things to do :: Got Craft?

illustration by The Beautiful Project

Vancouver’s largest indie craft fair is kicking off the 4th annual Spring show with 55 local, handmade vendors and a DIY table hosted by Spool of Thread Sewing Lounge to make your own crafts.

Got Craft?
Sunday, May 2nd, 2010
10:00am to 5:00pm
Royal Canadian Legion – 2205 Commercial Drive (at E. 6th Ave)
Admission $2.00 (kids 10 and under are free)

Did I mention there will be swag bags? The first 30 people through the door will receive a handmade tote bag filled with goodies from all of our vendors! Here are some sneak peeks from hudsonny, Owl + Pussycat, telly designs, kove handmade and Bliss in a teacup.

Also, check out these lovely posts including....
Hold Handmade, heyday design and telly designs feature on Scout Magazine

Girls of Got Craft feature on Handmade Evolution

A round up of Got Craft vendors on Poppytalk

Buy handmade write up on Granville Magazine

For more information and a full list of participating vendors, please visit our website. See you there!

inspire :: A Beautiful Idea

The other day, Amy from Handmade Evolution sent me an email directing me to check out Evie Shaffer’s new project, A Beautiful Idea.

Created to deal with her struggles between her creative urges and using her creativity to make a project, Evie came up with an idea to help motivate artists to open their hearts, share their skills and inspire others to do the same. Can you imagine if all the makers from around the world joined forces to make a difference in the world.? Wouldn’t that be something?

Evie says…



A Beautiful Idea has a clear message and a easy to follow model that is outlined on the website. Basically, artists create a unique product to list in their store. Once the sale is made, the artist donates 100% of the funds to the chosen charity. Every 6 months or once the monetary goal has been met, a new charity or cause will be selected. Currently, there are 35 participating artists including Vancouver’s own Kove Handmade and Field Trip donating their proceeds to the World Vision’s Relief Effort in Haiti (charity of choice until June 2010).

You can bookmark Evie’s website, Facebook and Twitter for up to date donation totals, fundraising goals and participating artists. If you are interested in being a part of A Beautiful Idea, full details can be found here.


One of the many lovelies you will find in Evie's etsy shop available to purchase.

It’s a three-fold beneficial cycle:
Artists have a way to create work for a greater purpose.
Consumers are given the opportunity to buy a unique product that supports a cause.
Charities are given the proceeds to help their mission.

Check out Amy’s post and Q&A with Evie with herself over at Handmade Evolution.

Handmade Evolution

Launched in November, Handmade Evolution consists of four ladies sharing handmade goodness from three locations - Portland, Vancouver and Toronto. A one stop shop for all things fashion, decor and art in North America as well as a listing of local events.


A few lovely finds from Vancouver include this bag (picture above) from Ashley Watson, fantastic local designers such as Allison Wonderland with her famous Picnic Skirt (below) and local events such as this post on Got Craft? taking place on Sunday!


Follow Handmade Evolution on twitter or facebook for up to date news in all things handmade!