Fall Into Craft

       I think we can surely say that Summer in Vancouver has been put to bed- we woke on Saturday morning to low lying fog sneaking in between the buildings of Gastown- fog horns blaring as we loaded up the van and headed out into the country. Plain Jane's destination- the Agriplex at the Cloverdale Rodeo grounds- my first market of the season- Fall Into Craft.

          While the fog did burn off through out the day I really could not shake the feeling that we had turned the corner weather wise- I was more than content to spend my time in a barn with a wonderful group of like minded folks. This being my first big market in more than a few years I was super nervous- I really shouldn't have been as I met so many wonderful folks! I was blown away by the number of shoppers who knew Plain Jane Designs from my past markets- and came over to say hello!

           The traffic was super brisk and busy for most of both days- I had so many wonderful moments with folks stopping by- I felt super connected to so many people who chimed up with their own creative stories- that was the best part of my weekend- making those connections. Plain Jane Designs is totally a labour of love for me- I work away never knowing if people will like or even "get" what I am doing- moments like this past weekend confirm that I am on the right path.

           There were so many amazing vendor's at this sale- most definitely a few really stuck out for me- be it with their product or display- or even their energy. I love seeing what other maker's are making- what their passion is and how they chose to communicate that with the world. I thought I would share a few of my new favourite local vendor's from over the weekend- folks I hope to see at more markets through out the fall!

       First up is the super adorable Holly Choi with her felted creations at Rain City Felts- everything from Finn & Jake felted characters to these really cute toddler bracelets- so cute! All handmade "with love" in North Vancouver- please check out Rain City Felt's website.

        The lovely ladies at Green Ladybug Designs had a table I kept going back to- their line of six ply gauze baby blankets, wash clothes and other accessories was just too much. Beautiful imported gauze blankets in gorgeous, soothing shades and patterns. Gauze blankets are super popular right now- a great gift for new parents- most that I have seen are quite a bit lighter- these are six ply making them more substantial and ever so soft! My personal favourite print is the penguin- so adorable and I can personally attest that the fabric is wonderful on the skin- Miss Lo quickly appropriated my penguin wash cloth and loves it! Click on over to the Green Ladybug website to see what else they have to offer!

        By far one of the highlights from my weekend was meeting the lovey Margot from Crystal Connections- maker of amazing crystal pendants, cat collars, earrings and bracelets as well as being an all around fantastic person! Margot is genius at picking out stones specific for each person- she knows just what you need- check out her Facebook Page and show her some love!

        Another awesome connection made was with the lovely ladies from Flying Fox Art and Design- Penelope and Rebecca (along with their adorable assistant) create beauty and tradition with their jewelry designs. With a heavy reference to tradition and vintage design it was obvious I would love everything these ladies were showing- delicate brown diamonds, moon stones as well as modern bubble necklaces. Please head over to their facebook page and give them a like- you won't be disappointed!

        As an aside Rebecca also imports tea and gave me quite the education on her tea and what makes it so special. Imported from Sri Lanka this tea is organic, high grown and most important of all provides support via it's sales to the Beacon Hill Academy- which is a school Rebecca helped start-please check out their web site!

          Sitting here on this Monday morning I am exhausted from standing and hustling all weekend- most artists or makers rarely talk about this but selling yourself and your work is hard- hustling is not an understatement. We have bills to pay, milk to buy, kids to feed- when people come out and support locally hand made artisans they are supporting families, pets and individuals. The Holiday market season is just around the corner- and while I know it make be "easy" and "affordable" to shop at a big box store I urge you to consider stopping by a local market- seeking out something special and hand made.

         A big Thank You to everyone who stopped by my table- especially those who bought things- thank you because your purchases have bought me some more time- another sale- another chance to keep on making! Thank You to all my friends who came out from the city to support me and my fellow makers! If you aren't already a Plain Jane "fan" on facebook-please click on over to my facebook page and show me some love by clicking "like"- yup I'm still hustling!