Why Buy Hand Made?

At this time of year more than any other there is a huge selection of small art, crafts, and hand made items available at various exhibits, craft fairs, and pop up stores. Artists and crafters are very busy in the months preceding the holiday season  producing affordable items in hopes that some of the Christmas shopping fever will elicit sales. This can be a win win situation for artists and patrons. The artist can reach a wider audience with often times bargain priced work, and the customer can collect on a small scale from an artist who's larger work may be out of his/her financial reach.

Here is list of various shows and fairs in Portland where you can pick up small treasures for Holiday giving:

Little Things Show at Guardino Gallery 
The opening is tonight and the show is cash and carry so you don't have to wait to take your art home. The show runs through December 26th.

Splendor Craft

Crafty Wonderland

Downtown Artistry

The Big 100 Fund Raiser



Another good way to shop for art and crafts is online. Etsy is a great resource. Below are links to my shops and a few of my favorites:

GalastaciaWorthwhile

ModernIntrigue

Goose Berry Light Boxes

The Blackbird Sings


LuciaJohnson


Cendrine Rovini


KitLane


GirlSavage


dChampine


 Here is a link to my Zazzle shop where I have prints, greeting cards, Christmas ornaments, High Top Keds, etc with images of my art : CatJoy Buzz
And finally, don't forget the places which are open all year long such as the Hollywood Senior Center Shop:

Golden Treasures
Hollywood Senior Center
Hand Craft Shop
Monday thru Friday 9:30am—4pm
Saturday 10am—12:30pm

All the goods at this shop are made by seniors, very reasonably priced and the seniors make a bit of money and profits also go to supporting the Hollywood Senior Center. My Mom volunteers here and says the knitted baby wear and blankets are truly gorgeous.


This is just a small sampling of places to find unique handmade gifts. If you know of others please put links to the venues and events as comments.