Handmade Shopping Tip #2

Interacting with the Artisan

The wonderful thing about buying at handmade marketplaces is the opportunity to meet the person behind the product. Unfortunately, so many buyers don't take advantage of talking to the artist while they are perusing items. However, you can learn so much about the artist's inspiration, the materials they use, and their process if you just ask. Most artists are so happy to answer these questions - it shows an appreciation for their work and their craft. Particularly, the {NewNew} artisans have a reputation for being the nicest artists around. The next time you see them, be sure to smile back at them and ask a question or two. I'm sure you'll gain so much more respect for the great product you're buying from them!

Just to whet your appetite, did you know...

VirginiaKraljevic uses a technical pen with a very fine tip to create her beautiful illustrations. Her more intricate illustrations take up to 40 hours to complete!

MayLuk's gorgeous platters, bowls, and plates are made by high fire to cone 8 - 1268 degrees Celsius in an electric kiln.

LinguaNigra's stunning jewelry uses a process called reticulation, which requires melting brass to create beautiful ridges and valleys. This melting process takes hours to complete.

This weekend, find {NewNew} artisans all around the city and beyond! Check them out at...

Always a fabulous event, the Brooklyn Lyceum's Spring Food and Craft Market consistently draws in record crowds with incredible artisans and food vendors. This year, the market is taking over two floors of the Brooklyn Lyceum's building. Check out the following {NewNew} vendors at this event!
* Wall art and clothing by ApertureAgog
* Papergoods by CollectiveElements
* Unique cards by Designs By Aliza
* LuCrafts & LuCraftsCandles with scented soy candles in vintage tea cups and other unique containers, lightswitch covers, and art magnets
* Lenny Mud with witty and colorful ceramics
* Nordea Soaperie's soap and body product lines
* Oonagh Naturals with bath and body products
* Off The Mat with yoga inspired goods
* fine art prints and illustrations by Virginia Kraljevic
* j*topolski with jewelry, prints and ceramics inspired by nature and a touch of the macabre
* Stationery Designer Alton Weekes will be selling fabulous one-of-a-kind paper cards
* May Luk Ceramics will have her gorgeous ceramics.
* Painted-with-pins cards and lampshades by warpeDesign
* Citybitz will be there with her NY accessories
* Panda With Cookie will have delightful plush monsters, children's clothing and tote bags
* KnitKnit with unique knitted and felted accessories
* One-of-a-kind toys for infants and children by Windows Of Agate
* The {NewNew} Team table will have work from KimmChi, Adornments NYC, Wish By Felicity, Lingua Nigra, Peppersprouts and Groundsel
Location: 227 4th Avenue (between Union and President Streets), Park Slope, Brooklyn. Saturday and Sunday, 11am - 7pm.

Karen Seiger, author of the new book Markets of NY, will be selling her book at the Brooklyn Lyceum this weekend. Many {NewNew} artisans are featured in her book and blog, and they are offering a promotion when you buy a copy. Check out their offers below!

LuCrafts/LuCraftsCandles 20% off purchase
Virginia Kraljevic 20% off purchase
May Luk Ceramics 20% off handmade ceramics
Rocks and Salt 10% off hats
KnitKnit 10% off any one item
Nordea Soaperie free 1.5 oz. body polish with $45.00 purchase

{NewNew} artisans Elments4InspirdLivng and LoellaMedina will be at the Hester Street Market this Saturday. Last weekend was an incredibly successful opening with press coverage all over the NYC papers. Be sure to stop by and see what everyone is talking about!

Location: Hester and Essex Street, Lower East Side, Manhattan. Saturday and Sunday, 10 am - 6pm.

Brooklyn Indie Market in gorgeous Carroll Gardens will have Lady Three Designs with handmade and revamped vintage jewelry along with hand printed gift tags and cards.

Location: Red and white striped tent on Smith Street between Union and President, Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn. Saturday 11am - 7pm. Sunday, 11am - 6pm.

IreneCStudio will be selling beautifully crafted modern metal and gemstone jewelry at this bi-monthly market at the Old American Can Factory.

Location: 232 Third Street at Third Avenue, Gowanus, Brooklyn. Sunday, 11am - 5pm.

May Fair

The Church of the Holy Trinity is hosting their May Fair where IreneCStudio will be selling beautifully crafted modern metal and gemstone jewelry.

Location: East 88th St between 1st and 2nd Ave, Upper East Side. Saturday, 11am - 6pm.

Hoboken Arts & Music Festival

The Hoboken Arts & Music Festival will have over 300 artisans, local businesses, and food vendors along with three stages with live music. Stephanie of Metalicious will be there with her award-winning, contemporary sterling silver jewelry and Joan of Citybitz will have her NY accessories and a few Hoboken items for sale.

Location: Washington Street - Observer Highway to 7th Street. Sunday, 11am - 6pm.

Karina

WindowsOfAgate