Spring Crafting

At 12:57pm yesterday, SPRING arrived in Cleveland, Ohio! Okay, so we still have some snow and 30 degree days in our forecast but good things come to those who wait. We'll just have to make the most of the warm weather once it comes!

To help get you ready for said warm weather (which I promise WILL come!) I have a couple fun events going on around town this weekend where you can pick up some giftables for any upcoming birthdays, weddings, showers, holidays (Mother's Day will be here soon!) Or if you're just looking for something fun and unique for yourself to help get you in a springtime mood.

Third Friday @ 78th Street Studios
Friday, March 21, 5pm-9pm
1300 W. 78th St., Cleveland
I've blogged about a few events in the past that took place at the 78th Street Studios. However this event which happens on the 3rd Friday of every month (thus the name) is one every Clevelander should attend at some time in their life. This month has a slew of must-see art exhibits as well as some cool boutique areas including Earthminded Tote Bags in the Susie Frazier Showroom, Jewelry With a Twist in the Jeffrey Dubé Studio and Vintage Clothing in the Senjiva Studio!


2014 West Side Spring Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show
Saturday, March 22, 10am-5pm
Sunday, March 23, 11am-5pm
Rocky River Memorial Hall
(21016 Hilliard Blvd.)
I believe this is the third Avant-Garde event I've posted about, including the fall show, which I attended and had great success finding early Christmas presents. Make sure you like their Facebook page because in the weeks leading up to one of their shows they will post photos and info about their vendors, including some of the nearly 100 who will be at this show in River. This is one of the best craft/handmade shows I've ever been to and there are so many great vendors who will be there! $3 gets you in the door to browse the almost 100 local handmade vendors! Part of the proceeds to this event will benefit Drink Local. Drink Tap., a local non-profit focusing on bringing safe water to those in need.

Shopping local for the holidays --- the final stretch!

It seems like we've been on the "shop local for the holidays" train for so long, we're still two weeks away from Christmas! Which, depending on how much shopping and/or preparing you have done so far is either a good thing or a not so great thing. Either way, we have two new holiday shopping events for you going on in the CLE this weekend to finish off that list or get you started, better late than never.

Coventry Village Holiday Festival
Saturday, Dec. 14
11am-midnight
Coventry Road, Cleveland Heights
If you've never enjoyed a nice afternoon or evening in Coventry Village, now's your chance to go all out! Attendees receive a special discount card for all the great local businesses in the area PLUS free parking at any public meter located in the garage, lots and street meters! But that's not all...get ready to get your holiday cheer on with music, community caroling, crafting, photos with Coventry Claus and Mr. Jingeling, an Elf movie marathon, AND an Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl! For more info on all the events visit CoventryVillage.org.

Cleveland Bazaar West Show
Saturday, Dec. 14, 10am-9pm
Sunday, Dec. 15, 10am-6pm
78th Street Studios
(1301 West 78th St, Cleveland)
Cleveland Bazaar sponsored last week's event in Ohio City, and this weekend they're getting serious. Browse the 100 vendors on two floors of the 78th Street Studios near Gordon Square - there will surely be some fun stuff to finish off that strictly local Christmas list. Plus if you've ever been to the 78th Street Studios you know it'll be the perfect location for this awesome, artsy craftsy event!

2013 East Side Winter Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show
Sunday, Dec. 15, 12pm-5:30pm
Terry Macklin Entertainment & Event Centre
(6200 Enterprise Parkway, Solon)
www.avantgardeshows.com
We had a blast at the West Side Avant-Garde show last month, and now you have another chance to get in on the crafty goodness! $3 gets you in the door to browse the over 100 local handmade vendors plus part of the proceeds will benefit the North East Ohio Make A Wish Foundation. On top of all that, you can treat yo self at the on-site concession stand AND full bar!