COVID-19 Safety Protocols: Indie Craft Parade Shop Edition

We can’t wait to see you at Indie Craft Parade: The Shop Edition. Thank you for prioritizing purchases from makers and small businesses.

Here are the precautions we have put in place for this event, based on current CDC and Government guidelines, and what we feel best protects our staff and our shoppers.

Thank you for understanding, for shopping with us, and for helping us support independent artists and makers. 

Please read through our list of policies so you know what to expect when you shop with us.

Our staff will be wearing masks as well as implementing regular sanitizing procedures to ensure the space remains safe for everyone.

Shop Occupancy  Due to our square footage, we will be limiting shoppers in the store to allow for appropriate distance. If we are at max occupancy, you may need to wait outside until space opens up.

Hand Sanitizer  Complimentary hand sanitizer will be provided when you walk in the door. We ask that all customers utilize the sanitizer upon entering.

Masks  We will be requiring customers (including children over the age of 2) to wear masks in the store. If you have a mask, please bring it. If you do not have your own mask, we will provide a disposable mask for you.

Payment  To eliminate points of contact, the Pop Up Shop will be accepting card payments only. If you have the option, we encourage iPhone users to set up Apple Pay for a completely touchless transaction.

Children If shopping with young children, we ask that you keep them close to you or in a carrier or stroller. Children over the age of 2 will be required to wear a mask.

Other Helps If you normally communicate via lip reading and want to shop in store, a sanitized whiteboard will be available to help facilitate communication while wearing a mask.  

We understand that each person has different viewpoints about what kinds of safety measures are necessary. Our goal is to prioritize the safety of our community as a whole as we keep each other safe.

Extra FUN at the 2019 Indie Craft Parade

In addition to our lineup of amazing artists, we've added a few extras this year to celebrate our 10th birthday. Gather your friends and family and come celebrate handmade with us at Furman University. Below is our list of everything that will be happening!

All Weekend
· Relax in our new lounge area provided by the folks behind The NESS Fest
· A new baby changing area and Mother's Room outfitted by BabyQuip
· Free photobooth – it's basically tradition at this point
· Food trucks every day!

Friday, September 13, 6pm - 9pm
First Dibs Party – Remaining Tickets are only $25!
· Free cake (sponsored by Brains on Fire) and ice cream from Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams
· A special collaboration beer from 13 Stripes Brewery
· Giveaways! Twenty-five baskets of handmade goods (with an average value of $185) will be headed home with our ticket holders that evening.
· And, of course, you get first dibs on the handmade goods!

Saturday, September 14, 9am - 6pm
$6 admission at the door
· The Children's Museum of the Upstate will be on site with a fun kid’s craft
· Face Painting and henna artwork by Transformation Face & Body Art for adults and kids alike!
· Have your group portrait taken ($75) by Bryan Hiott Studio, a local tintype photographer.

Sunday, September 15, 11am - 5pm
$6 admission at the door
· More kid's crafting with The Children's Museum of the Upstate
· Face Painting and henna artwork by Transformation Face & Body Art for adults and kids alike

We’ll see you this weekend!

TEN YEARS – MORE SPACE

Indie Craft Parade turns 10 this year, and we have big news! We're moving the location of the festival to give everyone more room. 

Since the beginning of the festival our attendees have asked us "when will you move to a bigger space?" And for the past 2 years this has been an issue we've tried to solve. Last year we moved the festival to the Taylors Mill to offer artists more room to exhibit. However, the issue of long lines for our 7000+ attendees remained. 

To accommodate our desire to grow the festival and make it a more convenient experience for attendees and artists alike, we are moving the festival to Timmons Arena on the campus of Furman University. 

In this new home we will have room to not only offer large exhibitor booths, but also give attendees a more comfortable environment to shop, connect with artists, and linger at the event. When you come to the 2019 Indie Craft Parade, you can expect to see old, favorite attractions such as the free Photobooth. But now we also have space to include additional partner opportunities, a larger section for emerging artists, and most importantly, reduce the chance of a line. 

Illustrated Map by Karen Schipper

We're sure our attendees have questions: Will Indie Craft Parade keep moving to new venues? Will there be convenient parking at the new location? Will the event still have a great vibe even though it's leaving a beautiful historic venue?

To answer the first question, we truly believe Indie Craft Parade has found its permanent home. Our artists and attendees have been so faithful as we've moved over the last year, and we want you to confidently know what to expect year after year. 

What about amenities and convenience? Timmons Arena has plenty of both! Parking will be very easy and there are facilities in abundance.

As to the vibe of the event, the very heart of the festival is found in the community of amazing artists that Indie Craft Parade brings together each year, and they aren't going anywhere. They are the reason the festival is special; a charming venue is a bonus. That being said, the campus of Furman is stunning and conveniently located. It's merely 10 minutes from downtown Greenville and 5 from downtown Travelers Rest. The Swamp Rabbit Trail runs through the campus, and you could spend the rest of the day picnicking on the grounds after visiting the festival.

We're confident that year 10 will be our best one yet. 

Mark your calendar for September 13-15, 2019! Come see all that we've been working on, explore a new area of Greenville, and support the newest collection of makers and artists that make Indie Craft Parade so special. See you in September!

Holiday Fair Gift Guide: For the Home

We are so excited about all of the Christmas shopping we'll do this weekend at the Holiday Fair, and we hope you're putting your shopping list together after seeing our gift guides. Here's one featuring all of the great gifts you'll be able to find to create a more handmade home. Prints and originals by Emily Jeffords / Hand lettered posters by Paige Elizabeth Designs / Ceramic trivet by Crave Studio / Soy candle by Mercy Verity

Hand turned muddlers by Slab / Hand stamped flour sack towels by The Hiber Fiber / Felted terrariums by Once Again Sam / Pet teepees by LoveLane

Holiday Fair Gift Guide: Part 2

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! We know as soon as the dinner plates are cleared tomorrow, you're going to start strategizing your holiday shopping. Have fun out there in the Black Friday madness (those of you who choose to participate). But remember, those truly memorable, meaningful gifts come from real people...people like our Holiday Fair artists. As you're planning your gift giving, consider these two new gift guides to help you find the perfect treasures for the people in your life.

 FOR HIM:

Skinny Straight Jeans by Billiam / Bowtie by The Cordial Churchman / Anchor Bracelet by Maritime Supply Co. / Tent and Trail Pullover by Dapper Ink

Shave Soap by The Herb Garden / Hand-thrown Mugs by April Schwingle / Sketchbooks by Shed Labs / Hand-turned razors by Slab.

 FOR HER:

Collar Necklace by Lily Pottery / Cameos by Once Again Sam / Feather Pendant by Crave / Hand-dyed Necklace by Spectrum

Embroidered Napkins by The High Fiber / Yarn Skeins by Merciful Hearts Farm / Hand-lettered Notecard by Paige Elizabeth Designs / Brick Feathers Clutch by Auspicious Miss

Holiday Fair Gift Guide: Part 1

If you're looking for unique and one-of-a-kind Christmas gifts this year, our Indie Craft Parade Holiday Fair can help! Featuring handmade goods from 29 artists, there's something for everyone. Starting with stocking stuffers and gifts for the little ones on your list, let us make a few suggestions to get you started!

Stocking stuffers clockwise from top left: handkerchief/scarf from Dapper Ink / Leather keychain from Billiam Jeans / Recipe cards from Ink Meets Paper / Sketchbook from Shed Labs / Ceramic cloud magnet from Crave Studio / Soaps from The Herb Garden

Gifts for the Little Ones clockwise from top left: Canvas crown from Lovelane Designs / Not-so-magic wands from Slab. / Boy's necktie from Cordial Churchman / Baby spoon from Block & Hammer / Baby booties from Pogoshop /

Announcing the 2014 Holiday Fair

Fall colors may not have hit their peak yet here in Greenville, but we're already thinking about the holidays, well, the Holiday Fair, that is. We're planning the third annual Indie Craft Parade Holiday Fair, featuring a selection of previous Indie Craft Parade participants. At this one day event you can support local artists and shop for one-of-a-kind gifts.

PLEASE NOTE: The Holiday Fair will be in a new location this year. Due to a generous offer by the Greenville County Museum of Art, we will host the Holiday Fair in one of the Museum's galleries. Their beautiful building and great location allows us to keep this year's Holiday Fair closer to the center of Greenville.

Date and Time: Saturday, Decmber 6; 10 am to 6 pm Location: Greenville County Museum of Art; 420 College Street, Greenville, SC 29601

Keep reading for a sneak peek of goods you'll see at the Holiday Fair and the full list of artists who'll be there.

2D / 3D Fine Art Cory Godbey Ben Schipper / Paper Loop Troupe Emily JeffordsApril SchwingleCrave StudioSlab.

Fiber / Paper By Erin Elizabeth Merciful HeartsHigh FiberPogoshopTeri GoddardOnce Again SamPaige Elizabeth DesignInk Meets PaperShed Labs

To WearBilliam January Jewelry Cordial Churchman Marette Haskins Dapper Ink Lily Pottery Spectrum Maritime Supply

Everything Else Oh Kay Queen's Cupboard Mercy VerityBlock & HammerThe Herb GardenLovelane

5 Year Posters with The Printshop

For this year’s festival, we wanted to make a special poster to commemorate our fifth year. We worked with the folks at The Printshop, Greenville’s newest makerspace, to create silkscreened posters for our event. We spent an evening at The Printshop with Andrew (husband of our co-founder, Lib Ramos) and Jeremy to print our 2014 posters. They walked us through each step of the process — from burning a screen to registering inks and we took pictures along the way.

It was so much fun to take our design from a computer screen to a final printed product and be reminded of all the work that goes into screenprinted art. As we often tell others, learning a new skill is one of the best ways to foster appreciation for it. Here are some of our behind the scenes photos.

Mixing inks to get the perfect shade.

Jeremy shows us how to pull a print.

The first color on drying racks.

Burnt screen for color number two.

Adding the second color.

Final prints drying in a row.

Fun fact: The Printshop founders were introduced at last year's Indie Craft Parade. In less than a year's time, they ran a successfully funded Kickstarter and opened the doors to our city's first community print shop. The Printshop is offering classes along with studio space and access to equipment for all kinds of printing processes like silkscreen, etching, letterpress, lithography and more.

Be on the lookout for more partnerships between Indie Craft Parade and The Printshop down the road — for example we're hosting a modern calligraphy workshop in their space mid-January!

2014 Anthropologie Display Workshop

In a few weeks, we’ll be partnering with our local Anthropologie to spread some early holiday cheer and get ourselves into the holiday spirit. Join us at the Greenville store on October 23 where we’ll be making gilded garlands for a large in-store display. You're invited to come out and spend time creating with us! All the materials and tools will be provided.

We did our first display workshop with Anthro last year making garlands from recycled materials, and we're already looking forward to what they have in store for us this year.

The event is free, but you do need to RSVP because space is limited! Call the store at 864-242-4553 to reserve your spot.

Date: Thursday, October 23, 2014 Place: Anthropologie: 1 North Main Street, Greenville, SC 29601 Time: 6-9 pm Cost: Free, but RSVP is required

Film Screening: Sign Painters

SignPainters_IG

Please join us for a special film screening! 

Sign Painters

celebrates the hand-painted sign industry, an American tradition. This documentary explores a fascinating insight into a a highly specialized underground trade, emphasizing an appreciation for a balance between art and commerce.

WHEN: Saturday, October 4 at 4 pm

WHERE: Furman University, at the 

Trone Student Center: Burgiss Theater

Address:

3300 Poinsett Hwy, Greenville, SC 29613.

Click here for a campus map.

The Trone Student Center is located towards the back left of campus, on the lake.

COST: Free!

In addition to the film, local sign painters will be on hand to do demos and answer questions about their work and industry.

About the film:

We see them almost every day without a second thought. Weathered by time, distinct characteristics shining through, hand-painted signs are a product of a fascinating 150 year-old American history. What was once a common job has now become a highly specialized trade, a unique craft struggling with technological advances. Sign Painters, directed by Faythe Levine & Sam Macon, stylistically explores this unacknowledged art form through anecdotal accounts from artists across the country including Ira Coyne, Bob Dewhurst, Keith Knecht, Norma Jeane Maloney and Stephen Powers. These vanguards of unseen originality are leading a renaissance with a keen creative purpose and exemplify the working class American success story. Sign Painters celebrates those keeping the tradition intact with a bespoke approach and appreciation for a balance between art and commerce.

This film screening is sponsored by Indie Craft Parade,

The Film House,

and

Furman University.

Thank you for an amazing festival!

In case you're still reliving the amazing festival weekend, we don't blame you. We just want to say a huge thank you to our 7,000 attendees, 80 artists, 42 volunteers, 20 sponsors, 10 staff volunteers, and 6 food vendors who make Indie Craft Parade possible. One of our favorite things about the festival is all the photos that came out of it. If you haven't seen it, check out the great #indiecraftparade hashtag stream here.

Here's a look at some of our favorites. We love you all! See you at our next event!

Image via SavannahMaieDae.

Image via Lindsey George.

Image via Going Home to Roost.

Image via Swamp Rabbit Cafe.

Image via Eleanor.XVI.

Image via Strawberry Moth.

Artist Showcase: Everything Else

In our artist showcase series, we feature a few makers from each category, who you’ll get to meet in just over 2 weeks. Can you believe the festival is almost here?! We guarantee this little sneak peek will have you counting down the days until Indie Craft Parade! The Et cetera category has a great variety of artists and goods that stand in a group all their own. From home decor and accessories to kitchen and garden goods, you'll want to remake your life around these products.

Don't forget, if you want to see everyone, old and new, who will be at this year's festival, check out their websites, found on our main site.

Hawks & Doves is a NC based maker who repurposes found materials in conjunction with both new and dead stock American made textiles and USA leather. We're dying over the feed sack pillows and especially those gorgeous aprons.

Blackjack Wax Company focuses on creating high quality, small batch soy candles. Each candle is personally hand-poured in batches of ten or less. We think you'll love their original scents like "front porch" and "film noir."

NATIVE BEAR products include hand printed paper goods and home decor featuring original designs and illustrations. Channel your inner bohemian and enjoy this collection.

The Zen Succulent is a mother/daughter team making contemporary glass vases filled with minimal color-blocked landscapes and live greenery. Each piece uses both live and preserved plants for a product that is one-of-a-kind.

Very Fine South makes a fantastic collection of bags and home decor. We think we can find a use for every one of her products.

artist showcase: paper goods

In our artist showcase series, we feature a few makers from each category, who you’ll get to meet in just a few weeks. We guarantee this little sneak peek will have you counting down the days until Indie Craft Parade!Today we’re highlighting a handful of artists from our Paper Goods category. Books, stationary, posters, accessories are just a few of the amazing things you'll find. All the sudden you'll want to send letters to everyone.

Strawberry Moth creates amazing illustrated products from cards, posters, pennants, and accessories. We can't wait to see this entire collection in person.

Linen Laid Felt combines traditional book-binding techniques with contemporary designs. We particularly love that the books can be used as photo books. Even your Instagram photos can have a place to go.

Tin Oiseau is a delightful collection of purposeful and customized stamps. You'll want something for every part of your life...library, cards, and tags. It will make sending gifts and mail that more special.

Paper Sparrow is an Indie Craft Parade veteran, but has developed a wonderful expanded line of posters, cards and stationary. My favorite is the abstracted representation of composers' work. These posters are great.

artist showcase: to wear

In our artist showcase series, we feature a few makers from each category, who you’ll get to meet in just a few weeks. We guarantee this little sneak peek will have you counting down the days until Indie Craft Parade! Today we're highlighting a handful of artists from our To Wear category. This is a broad lot including jewelry, menswear, kids clothes, and a lot of accessories. You'll be able to find something for everyone in your life from these artists.

Esse Quam Videri uses the Japanese dying technique of shibori to create these lovely one-of-a kind silk scarves.

Megan Cash has made a perfectly classic, yet fresh take on menswear. Keep the men in your life looking dapper with her creations.

Carolina Keiki has created an adorable line of kids' clothes from their studio / shop in North Carolina. Pretty sure you wish your clothes were this cute and comfy.

Timberline Jewelry is the creation of furniture designers turned jewelry makers. Building off strong geometric patterns and designs, this line is both classic and trendy.

Maritime Supply Co. reflects all of our needs to get to the ocean. Suited for both men and women, these pieces will make you want to head to the beach.

Artist Showcase: Fiber Art

In our artist showcase series, we feature a few makers from each category, who you’ll get to meet in just over a month. We guarantee this little sneak peek will have you counting down the days until Indie Craft Parade!

Today we’re highlighting some of the artists from our Fiber Art category. In this section you’ll find amazing handmade work created with felt, fabric, and yarn. Often the artists are even responsible for making their own patterns, prints, and even the materials themselves. And once again we had a difficult time choosing who to showcase, there are so many talented artists in this category!

Bonnie Christine is a woman of many talents. She runs the blog Going Home to Roost, makes her own fabric designs, illustrations, and patterns. And makes the most amazing products from them all.

Jennifer Lesley Design creates a variety of original home goods and decorations. From hand printed, painted, or dyed fiber and fabric, she makes a one of a kind collection.

Muncle Fred Art is a felt florist. Whether looking for a long lasting arrangement for your living room, a gift for a special occasion, or decorations for you next big event, you're sure to love these creations.

Hey Baby Craft Co. is doing an amazing job of preserving traditional quilting with her own modern twist. We can't wait to see these in person!

2014 VIP Tickets now on sale

It’s already that time of year again…VIP Gala tickets are on sale as of today! This kickoff party will begin our favorite weekend celebrating handmade goods.

If you’ve never been before, here are a few things you need to know that make the VIP Gala special:Lighter crowds: The opening night is your best chance to get to know the artists and get first dibs on their work. We sell a limited number of VIP tickets to make that evening special and allow ticket holders to avoid the crowds of Saturday and Sunday.

Giveaways: Our artists always go above and beyond in donating work to our giveaway baskets. We usually have 12-15 baskets worth over $100 each. Each basket will find their way home with a VIP ticket holder.

Free Food and Drink: Catered this year by Chef Peter and his team at Chef 360 Catering, the food is going to be out of this world. And in keeping with the theme of buying fine local craft products, we’ll be serving locally produced beverages including coffee from Greenville's newest coffee shop, Methodical Coffee, house blended teas and lemonade from Tealoha, and a selection of South Carolina made beers and ciders.

Live Music: And to top it all off, there's live music! This year we're excited to have local band Pioneer Fires playing for us during the VIP event. Their sound will be the perfect backdrop to the party. You won’t want to miss it!

The 2014 VIP Gala will be held on Friday, September 12 from 6 to 9 pm at the Huguenot Mill in downtown Greenville, SC. This ticketed event kicks off the festival weekend, and helps support our artists and the mission of Indie Craft Parade. Check out the full details on our website and get your tickets here!

Artist Showcase: 3D Fine Art

In our artist showcase series, we feature a few makers from each category, who you’ll get to meet at the festival about a month and a half. We guarantee this little sneak peek will have you counting down the days until Indie Craft Parade!

Today we’re highlighting some of the artists from our 3D Fine Art category. In this section you’ll find amazing handmade work created with wood, glass, metal, and ceramics. And once again we had a difficult time choosing who to showcase, there are so many talented artists in this category!

Bean and Bailey ceramics is a Chattanooga duo producing small-batch functional porcelain pots. They use colored porcelain slip to construct both subtly organic forms, as well as faceted vessels inspired by natural crystals and gems.

Churp Modern combines an interest in bird houses and modern architecture. Matt Estrada uses reclaimed wood to house the yard birds in style.

SLAB creates beautifully function home goods. From the local Greenville mills, they source top quality walnut, cherry, and maple wood and produce serving boards, utensils, and perfectly streamlined furniture.

Pixels and wood combines a love of hand lettering with reclaimed goods. From the workshop in Winston-Salem, they take pride in bringing new life to old things and repurposing them in unexpected ways.

Artist Showcase: 2D Fine Art

It’s time to start one of our favorite blog series. As we get closer to the 2014 festival, we’ll be featuring a few artists from each category. You'll get to meet them all at the festival in just a few short weeks. We guarantee this little sneak peek will have you counting down the days until Indie Craft Parade! 

Let’s start off the series with some makers from our 2D Fine Art category. There are so many talented artists; it’s hard to pick just a few!

Chris Koelleworks on a variety of illustrative, graphic, and design from here in Greenville, SC. You should check out his impressive list of published works. His series of botanical prints and originals will be a feature of his booth at Indie Craft Parade.

ElloLovey creates inspiring and whimsical prints as well as other handmade goods from her home studio. You'll find that her creations are partly inspired by her British heritage as well as the woodland scenery that surrounds Asheville, NC.

Joe Engel is a mixed media artist dividing his time working and living in Western North Carolina and Eastern Tennessee. Working out of a small studio in the countryside, Joe creates original handmade artwork with a combination of salvaged materials and original designs. 

2014 Artists Announced

We are excited to announce the 2014 list of Indie Craft Parade participants! Our fifth annual festival will feature 80 artists — 33 new and 47 returning. Mark your calendars for September 12-14 and come see us at the Huguenot Mill at the Peace Center. We know you can't wait to start shopping, so go check out the complete list on our website, and start making those wishlists!

2014 Call for Entries: Last Chance

This is it! Sunday, June 22 at midnight EST is your last chance to apply for this year's Indie Craft Parade. We do not consider late or incomplete applications, so if you've started an application but haven't finished yet, this weekend is your last opportunity to finish and submit!

For those who aren't applying, but know an artist who should submit their work, we've made it easy for you to send out an email introduction to Indie Craft Parade. Help us find the best handmade goods in the South!