Since the NY Times had to release their Asheville article and expose some of the tasty treats I had in mind to share, then you won't mind if I disrupt the Asheville posts with this one (at least mine comes with pictures). Accompanied by Charmaine, another Norfolk Craft mafioso, I woke up bright and early Sunday morning and drove to Washington, DC to check out the Crafty Bastards Arts & Crafts Fair.
I felt like a kid in a candy store, um...make that toy store. Over 100 very talented vendors displayed all types of handmade items - jewelry, plush, designer Ts and totes, etc. Snake charmers, B boys and people walking around on stilts - my kind of place.
Bobby and I had originally planned a whole weekend in DC, consisting of an overnight stay in quaint Old Towne Alexandria, Iron & Wine at the 9:30 club Sat. night, and the fair on Sunday, but unfortunately his workload kept him from being able to go (the life of a designer). So we canceled the hotel reservations and put the tickets up for auction on ebay. Who knew someone would want to pay triple the price for a sold out show? So needless to say, I had a pocketful of spending money.
There was so much to see and the place was packed! Amber and Amanda represented the Norfolk Craft Mafia and their tent was crowded every time I passed by. Guys, your stuff looked great!
Amber and AmandaI also really enjoyed seeing in-person some of my favorite online crafters, such as Cotton Monster and Spooky Daddy. The craftsmanship behind Spooky Daddy's work is impeccable and I purchased one of his hobgoblins for what I thought was a very reasonable price, especially for something completely hand-crafted. I appreciate his philosophy, plus he seems like a kind and decent guy who just wants to support his family and have some fun to boot.
Such great details, like the fingernails, tongue and bulging eyeballs.
Mr. Crafty Bastard
Scion's inflatable lounge with DJ spinning in the back.
Take a break and have your portrait drawn in less than 10 minutes.
I thought this piece was hilarious. Remember the "Homies" figurines you could buy from the grocery store bubble gum machines a few years ago? Well, this guy stocked up and creates elaborate dioramas.
These helium balloons were the perfect attention getter, spelling out "Crafty Bastards" when the wind wasn't blowing them in different directions.
I forgot to mention this before, but Crafty Bastards was held in the Adams Morgan district in Washington, DC, which is lined with trendy restaurants and boutiques. After the fair, Charmaine and I ate lunch at an Ethiopian restaurant - one of at least two in the neighborhood.
No silverware provided. You just scoop it up with the spongy flat bread provided.After eating and then picking up a chai for the road at Tryst, we headed home expecting to be back around 7:30. Seven and a half hours later (only 3.5 hours up) we finally arrived back in Norfolk. The worst drive of my life, but all in all, the day was worth it.
4 comments:
Awesome photos, Cassie! I'm glad you guys came up!
yay for google! i stumbled upon this searching for any new press or anything and i am so so happy to see the happy home my goblin went to! :-D
i wish i could have brought his bigger brother but alas he left for Plush You in Seattle shortly before Crafty Bastards. But thanks for buying my little buddy. I remember talking to you and was pleased someone deserving ended up with all my hard work.
p.s. is i ok if i use the picture of him in your snazzy chair?
sure!
Ethiopian is sooo good! I wasn't feeling it the first time I tried it, but that looks like the restaraunt me and my girls went to as part of a bachelorette outing. That pick just took me back!
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