Monday, June 13, 2011

my first IHE main event.

saturday was indy's biggest craft event of the year: the Indieana Handicraft Exchange! it was the first time i was actually able to attend the summer event (i went to a smaller winter "mini" last year), so i was super pumped!

as an added bonus, my wonderful friend jessica from nashville (possibly the funniest person i know) had a booth again this year, and she stayed with me for the weekend!

jessica's shop is called pinestreet makery, and she makes adorable linocut and letterpress prints, cards, towels,  and totes.

the pinestreet makery display:

i snagged one of jessica's prints - green houses! i can't wait to frame this little gem: 

i meant to bring my camera with me and take more photos during the day, but i forgot it at home. woops! my sister joined me for her first alternative craft fair shopping experience, so i took advantage of a kodak moment (via my non-smart phone), but that's it! 

here we are with our matching "midwest is best" tanks by megan lee designs! just slightly different styles for slightly different sisters.
ps. megan lee is the cutest girl! i bought a matching "midwest is best" tote bag last year at the renegade store in chicago, so i'm glad i got to meet her in person this time. (i promise i'm not creepy, megan lee.)

i got a couple post cards from rar rar press that i also plan to frame and keep: 

i mean, i love the midwest. what can i say?

i picked up a stack of cards from colette paperie. 6 for $12? yes, please. funny phrases? mmhmm.
(here are just a couple: recipients have already been confirmed.)

my friend talia of conduit press was there selling her beautiful handbound journals and book safes. since i was attempting to pinch my pennies, i went for one of her cute cards. typewriter city!

there were so many cute earrings at the IHE! the only problem is that i'm (more than) slightly insecure about wearing dangly earrings, no matter how much i love them. so i went with these little crocheted flowers from muggy tuesday

as a thank-you for hosting them for the weekend, jessica and her friend katie got me this print (because they said the doggy reminded them of gretta). what sweetie pies!

i had a grand time! i probably made 5 laps around to all the booths, wishing i could have one of everything. there are so many talented crafters in the midwest! (it's the best, remember?) i can't wait til the next IHE!

since i'm on the topic of new treasures, i thought i'd share some that i got yesterday from my gal pals annie & jessica for my belated bday. 

some precious bow earrings from modcloth!

and this totally rad necklace from modcloth, too! when i saw first saw it, annie said "sewing scissors!" they know my heart. thanks, frands!

i can't wait to send all of these cards and parade around in my new jewelries and shirt and get tons of boyfriends from being so kewl and stylish. heyyy boyyys. 

(sidenote: there are always lots of cute boys at alternative craft fairs, but be careful, girls. take a quick glance their left or right: you'll always see his girlfriend within arm's reach. what gives? single boys: alternative craft fairs are your ultimate chance to meet cool single ladies. just sayin'. get out there!)

4 comments:

  1. oh Tara, you're so silly;) Thanks so much for stopping by and chatting and visiting and being a great journalist and customer and friend;) Can't wait to see you again;)

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  2. i want a midwest is best tank! also - i bought a postcard from rar rar press - it said "its not that far, really" with a picture of the united states and an adorbz lil heart stamp on indiana and alabama. aw!

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  3. @talia - it was great to see you! i hope your day at IHE was fabulous! i'm sure i'll see you soon!!

    @kris - thanks! it's called "craft fair on a budget."

    @lorn - those united states postcards were such hot sellers! adorbz 4 surez. you should order a midwest is best tank & match the bendergirlz!

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