What is it?
It's an exhibition and sale of handmade alternative arts and crafts from independent artists.

When is it?
Crafty Bastards will take place Saturday, Nov. 10, 2012 from 10am-5pm. Please subscribe to the email list to get event updates. 

Where is it?
Crafty Bastards 2012 will be our first show at an exciting new location— Union Market, located at 1309 5th Street NE in Washington, D.C., and accessible via the NoMa-Gallaudet University/New York Ave. station on Metro's Red line.

What kinds of crafts will I find?
Reconstructed clothing, punk-rock baby clothes, handcrafted jewelry, whimsical and demented plush toys, handspun yarn, screen-printing, pottery, furniture, avant-garde art and so much more!

Am I eligible?
We require that all artwork sold at the fair must be original and designed by and made by hand by the individual artist. The artist must be in attendance to sell their wares.

How do I apply?
Crafty Bastards vendor applications are accepted online. The deadline to apply for Crafty Bastards was September 16, 2012. Join the email list to be notified when 2013 applications are available.

Application & Booth Fees:
The application fee is $10. If accepted through the jury process, craft vendors will pay a $200 booth fee. Both fees are non-refundable.

When is the application deadline?
September 16, 2012. We are sorry but we cannot accept applications after this time.

What is the jurying process?

The jury judges applicants based on their artwork and look for high quality, handmade, alternative items. The competition for booths is steep. In past years, we've received over 500 applications for 100+ available booth spaces. While we'd love for everyone to participate, we are limited by space and want to ensure a high quality, unique event.

If I'm not accepted, is there a wait list for vendors?
Yes.  We pick a small number of applicants for our wait list.  Applicants selected for the wait list will be notified of any booth space that may open up.

Can I share a booth?
Sure, but we ask that you provide contact info and submit images of anyone's work who would be selling at the fair so they can go through the jury process and receive all fair-related communications and materials.

What if it rains?
The event will take place rain, snow, or shine.

Will there be an interpreter for the deaf?

We are proud to be partnering with American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters from Gallaudet University who will be available from 11 am to 4 pm to assist those in need.

I thought Crafty 2012 was inside & cost $10. Did I dream that?
Orignially, yes, we were planning an indoor festival. Through our partnership with Union Market, we were able to expand the festival by moving outdoors to Union Market's parking lot. With the expansion comes increased capacity, which has allowed us to accept more vendors and reduce the admission fee to $5.

Producing the festival -- indoors or outdoors -- on the grounds of a public school like the Marie Reed Learning Center was too logistically complicated and expensive for us to continue there

Why is there an admission fee?
The fee will cover some of the costs of putting on the fair, which we've moved to a new venue. While we recognize that not everyone who's enjoyed the sprawling Crafty Bastards fairs of the past will buy a ticket, we also don't think $5 is too much to pay to be able to shop from a highly curated group of some of the most creative and talented indie crafters around. And we hope the fee will help us continue to provide a great experience for both attendees and vendors. If you want to come hang out with the Crafty crowd without buying a ticket, of course, the main hall at the fair's new home, Union Market, will be open all day with no admission charge, offering a wide selection of artisanal foods, goods, and beverages. Anyone can get a 2-for-1 ticket and bring a friend by purchasing in advance.

Can I bring my dog?

Please do!  We've had lots of little creatures in the past and though we've noticed canines bring any pets along as long as they're good with big crowds.

Will there be food available?

There will be food available for sale inside Union Market.   Check out the awesome vendors.

Can I bring my kids?
Please do!  There is plenty for kids to look at and perticipate in including hands on craft projects.  Kids get in FREE!

Is there Parking?

There is limited street parking around the market.  We encourage you consider alternative transportaion.  More information here.

Should I ride my bike?
We always encourage bike riding!  The fair is surrounded by a chain link fence with plenty of room to lock up and there are also limited bike racks. 

Considering using Bike Shre?  The closest station is located on Gallaudet University's campus at 8th street NE and Florida Ave.

Anything else you want to know?
Email us at craftybastards@washingtoncitypaper.com.