THIS Saturday in Columbus...

Don't miss Ohio's largest and longest running alternative craft fair named "Best of Columbus" by Columbus Monthly magazine. The deets:

When: Saturday, October 17th 11am to 6pm
Where: The Lodge Bar in the Arena district

Admission is FREE and the event is open to all ages. Come see handcrafted wares by 60+ vendors---8 of which are members of Etsy Team Columbus! So much fun to be had including...Swag bags, Scavenger hunt, Craft Bingo, Free ice cream from the CD101 Ice Cream truck, Plinko and Craft Corner deathmatch! Charity funds will also be raised for Rwanda Knits.

http://www.craftinoutlaws.com/news.html

AFTER you finish your shopping and mingling with some of the areas most savvy creative types....

Head on over to the Clintonville Community Market for their Block Party! It's national Co-op month and they are celebrating in style. From 10am to 9pm there will be a stage with live music, GREAT food and MORE local artists and vendors. For more info click on the following link:

http://www.communitymarket.org/

Countdown to the Eco Chic Craftacular

Just twelve days! TWELVE DAYS!!! Members of Etsy Team Columbus are very excited and proud of the upcoming Eco Chic Craftacular at the Whetstone Community Center on May 16 & 17. Many hours of planning and marketing have gone into this event. With over 50 vendors, live music and delicous food...we feel this will be an unforgetable gathering.

Did you know there will also be FREE workshops going on the entire weekend? Be sure to stop by our information table in the Community Center lobby (beginning the 16th) to pick up a schedule/map for more info. Topics being offered include: rain water harvesting, composting basics, bike maintenance 101, keeping our rivers clean, etc.

Each of the artists and crafters appearing at the Craftacular has been asked to include or incorporate eco-friendly elements in a portion of their wares. You might see canvases colored with soy based paints, creations from recycled or sustainable materials, vintage goods and found/repurposed objects.

In additon to all the above, there will be a daily swag bag giveaway. Be among the first 50 guests to arrive each morning to get your hands on some fab freebies. Here is a list of the possible swag contents in YOUR bag: bubble rings, fabric wallets, postcards, magnets, buttons/pins, coffee cozies, coupons, gift tags, coasters, patches, erasers, notepads, stickers, ACEOs, recycleable bags, honey (yes honey) and more!

Raffle tickets will also be sold during the Craftacular for $1 each or 6 for $5. If you are a winner, you might end up taking home any of these prizes: original paintings, handbound journal, dyed fabric/textile art, denim purse, leather "snail" business card holder, embroidered tshirts, fabric totes, goats milk soap & candle, plushies or jewelry.

We hope you will join us as we celebrate creativity and caring for our planet. The support you show these artists is always appreciated and goes a long way towards stimulating the local economy and small businesses.

Many thanks readers and please help us spread the word----let the countdown to all this FABULOUSNESS continue...