the Detroit Urban Craft Fair

Today I went to the Detroit Urban Craft Fair at the Fillmore in downtown Detroit. It used to be the State Theatre and sits right across from Comerica Park. My original plan was to park at the Opera House for free and walk the couple blocks there. Unfortunately, it was pouring. So I spent six bucks to park next to the theater.

This event was super fun, although perhaps I spent a bit too much money. There were so many unique handmade items, I couldn't wrap my head around everything. I only spent about an hour there because it was so crowded and I was afraid I'd end up buying more things. Vendors ranged from handmade clothes, jewelry, stuffed animals and paper sculptures. One of the first things I saw was a table full of yards of fabrics from designers like Amy Butler and cool retro fabrics. I ended up buying four different yards. The company was called Crafty Planet. Here are a couple of fabrics I bought.


I thought I could make this into a cute skirt or bag. I tried to find fabrics that matched but I have a hard time picking out things that go together. I really liked the bold flowers and the simple design. It reminded me of "The Royal Tenenbaums" some how.


I can't decide if I want to make this into a shirt or a skirt. The problem with the fabrics only being a yard long is that I'm limited in what I can do with them. But I might devote Thanksgiving weekend to sewing up some cool clothes.


The inside of the Fillmore is gorgeous. I think it's an old theater and it's decorated in the same style as the Opera House, very decadent. I was hoping that by the time I got there at 4:30, maybe there wouldn't be that many people. I was completely wrong though. There were a few times where I wanted to look at something but had to circle around a few other tables and come back when there was a spot. I was also thinking that most of the vendors would be local but there were a lot from out of state. I later found out that one of the sponsors was BUST magazine, an awesome crafty and liberal women's magazine that I love. Another thing I found funny was that I recognized at least two people from the Library and Information Science Program. Library school kids are crafty kids, too.


There was a great booth with a stand up monster but I couldn't get close enough to see what they were all about. One of the reasons I'm happy living in Detroit is there are so many unique arts and craft fairs like this one. This is the first that I've been able to attend and I'm sad that this Urban Craft Fair only happens once a year but I gathered so many business cards for future sales. I also feel more confident in wanted my make my own Christmas presents this year. It also makes me think that if I can get to a point where I can create clothes in a short amount of time, maybe I can sell my own stuff somewhere. I love supporting handmade crafts.


I bought some birch bark earrings from a table called bettula. The earrings were all so unique I couldn't help but want them. Especially since I'll be able to wear them soon. She also sold birch bark bracelets that clasped with a magnet. I think I want to get a better camera because I can't figure out how to focus better. You can kind of see how they curve under a little bit. The back side is a lighter tan, almost white. The girl selling them said the clasps can be worn either way so both sides can be shown.


I also found some vintage-looking earrings from Mimi & Ferne. Again with the camera issues, so I wish the bright orange would show up better. There's also a little decorative piece on the front of the clasp. It's kind of clamshell-like.





The last thing I bought was a cute headband from Talking Squid. I have a weakness for companies that use aquatic animals in their names. And to things with that are bright yellow green. I always say that I'm going to wear headbands. This time I actually mean it.

The craft fair was really awesome. It made me love living on this side of the state even more. The girl I bought the birch earrings from knew about Kalamazoo and I told her how I do still like it (mostly) but that my favorite places kept dying. The sad thing about Detroit is that the middle of the city is dying but there are so many awesome events surrounding it. Hopefully, whoever becomes the new mayor will help it along even further. The craft fair could happen more often, too. I did manage to snag some flyers for some upcoming craft shows. I'm excited to start on my Christmas presents, too. I highly recommend checking out the links I put in here to support these creative people.