DIY

Crafts Get Cool at Make It! Vancouver

Local DJs play while shoppers sip drinks and peruse unique, handmade clothing, crafts and candy.

Credit: Make It

Make It Vancouver

Make It Vancouver

Make It! craft fair is a cool kids’ calendar staple in the Vancouver DIY circuit

 

We can plant our own veggies, preserve our own jams, knit our own scarves and more, but it’s virtually impossible to DIY everything while carrying on a normal day job. So when you have a friend’s birthday coming up and haven’t had time to potato stamp a personalized card, it’s nice to be able to rely on a local artist to do the work for you.

 

Being part of the DIY movement means supporting your local crafters and artisans. This weekend’s Make It! is a shopping event that gives enlightened shoppers the opportunity to buy unique, ethically made goods from top artisans from all over Canada.

 

Make It! Vancouver

 

April 15–17, 2011

 

Friday 4–9 p.m.

Saturday 11–6 p.m.

Sunday 11–5 p.m.

 

The Croation Cultural Centre

3250 Commercial Dr, Vancouver

 

Entry $5, free for kids 12 & under

 

Website

The vibe at the show is funky, hip and very different from your traditional granny craft show. Music is spun by top local DJs, and there are always tasty treats to be enjoyed.

 

Make It! is about appreciating creativity, connecting entrepreneurs and giving conscious shoppers an alternative to the mall.

 

The inspiration for Make It! occurred when designer Jenna Herbut and her brother Chandler Herbut found it hard to persuade friends to come visit them at traditional craft fairs. Doilies, pinecone art and pressed flower bookmarks were not their cup of tea, and they felt that if the shows were more fun and exciting it would be easier to get peers to stop by.

 

Understanding the importance of branding and positioning, Jenna and Chandler decided to give the typical craft show a much needed marketing makeover.

 

With more than 90 vendors from food to fashion, music from DJ Brodevious, drinks and a silent auction, even if you don’t go home with a new purse or piece of art, you will most definitely leave with a new impression of what it means to shop at a craft fair.

 

Visit the website for a list and links to the designers and crafters who will be there this weekend.