Indie Craft Bazzar: Love, Peace and Craftyness

So last weekend, I took a couple of my friends to the Indie Craft Bazaar: Love, Peace & Craftyness in Ft. Lauderdale. It was held at Cinema Paradiso, a cute independent movie house. It's so great that South Florida's indie craft scene is growing, It's all about spreading the word about great handmade items and supporting indie businesses to everyone.

After waiting in the line, we had just missed getting the last of the goodie bags. I wanted to get one so bad, looks like next time I have to get there earlier. It was only a $3 entry fee (what a great deal!) and then we got into the vendor area.

There were about 30 vendors selling all kinds of stuff. There were cupcakes in the lobby and then BBQ as you walked out to the courtyard. Too bad my friends and I had just made our own brunch before going to the show. There was also a craft area off to the side where you could make your own tie dye shirt. You could bring your own t-shirt or purchase one there and then get to tie-dyeing. You could buy handmade and also make your own to take home with you. So cool.

The vendors were great. The had awesome jewelry, baby stuff, custom party invitations, recycled and repurposed items, clothing, dolls, sock monkeys, and of course, who wouldn't want a mustache?! It was super hot, it being mid-July in South Florida and all, but all the vendors were bearing with the heat, and super nice.

I stopped to talk with Tiffany of Pumpkin Pye Boutique, who had the cutest food inspired charms and jewelry. I fell in love with a bracelet she had made of green buttons. I made a note to come back and scoop it up. I also chatted with Venessa of Busy Vee. Venessa makes the coolest finger mustaches.

I also loved the paper goods at Paper Squid. Not only are they fashionable and fun, but they are also eco-friendly. I especially loved their "I Love You Though You Piss Me Off" card. So freaking funny!

Like always Miami had to represent at the show. I saw a new friend I made at the Miami Etsy Craft Party at there at her own booth. Jade of Jadefrolics was there. Her art is so freaking cute! Plus she makes it into prints, magnets and even mirrors. She was having a great time vending at the show.

I eventually made it back to the Pumpkin Pye Boutique to get the bracelet I had been eyeing, but someone scooped it up before I was able to. But I did get another great piece of jewelry from her. A great gunmetal necklace with two birds on a branch. I love it! The necklace was a little too long, but Tiffany shortened it for me as I waited. Now that's what I call service. This is definitely one of the perks of buying handmade, you know the maker and a little adjustment like that is usually not a problem at all. The handmade vendors dare always so willing to help with anything you may need. When I was leaving the show and walking back to the parking garage, someone told me they loved my necklace. As I told them thanks, I pointed them right over to the Pumpkin Pye Boutique booth. I loved being able to give them more business after they were so great to me.

Indie Craft Bazaar was super hot, but a super great show. It's definitely one not to miss if you're in the South Florida area. They hold shows every few months at Cinema Paradiso, so get on the Indie Craft Bazaar mailing list to find out about upcoming shows. And as always, support handmade and your local community by shopping with handmade businesses!