handmade militia

Home sweet home

2010-04-05T12:30:00.000-07:00

Join us here at our new home:

www.handmademilitia.com/home

ah, the joys of switching blog hosts...

we've moved!

2009-11-20T20:42:00.000-08:00

. new blog . new blog . new blog . new blog . new blog . new blog .

www.handmademilitia.com/home

please update your feeds and favorites :)

Handmade Saturday

2009-09-28T20:46:00.000-07:00

Applications are now being accepted for Handmade Militia's 2nd annual holiday market -

Handmade Saturday

your friendly, local alternative to black Friday.

This year's event will be held on Saturday November 28th in Old Town Fort Collins. The market will run from 10 am - 4 pm.

There is a limited amount of space. Local crafters and artists are encouraged to apply early. All work must be high quality, handmade, and made with love. Applications will be accepted until October 31st. Do not send payment now. Upon acceptance, payment must be made in full by November 7th. There are no refunds for cancellations.

The holiday market will be advertised locally and in neighboring cities including Denver and Boulder with posters, flyers, and press releases to all local newspapers and media. And of course don't forget good ol' word-of-mouth.

Cost to participate is as follows:

10x10 booth - $85

Up to 3 crafters may share one 10x10 booth space. Information and photos from all participating crafters must be included on one application to be considered.

6 ft table space - $55

Applicants may not share a table space with any other crafters. A 6ft table will be provided.

The application can be found to your right in the sidebar or here.

Please fill it out and email it to whitney@handmademilitia.com

Please don't hesitate to contact me with any questions:

whitney@handmademilitia.com

970-416-5974

ooh, ooh pick me! pick me!

2009-09-27T19:53:00.000-07:00

NEW! Catch it while it's hot.

email me if you want to participate!

YART!

2009-08-07T18:22:00.000-07:00

handmade militia

-----------------------------------

✂ call to arms: a summons, invitation, or appeal to undertake a particular course of action ✂

contact me if you'd like to participate.

2009-07-30T21:00:00.000-07:00

handmade militia

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

✂ call to arms: a summons, invitation, or appeal to undertake a particular course of action ✂

The French Nest Market :: Saturday, August 8th

The opportunity to share the Handmade Militia booth at our (as in Fort Collins') outdoor summer market called The French Nest Market on August 8th. Depending on how many people sign up to share the booth, the cost will be $20-$40 per crafter.

I can only accept 10 different artists at this time so please let me know asap if you would like to participate.

The booth is 10' x 20'. We all set up our stuff together, there aren't really separate tables for each artist, although everyone can have their own "spot". I provide the tents, a couple of tables and clothing racks. I'm asking that people try to bring more tables to help me out. And of course whatever else you need to display your lovely things. There was a TON of foot traffic last month and everyone had good sales, I think the longer these markets go on the more people will come to shop. Besides that, it's just plain old fun. You get to sit in the grass and hang out with other people who make things, and sell your creations to an adoring public, what more could you really want? The market runs from 9 am - 3 pm, set up at 7 ish.

p.s. this event is pet and child friendly. There is a large grassy area for kids and pups to play in, so bring 'em along!

If you have any other questions don't hesitate to contact me.

See you all soon!

whitney

whitney@handmademilitia.com

970-416-5974

French Nest Market Awesomeness

2009-07-16T11:17:00.001-07:00

Thank you to everyone who stopped by last Saturday and visited the Handmade Militia booth at The French Nest Market. We had double the space and double the vendors, most of whom were new and it was a pleasure to meet each and everyone of them.

And just in case you couldn't stop by, here's a list of who all participated:

AdellaBellla

Woolibear

Willow Tree - sculptures by Willow Wicklund

Will Dunn and Kelsi Ottenbacher - photographers extraordinaire

MudPuppy

Baby Afghans By Penny

J.J. Edwards

Akinz

Lucky Me Beads

Lily McConnell - incredible peyote stitch bracelets and fabulous button earrings

Looking forward to the (hot) August market. Contact me if you are interested in participating.

whitney

note of interest

2009-07-03T14:15:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone!

Just a quick note to let you know that this month's First Friday Craft Fair (July 3rd) has been canceled. Let's just say that the response was under-whelming. I'm rethinking it all now and I'll let you know what I decide for August.

whitney

Handmade Militia Newsletter : July

2009-06-18T21:35:00.000-07:00

Hello, Hello all of my friends,

I hope this sunny weather is finding you relaxed and inspired!

Here are the Handmade Militia events on the calendar for July.

As always if you are interested in participating just shoot me an email and let me know.

There will be the First Friday Craft Fair (July 3rd).

This is a simple event where everyone gets together and sells their wares, one night a month. It's a great chance to test the waters with a new collection of goods or to make your first appearance on the craft fair circuit. Cost is minimal, $10 (new, lower price) and simply helps cover my advertising. You get to keep 100% of the profits you make. Currently, I'm working out the details on a new location. The previous first friday craft fairs have been at the Bean Cycle coffee shop which was wonderful. A huge thank you to everyone who made this possible and to those who put up with our intrusions each month. But I think it is time to move on. I've found a larger space which means more crafters, which means more variety, which means more yummy handmade-ness, which means all the more reason for people to come.

As a side note: With the past First Friday Craft Fairs I feel like we were something people just 'happened upon' and most of the time it was not these looky-loos who ended up buying our things. I'm hoping to promote this month's craft fair as more of a destination and an event. Casual passers- by are always welcome, but I'd like to encourage more people to think of us when they are trying to decide what to do on Friday night.

"Hey Jane,"

"Yes, Jack."

"Let's go check out the Handmade Militia craft fair before we head out to dinner tonight."

"Oh Jack, you read my mind."

I'l be making posters and flyers showing the dates for at least 3 of the upcoming first fridays. I'll let you know when they are available if you would like to have some of your own.

I will also be doing the usual virtual world advertising - facebook, craigslist, newspaper calendars, blogs, etc...

Let me know if you have any other ideas.

Here's to a permanent fixture in the (first) friday night scene!

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Then there will be the opportunity to share the Handmade Militia booth at our (as in Fort Collins') outdoor summer market called The French Nest Market on July 11th. This one is a little more $ but there's more bang for your buck. Depending on how many people sign up to share the booth, the cost will be $20-$40. The booth is 10' x 20'. I provide the tents and a few display things but I'm asking people to bring more things to help me out (tables, boxes, racks etc...)There was a TON of foot traffic and everyone had good sales at the one last month, and I think July will only be better. Besides that, it's just plain old fun. You get to sit in grass and hang out with other people who make things, and sell your creations to an adoring public, what more could you want really? The market runs from 9 am - 3 pm, set up at 7 ish.

p.s. this event is child friendly. There is a large grassy area for kids to play in so if you need to bring the kiddos just let me know.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Thanks to all of you for your continued support. The Handmade Militia would not be what it is without you; it would just be the Handmade Militant and that really doesn't have the same ring to it...

whitney

oh mexico...

2009-06-04T16:19:00.000-07:00

feel free to sing along, or not, it helps sometimes...

ok I'm not really in Mexico, as much as I wish I was, but I am on stay-cation for the month of June. NO handmade militia first friday market tomorrow. We'll catch you all in July. Stay tuned for a very excellent surprise coming your way...

sunshine and seedlings,

whitney

Thank You!

2009-05-19T08:38:00.000-07:00

Thank you to everyone who came out to support the Handmade Militia Spring Market and a special thank you to Everyday Joe's and Danielle Ate The Sandwich. The market was great despite some non-cooperative weather. Congrats to Kimi Marin from Marin Natural Beauty who actually sold out of her all natural, vegan lotion. (p.s. if you haven't tried her lotion yet, you had better get on it, this stuff is good!).

Another special thank you to everyone who participated in the Handmade Militia booth at the first French Nest Market this weekend. The weather was sublime and people were out in force. Congrats to the ladies of the French Nest for organizing such a wonderful event.

Look for us at the Market in July.

If you are interested in participating in the Handmade Militia booth send me an email and I'll get you all the info.

wishing you all sunshine and sprouts.

Handmade Militia Spring Market

2009-04-26T16:44:00.000-07:00

a list of those participating:

Danielle Ate the Sandwich

a.k.a. Danielle Anderson

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YZoqsfFGGPY

Rachel May Designs

www.rachelmaydesigns.etsy.com

Fishy Fishy

www.fishyfishy.etsy.com

Red Tandem Studio

www.redtandemstudio.com

Vital Industries

www.vitalindustries.etsy.com

The Inner Artist

Marina Keim

Metal Wendler

www.metalwendler.etsy.com

Rachel Dawn Designs

Rachel Stoffa

Mau's Raw Chocolate

www.mausrawchocolate.com

Hobbs Pottery

Lucas Hobbs

Jennifer Johns

Ben Smith

beckyDesigns

www.beckydesigns.etsy.com

Shade Tree Studio

www.lovelandshadetrees.etsy.com

Marin Natural Beauty

Kimi Marin

Susan Hazel Rich

www.susanhazelrich.com

Lucky Me Beads

www.luckymebeads.etsy.com

Tread Light

www.treadlightgear.com

YakStub

www.yakstub.com

Local + Handmade + You = One Good Time

[small scale] Friday Market

2009-03-30T12:27:00.000-07:00

Spring Market . Call for Entries

2009-03-30T12:16:00.001-07:00

2009-03-05T22:10:00.000-08:00

2009-01-31T11:47:00.001-08:00

handmade militia

newsletter no.2

Hey there crafty cats! So much exciting things to share with you! Shows, markets, fashion, wine, and more [see below], however first a hats off to those who joined to make our first pot-luck crafty swap a huge success. There was great food to be shared, very vegetarian friendly to boot, great wine, and a huge, yes huge, pile of supplies that were swapped. Can't wait till the next time, edges of our seats till then!

1st First Friday

[small scale] Craft Fair

March 6th from 5pm-8pm

Matter Bookstore | Beancycle

Old Town, Fort Collins

The idea is to give crafters an opportunity to sell their wares monthly in the same place and at the same time. The [small scale] Craft Fair, will be held in the front part of The Matter Bookstore | Bean Cycle coffee shop. As you know, the first friday gallery walks are already very popular with locals and tourists alike. We'll be in a prime spot with lots of foot traffic. We have limited space so crafters interested in participating please contact Whitney (whitney@luckymebeads.com) by February 27th. Participation is certainly open, and we look forward to seeing new and old faces. Please include a few sample photos of what you would like to bring in your RSVP email. Participation is also free, yes that's right free, hugs to the Bean Cycle and Matter for that hookup. We are asking for donations for particaption to help support future Handmade Militia projects.

We Need Your Ovens! (and your feet)

March 6th 4:30pm

What's the best way to lure people into buying crafty things, well anything? Free cookies my friends. This is a tried and true technique and we'd love to use our homemade magic to make it happen. We would like to hand out home baked cookies on friday, March 6th while we are selling crafts at the Beancycle | Matter. Just a little incentive to get people's attention, make a few friends, and get people in the door.

We need a couple of people willing to hand out cookies along the street and a few more people willing to bake!

Maybe you have a baker friend who wants to help out or maybe your mom's the best baker in town, either way we want your cookies! We will need a lot of cookies so every batch counts. If you would like to help bake or distribute please contact Whitney (whitney@luckymebeads.com). And please, please feel free to pass this along to anyone who might be interested!

~~:~~:~~:~~:~~:~~:~~:~~:~~:~~:~~:~~:~~:~~:~~:~~:~~:~~:~~:~~:~~:~~:~~:~~:~~:~~:~~:~~:~~:~~:~~:~~:~~:~~:~~:~~:~~:~~:~~

Sweet Jesus, I Published A Book!

We are so fantastically excited to be putting together a Handmade Militia Zine. This zine will be produced, published, and widely distributed with the help of none other then the local captain of zines, Matter Bookstore.

For our first issue we would like to include hand-drawn patterns and crafty how-to's.

If you have something you would like to submit please send to Susan (susan@susanhazelrich.com).

~~:~~:~~:~~:~~:~~:~~:~~:~~:~~:~~:~~:~~:~~:~~:~~:~~:~~:~~:~~:~~:~~:~~:~~:~~:~~:~~:~~:~~:~~:~~:~~:~~:~~:~~:~~:~~:~~:~~

Can You Smell the Collaboration Yet?

Clearly you can see, we have been organizing all sorts of handmade goodness. The input of ideas from everyone so far has been collaborativly orgasimic to say the least. And with that, we can say we are super excited to be teaming up with Matter Bookstore for the month of March. They host a local organization or nonprofit each month and March is Handmade [with a side of Militia].

1st First Friday [small scale] Craft Fair

As mentioned above, March 6th (first friday) will be The [small scale] Craft Fair. If all goes well, we hope to continue these first friday events past the month of March.

Demo-tastic Day

Saturday March 14th

Volunteers Needed!

We'll be having a demonstration day. Crafters are invited to come hang out in The Bean Cycle | Matter Book Store and show other people how to make things. We still need volunteers for this event. If you have something you could show people how to do, drop us a line. We would love to have the focus be on sustainable crafting ie. reusing and recycling but we are open to any ideas. So far we have knitting, collage, bookbinding, and screen printing. The hours are still flexible and will depend on how many people we get to participate. Please RSVP with Whitney (whitney@luckymebeads.com) by March 1st.

2nd Pot-Luck Crafty Swap

Friday March 20th

We will be hosting our monthly pot-luck/swap at the Beancycle | Matter Bookstore. This month, the potluck part will be available for purchase from the lovely people at The Bean Cycle and the swap part will depend on you. Bring your unwanted raw materials and trade them for something more inspiring. Last week's potluck/swap was a blast. And hosting this months out in the community will give us a chance to find lost crafters and give them a crafty place to call home!

A Celebration in The Name of Handmade

Saturday March 28th

Wear your handmade duds and bring your handmade goods. Let's all get together and try out that barter system we learned so much about in school! For example, "Hi Mary, I'll trade you this blue hand-knit scarf for 3 of your handmade cards!"

We will be giving away donated handmade items from our talented local crafters in drawings throughout the day. This event is for everyone. Bring your families, bring your friends, this is an event sure to not be missed. Stop by and see for yourself why buying local and handmade makes you feel wonderful! If you would like to donate something for the drawing (great advertising and good karma are your rewards) contact Susan [susan@susanhazelrich.com] by March 14th.

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One more note:

Do you want to host the February potluck/swap?

We're thinking Friday the 27th... Any takers? It was a lot of fun!!

email Whitney if you are interested (whitney@luckymebeads.com)

Woosh. That was a long one. Thanks for reading all the way to the bottom.

Be sure to join the Handmade Militia group on facebook (if you do that sort of thing) for updates etc.

Let us know if you have any questions!

whitney

{whitney@luckymebeads.com}

hearts

Susan

[susan@susanhazelrich.com]

T H A N K Y O U !

2008-12-15T20:17:00.000-08:00

A gigantic, super-normus, huge thank you to everyone who participated in the handmade militia holiday fair. Another super duper large thank you to everyone who came out to see it.

Stay tuned, I've got all kinds of ideas cookin' in my head.

next big craft fair = spring

it's here! it's here!

2008-12-12T22:09:00.001-08:00

good luck tomorrow everyone!

can't wait to see you all!

T-minus 2 days

2008-12-11T08:35:00.000-08:00

Good Morning lovely crafters!

Two days left until the worlds best craft show ever :)

Just a couple reminders:

You can find all the set-up info on this page a couple of posts back.

Set-up starts at 9:00am and we officially open at 11:00

Don't forget your extension cords, plug strips or whatever else behind-the-scenes stuff you need. Don't forget your receipt books and pocket change.

I am all out of flyers, thanks to everyone who helped pass them out! I still have a few posters left if anyone would like one and of course you can still save the image provided below and email it or print it or whatever.

Feel free to email or call if you have any questions.

I'll be at the Gallery bright and squirrely on Saturday, chalking up the sidewalks (provided it doesn't snow), you can join me if you'd like!

See you all soon.

2008-12-08T10:45:00.001-08:00

Ack! My cell phone was stolen. If you have tried to call me in the past week please call again on the new number 970-416-5974

See you all soon!

press

2008-11-25T16:39:00.000-08:00

check it out:

free press - everyday joe's coffee house blog

handmade militia holiday craft fair vendors

2008-11-25T12:04:00.000-08:00

Heather Packard

Brown Paper Packages

Bye Bye Baby Doll

Wicced Boxes

If I accidently left off your name, let me know and I'll fix it right away.

Can't wait to see you all there!

2008-11-25T10:43:00.000-08:00

Here's a red version. I don't know why the text turned blue in the first upload!? Now i don't know why it is soo big but, whatever, it took me forever to fix the blue text. Just click on the image and you'll get the full size.

details for vendors

2008-11-24T08:24:00.000-08:00

handmade militia

Hello, hello!

Welcome crafters and thank you for being a part of the first (and not the last) HAND MADE holiday craft fair!!

Here's the skinny:

Welcome to the Handmade Militia's holiday craft fair!

This is your confirmation letter. Here you will find all the juicy details for this awesome event.

What: HAND MADE holiday craft fair (brought to you by handmade militia)

When: December 13th 11:00 am - 7:00 pm

Where: Gallery Underground (located at 109 Linden St, in the basement of the Avery Building)

Set up begins at 9:00 am. You need to have your booth finished by 10:45 am. Please plan accordingly in order to set up on time.

There is a flight of stairs down to the gallery so bring your muscles. You can park AT YOUR OWN RISK in the loading zone out front or you can go around the corner and legally park. Cafe Ardour will be in house providing hot beverages and sustenance.

Booth spaces will be assigned. I think this is the best way to keep everyone happy.

Each space is approx. 5.5 feet wide by 7 feet deep

Your space will be marked with tape on the floor. There are NO USEABLE WALLS. Please plan accordingly and bring all of your own props. You will need to provide everything, your own tables, chairs, mirrors etc... There is power available and the lighting is good (because it's a gallery) but if you want to highlight or accent things, bring your own. Please, NO music of your own. There will be music played throughout the gallery. Lastly, be creative! I have found that you can easily increase your sales with an attractive and creative booth layout.

Don't forget to bring plenty of business cards, a receipt book (or two) and a guest book!

You are responsible for all of your sales and sales tax. There is no credit card machine available for your use, but there is internet access if you want to use paypal or another form of online payment. Be sure to bring plenty of change for the good ol' cash sales!

Advertising and PR There will be postcards printed for you to give to your fans.

Let's all work together and get the word out about this awesome event! As soon as they are in my hands I will send out another email and you can come pick them up. Tip: take them everywhere and hand them out to friends and parents and colleagues... Leave one behind everywhere you go!

I'll be putting ads in the newspapers and hanging up super cool posters all over town. Any other ideas are welcomed!

Clean up will be at 7:00 pm Please leave a clean booth space. Also, NO leaving early ~ this is really annoying and distracting.

Schedule one more time...

set up = 9:00a - 10:45a

open hours = 11:00a - 7:00p

clean up = 7:00p - 8:00p

Ok, I think that's it. Let me know if you have any other questions.

Best of luck to everyone - let's kick some butt!

whitney

posters and flyers

2008-11-20T13:47:00.001-08:00

If you would like to have some of the flyers to hand out you can call me or send me an email and we can arrange a pick-up time and place. You can also use the image provided (just click on the image above and then right-click or ctrl-click to save it to your computer) and email it to your friends or print it out on your own.

Help me get the word out. More people = more fun!

As always, feel free to contact me with any questions.

whitney

update

2008-11-09T09:01:00.000-08:00

LAST CHANCE!

I'm giving you a few more days to get your applications in.

Come join the rest of our awesome artists and crafters.

We're gonna be big!

update

2008-11-05T08:16:00.000-08:00

GET YOUR APPLICATIONS IN NOW!

Spots are filling up fast.

Don't miss out on your chance to shine.

~:~:~

This is shaping up to be a great show. I am super duper excited!

I'm working on painting the outdoor signs and designing the posters and postcards.

I'm also going to be joining you guys and occupying one of the booths at the show so I am busy cutting and gluing and sewing...

Remember, if you have any questions feel free to contact me!

A business note:

I am thinking that I may assign booth spaces just to make things easier and so that no one gets injured in a mad dash. If you absolutely oppose this, let me know.

HAND MADE local craft fair

2008-10-03T15:29:00.000-07:00

Welcome!

Here you will find all of the information about the HAND MADE local craft fair.

You can find the link to download the application in the sidebar. You can open it with Word, fill in your info and then email it back to me or you can print it and send it in by mail. You can find all my contact info to the left.

Here's the basic rundown:

When: December 13th, 2008 11am - 7pm

Where: Gallery Underground

What: A juried holiday craft fair featuring local crafters of all sorts.

Why: To show people that buying local and handmade makes you feel good inside.

Application Deadline:

November 7th-ish

Each application will be reviewed by a committee and decisions will be made based on committee votes.

The cost to participate is $85

You can share spots as long as the committee approves all of the participants.

The booths are 7 feet deep and 5.5 feet wide. There are no usable walls. The booth spaces will be marked out with tape on the floor. Booths are first come first serve but don't worry they are all good spots.

You will be responsible for decorating your own booth space. You will need to bring your own tables and chairs and whatever else you need to display your product.

Two words of advice: Think Big!

Your booth space is your own little shop and should represent you and your product. Feel free to bring real furniture and accessories, mannequins, dress forms, mirrors, racks, whatever! The more unique the better! Of course a well laid table is always in style too.

Advertising:

1. There will be posters put up all over town (and in Boulder and Denver) promoting the craft fair. These posters will have your name on them. I have a long list of places to put them but if you have any ideas, please let me know.

2. There will be postcards printed also with your name on them, that you can pick up and hand out as you wish.

3. There will be ads in the local newspapers.

4. There will be press releases sent out to all relevant local businesses and newspapers. (the artists nook, fancy tiger, two hands paperie...)

5. There is a website and there will be mentions on local, relevant blogs.

The day of the fair there will be signs at either end of the downtown square and a big one out front to draw people in.

Cafe Ardour will be on hand providing coffee, other beverages and yummy snacks.

The Gallery Underground is an awesome spot. The space is gorgeous with lots of character and the location could not be better. It is in the heart of downtown fort collins within walking distance from any of the popular restaurants and shops.

~:~

If you have any questions please email me at whitney@handmademilitia.com

Thank you for your interest!

Buy local!

Buy handmade!

handmade militia

Home sweet home

we've moved!

Handmade Saturday

ooh, ooh pick me! pick me!

YART!

French Nest Market Awesomeness

note of interest

Handmade Militia Newsletter : July

oh mexico...

Thank You!

Handmade Militia Spring Market

[small scale] Friday Market

Spring Market . Call for Entries

T H A N K Y O U !

it's here! it's here!

T-minus 2 days

press

handmade militia holiday craft fair vendors

details for vendors

posters and flyers

*update*

*update*

HAND MADE local craft fair

update

update