soon at their Web site.

12/14, BEST Trunk Show Double Dutch Boutique, Baltimore MD
More info coming soon!

12/21 Black Cat Rock-n-Shop, Washington, D.C.
Hunting for that perfect holiday gift? Looking to augment your hardcore collection with some essential records? Searching for the perfect T-shirt? Stop right there, my friend! Rock-n-Shop is where it’s all at. This twice-yearly junk sale offers more than the standard fare…for one thing, it’s not all junk. To reserve a space please contact Maegan.

> Top of the post image is of Scandinavian Reindeer – Set of 6 Gocco Printed Holiday Cards by papermenagerie.

Tina Seamonster’s new podcast, Hello Craft, is collecting your stories of making and buying handmade. That was a plug.

With so many opportunties in the area to sell your craftiness this holiday season, it is often hard to choose! But the DC Rollergirls’ holiday bash sounds like super fun.

The show is Sunday, December 14th at the Rock & Roll Hotel from 5-9pm and will feature 15-20 local craft vendors. Wanna be one of them? The cost is $50 for one table (regular rectangular card table size). If you provide your own table the cost is $40!

Space is first-come, first-reserved! Interested vendors should contact dr.SKabs via email.

To find out from about the DC Rollergirls, check out their Web site at www.dcrollergirls.com