We've just posted the list of our fall vendors! We've got a lot of familiar faces, and a lot of new ones! Check out the list on the right side of the screen. We couldn't be more excited!

Silent auction tonight!

We really hope you'll be able to attend our Silent Auction fundraiser TONIGHT, Friday, July 23 from 7-9 pm at the Art Hospital on 102 E Allen St.!  If you can't make it, however, you can still join the fun!  Just click the button below to donate to the Handmade Market -- any amount is appreciated! -- and not only will your contribution go to a great cause, but you'll be automatically entered in our raffle to win great prizes from the silent auction.  We've got hand-carved wood figures, prints to decorate your home, jewelry, shirts and ties, and many more great handmade items from our talented artists and craftspeople. 

Applications are live!

Now until August 22 you can apply to be a vendor at the next Bloomington Handmade Market, to be held on November 6th at the Bloomington Convention Center!

Please read the FAQ before submitting your application.

APPLICATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED.

As always, feel free to email us with questions at bloomingtonhandmademarket AT gmail.com.

Silent Auction Fundraiser!

next BHM and fundraiser!

We've just secured a date and venue for the next event!

The holiday Bloomington Handmade Market will be held on Saturday, November 6th at the Bloomington Convention Center!

Applications will be open from July 11- September 11, and we'll post them on here, as well as alert you via our mailing list as well as our Facebook page.

Also, we'll be having a fundraiser to help cover increasing costs and to bring you an even bigger and better BHM. We'll have BHM artists donating their handmade goods to a silent auction, to be held on July 23rd at the Art Hospital. More details to come soon!

BHM Spring was a success!

It's been almost a month since our spring event, and somehow we neglected to tell you how it went!

Well, it was great! We had about 1,300 people come through, about 300 more than last time. We had 43 amazing artists and crafters, many from Bloomington and Indianapolis, but also had some coming from Louiville, Columbus, Cincinnati, and Chicago!

To see more pictures, visit our Facebook album.

We're now trying to lock down the date for the next event, and we're aiming for November 20th, so keep your eyes peeled!

Last day of interviews! Mia Beach Photography and Sadly Harmless

The Spring Bloomington Handmade Market is tomorrow! We hope that you can make it out to see all of the amazing artists we have! Today is our last day of our interview series, and it's with 2 of the co-organizers of the event. Hope you enjoy it!

Name: Mia Beach
Business Name: Mia Beach Photography
Location: Bloomington

What do you make?
Mainly photographs, but also screenprinted napkins and clothing, lightboxes, mobiles, paintings, jewelry…

How did you learn your art/craft?
I’ve always been playing around with some artsy thing, but my interest in photography started in middle school. I got my first camera when I was 12 and was self-taught until I got my BFA from IU in 2008.

Where do you get your inspiration from?
I get a lot of inspiration from books, my kids, and wandering in antique stores.

Do you have a "real world" job?
Yes and no- I work for myself, doing commission photography, mainly wedding photos and various kinds of portraits.

Your five favorite things:
Favorites are so hard! I love darkrooms, my family, red wine, tin types, and books.

Who are your favorite artists/crafters?
Francesca Woodman, Lynda Barry, Sally Mann, Ralph Eugene Meatyard, Egon Schiele.

Where can we find you?

My wedding photos: http://www.dblimagephotography.com/

My art: http://www.mia-beach.com/

Stuff for sale: http://www.miabeach.etsy.com/

My Kickstarter Project: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/miabeach/bit-parts-photographs
 
 
 

Name: Sally Harless
Business Name: Sadly Harmless
Location: Bloomington, IN
 
What do you make?
I make ink and watercolor illustrations of animals, as well as illustrated pendants and coffee mugs.

How did you learn your art/craft?
I have been drawing and making stuff ever since I can remember. It has been a strange evolution from making things out of cardboard toilet paper tubes, to copying Sesame Street illustrations, to sewing purses in my front yard, to illustrating for zines. When I got into the BFA program at IU for printmaking, I started to really take my art more seriously and knew that it would be my career. I took drawing classes all the way up to the 400 level, and it helped me tremendously, even though I was drawing naked people and what I do now is pretty far from that!

Where do you get your inspiration from?
Most of my art pieces are autobiographical, so I guess I get inspiration just from the situations that occur in my life, or in the lives of the people I love. Beyond that, I love the idea of anthropomorphism, and I really love animals, so using them in my illustrations just seems natural. The past few years I have developed an intense fascination with sea creatures. They are so mysterious and beautiful, and I get a lot of inspiration by reading about them and watching nature programs.

Do you have a "real world" job?
I am proud to say that making art is my job! It is extremely difficult and there are a lot of highs and lows, but nothing is more rewarding.

Your five favorite things: My dog Ramsey, the people I love, root beer, swimming, narwhals!

Who are your favorite artists/crafters?
My friend and fellow BHM-er, Candice Hartsough McDonald (http://www.cordialkitten.com/)
Roadside Projects (www.etsy.com/shop/roadside)
Deth P. Sun (http://www.dethpsun.com/)
Jen Corace (http://www.jencorace.com/)

Where can we find you?
http://www.sadlyharmless.com/
sadlyharmless.etsy.com
 
I also sell stuff at LaLa Gallery in Lafayette, The Makery in Louisville, a few other stores around the country, and I am a member of and sell stuff at Art Hospital here in Bloomington!

Day 26: Purple Hippo Stiches, Opera House Press, TMarie

Name: Sarah P. Fisher
Business Name: Purple Hippo Stitches
Location: Bloomington, IN and Akron, OH

What do you make? cross-stitches, just not quite what your Grandma used to make

How did you learn your art/craft? I learned to cross-stitch from my Aunt Nanno when I was 9 years old. I started a lot of projects but didn't finish many. I wasn't much into the cutesy teddy bears and angels that made up most patterns. About a year ago, I learned how to make my own patterns as well as mixing together vintage patterns using MacStitch.

Where do you get your inspiration from? Pop culture, inside jokes, and anything that strikes me as awesome and needs to be immortalized in cross-stitch. I also have a fondness for various four letter words.

Do you have a "real world" job? I'm currently a grad student in Library Science. I work a bit at the Lilly Library as well.

Your five favorite things: In no particular order, Pabst Blue Ribbon, big dangly earrings, backpacking around Europe, Lady Gaga, and hippos.

Who are your favorite artists/crafters?

My favorite website for modern embroidery is http://www.mrxstitch.com/. Not only does he feature amazing artists, but he's pioneering the world of "manbroidery."
Julie Jackson of http://www.subversivecrossstitch.com/ who first incorporated 4 letter words into cross stitch.
Jenny Hart of Sublime Stitching
BeeFranck, who can be found on mrxstitch and whose cross-stitch has an eerily similar sense of humor to mine.
Shaebay (http://www.flickr.com/photos/shaebay/) takes on about every craft ever and takes them to epic proportions.

Where can we find you?
http://thepurplehippo.etsy.com/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/patterninstatic/sets/72157622273011581/ (NSFW)
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Purple-Hippo-Stitches/471261215132?ref=ts

Name: Lucas Woodaman
Business Name: Opera House Press
Location: Gosport, IN

What do you make?
Clothing and other printed materials.

How did you learn your art/craft?
Community college, friends and experimentation.

Where do you get your inspiration from?
A mix of my day to day life and the contemporary art/craft scene. Really I just make stuff that I wish existed.

Do you have a "real world" job?
I currently have two "real world" jobs, I work at Pygmalions art supply and as a consultant in the pharmaceutical field.

Your five favorite things:

My wife, my dogs, making stuff, movies, and soda

Who are your favorite artists/crafters?
There are tons of great crafters and artist out there whose work I adore, but to name a few; David Choe, Jay Ryan, Ekundayo, Matt Cipov, Blaine Fontana, Damon Soule, Herakut, and Liz McGrath just to name a few.

Where can we find you?
you can find us at our etsy www.etsy.com/shop/operaHOUSEpress or our infrequently updated blog operahousepress.blogspot.com/ . And hopefully sometime this year we will be opening a full-fledged website! Also I am a studio member at the Art Hospital in Bloomington and have some stuff up in our little store there.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Name: Tiffany Marie Hanner
Business Name: TMarie
Location: Bloomington,Indiana

What do you make?
Mixed Media

How did you learn your art/craft?
I learned the essentials from fundamental studio classes at University.

Where do you get your inspiration from?
A lot of my inspiration comes from the color relationships in textiles and fabrics.

Do you have a "real world" job?
Yes. I'm a Consumer Support Coordinator for individuals who have developmental disabilities.

Your five favorite things:
1: Assembling Color Relationships
2: Trident Splash: Strawberry with Lime Chewing Gum
3: Tuxedo Cats
4: Scent of Japanese Cherry Blossom
5: Pizza with Pineapple,Pecans and BBQ Sauce.

Who are your favorite artists/crafters?
Gustav Klimt

Where can we find you?

-- I'm new to the game but you can find me on Facebook under Tiffany Marie Hanner.

Interview Series Day 25: Wholly Craft! and Tonic Shop

Name: Olivera Bratich

Business Name: Wholly Craft!

Location: Columbus, Ohio

What do you make?
Jewelry, buttons, and baubles of various shapes, sizes, and media. I also operate a shop featuring handmade goods from over 150 crafters and artists. We carry everything from tshirts and skirts to plush, paper goods, home décor, and much more.

How did you learn your art/craft?
Most of my craft skills were gleaned from experimentation, the internet, and the public library. I picked up various business skills from workshops through the Small Business Administration.

Where do you get your inspiration from?
Lots of places, but what comes to mind is yard/estate sales. I love seeking what folks have collected over the years. I’m also inspired on a daily basis by all of the great work we have in the shop. Seeing new items from our long-time sellers always puts a smile on my face.

Do you have a "real world" job?

Running the shop is a full-time job, but I also work in HIV community planning. I help coordinate care through the Ryan White Emergency Financial Assistance Program, which provides care for low-income people living with HIV. A fine example of the government providing health care to those in need. Apparently, it can happen!

Your five favorite things:
Cats, Lifetime movies (or anything similarly over-dramatic and based on a true story), bourbon, feminism, and sequins.

Who are your favorite artists/crafters?

Way too many to list them all, but some of my favorite local crafters/artists include:
Made by AmyD http://www.madebyamyd.com/
Sweet Stella Designs http://www.sweetstelladesigns.com/

Igloo Letterpress http://www.iglooletterpress.com/

Alison Rose http://www.alisonrose.com/

Stephanie Rond http://www.stephanierond.com/

Where can we find you?

At 3169 N. High St. in Columbus from 12-7pm Saturdays, 12-5pm on Sundays and 1-8pm weekdays (except Tuesdays). We’re also available at:

http://www.whollycraft.net/
http://www.whollycraft.blogspot.com/
www.facebook.com/whollycraft
www.twitter.com/whollycraft

Name: Kat Phillips
Business Name: Tonic Shop
Location: Bloomington

What do you make?
I make wreaths, felt flower arrangements, bookmarks, accessories and jewelry galore!

How did you learn your art/craft? Trial and error

Where do you get your inspiration from? Everywhere really...I often find color combos from all of the adorable homes in Bloomington

Do you have a "real world" job? If a full-time grad student/part-time TA counts...then yes.

Your five favorite things: dancing, Halloween, laughing, sandwiches, and a good book on a rainy day

Who are your favorite artists/crafters? My friend Elissa http://www.etsy.com/shop/elissawhynn, my friend Erin (also a Bloomington local) http://www.elmrea.com//, http://www.etsy.com/shop/jenniferladd, http://www.etsy.com/shop/madewithlovebyhannah, http://www.etsy.com/shop/berkleyillustration, http://www.etsy.com/shop/isotope, http://www.etsy.com/shop/andfurthermore and many many many more :)

Where can we find you?
http://www.etsy.com/shop/katatonic
http://www.etsy.com/shop/kitschykutiekat
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/pages/Kitschy-Kuties-Boutique/229801303078?ref=sgm

Interview Day 24: Sakura Urban

Name: Theresa Goodwin

Business Name: Sakura Urban

Location: Downtown Indianapolis

What do you make? leather handbags and accessories

How did you learn your art/craft? Believe it or not, I am a self taught seamstress. On a whim one day, I bought my very first sewing machine, book, and fabric and went home and learned to sew by following patterns. I had never even threaded a machine before!!! It was a learning experience. That was 2005. Now it's 2010 and I have learned so much since. I make my own patterns and designs... but I'm still always perfecting and learning new things about sewing.

Where do you get your inspiration from? From nature and being in the city. I find the colors that you see in both nature and an urban setting completely inspiring. It could be the way two colors compliment each other or things that you see that just "click". I also love textures.

Do you have a "real world" job? This is it! I was able to quit my job a couple of years ago and take this up full time. We have made so many professional connections and started doing trade shows. I have been able to maintain a steady income doing this so it's been perfect!

Your five favorite things: Coffee, antiques, going for walks, being in the city, and my industrial sewing machine.

Who are your favorite artists/crafters? Moop, Brooke Medlin, The Binding Bee, and Blue Scarab... to name just a few of many!

Where can we find you? You can find me in various places! Visit my "wholesale and product retailers" page on my website at http://www.sakuraurban.com/ to see the retailers that carry my work. You can also find me locally at Marigold, Girly Chic, and Relish.

Interview Day 23: Owlette Collective

Name: Jessica Bornick and Britt Willis
Business Name: Owlette Collective
Location: Bloomington, IN and Nashville, TN

What do you make? We make clothing for little ones, like bibs, bloomers and dresses; we also make accessories for busy parents: market bags, quick-change diaper wallets, and take-along crayon rolls to name a few.

How did you learn your art/craft? We both learned to sew in elementary school. Jessica holds a degree in fashion design while Britt is mostly self-taught; when we met five years ago we began collaborating and sharing skills.

Where do you get your inspiration from? In regards to design, we both love vintage details combined with modern style. When Jessica found out she was pregnant, focusing on baby/kid/parent sewing seemed like the natural choice! Britt approached sewing through quilt-making while Jessica took to garment construction; both practices are rooted in tradition. We both have mothers, grandmothers, and so on who sewed for utility or as their trade, so the act of sewing connects us to our past. That is a huge inspiration!

Do you have a "real world" job? Jessica sews freelance: alterations, wedding dresses, drag Madonna costumes, and odd piece work. Britt manages an independent quilt shop and sews for profit here and there.

Your five favorite things:

between the two of us, we came up with:

-sewing, obviously

-Jessica's baby, who will explode onto the scene mid-May!

-herbal medicine (Jessica)

-bread-baking (Britt)

-Dragon Park in Nashville, TN, home to a gigantic mosaic dragon

Who are your favorite artists/crafters?

Natalie Chanin of Alabama Chanin for her sustainable business model (http://alabamachanin.com/)

Agatha Ruiz de la Prada, surrealist fashion designer (http://www.agatharuizdelaprada.com/)

the quilters of Gee's Bend, Alabama (http://www.quiltsofgeesbend.com/)

Where can we find you?
Britt maintains a blog at http://scrapyardfabrication.blogspot.com/ as well as an Etsy of small things at http://shopscrapyard.etsy.com/. Jessica sells her work under the name Parasol at Treehouse Kids in Chattanooga, TN and Serendipity in Nashville, TN.

Interview Day 22: Bad Ass Glass

Name: Penny Knight and Sarah Cravens
Business Name: Bad Ass Glass
Location: Indianapolis

What do you make?
Stained glass novelties: sun catchers, panels, jewelry, boxes and miscellaneous accessories.

How did you learn your art/craft?
Sarah is a self-taught artisan turned professional, and Penny has been to Sarah’s school of stained glass. They have otherwise dabbled in many art media, and have mastered a few.

Where do you get your inspiration from?
Well, we started thinking about tattoo imagery, old school Sailor Jerry stuff at first. We soon expanded our thinking to include a wider realm of subversive imagery that is prevalent in the tattoo arts. There is a lot of cross over between how we consider an idea that might be odd or ironic as stained glass, in the same way people can be very inventive and radical in expressing their ideas through tattoo imagery.

Do you have a "real world" job?
Yes, Sarah, formerly of Fox Studios, has recently returned to school to complete her BFA in Art History. She currently works part time at The Aristocrat while attending classes at Herron School of Art. Sarah plays bass in the local rock ensemble Dark Matter Halos. Penny, a Herron as well as Arizona State University alumni, holds a BFA in Fine Art Photography and a Psychology minor, and currently works full time with adolescents in crisis at a local shelter, Stopover, Inc.

Your five favorite things:
Fine art, fine music, fine friends, fine food, and fine cocktails, the good stuff!

Who are your favorite artists/crafters?
That is a difficult question to answer, in part because Bad Ass Glass is a partnership. Not only do our tastes vary between the both of us, we each have such wide ranges of individually subjective interests, it is difficult to pin down faves. People ask what our favorite colors are? We say all of them! Who is our favorite musician? We ask, from which genre and according to what criteria? We are critical thinkers with open minds who love diversity yet demand quality.
We love everything outside mainstream and corporate culture, simply because we celebrate the existence of such renegades. We love History and all Fine Arts, the classics as well as the avant garde. Is it edgy? Is it handmade? Is it cool? Well then yes, of course we love it. If it digs deeper and slaps you in the face with a spin on reality that you have not yet considered, even better.

Where can we find you?
http://www.bad.ass.glass.getpatron.net/

http://www.badassglassart.etsy.com/

www.facebook.com/bad.ass.glass.art

www.myspace.com/badassglassart

www.flickr.com/photos/badassglass

Interview Day 21: Good To Go Eco

Name: Erin Powell and Judy Evans
Business Name: Good to Go Eco
Location: Indianapolis, IN

What do you make? We make an eclectic variety of unique, handmade eco-friendly gifts such as iPhone sleeves, cup cozies, pin cushions, and gift wrap to go. Many of our items are made from upcycled materials.

How did you learn your art/craft? Judy was raised creating with an active involvement in 4H sewing, photography and painting programs. Judy received her degree in fashion design and passed down her creative skills to Erin. Erin received her degree in Art Eduction. As a mother-daughter team, both have created everything from fine art to graphic design to gift items. Some skills were learned through formal eduction in the arts and some were self-taught as the mood and need arose.

Where do you get your inspiration from? Inspiration comes in many forms. Everything from daily life, nature, Decor8, Anthropologie, fellow Etsians and Erin's daughter, Isabella provide visual and functional ideas.

Do you have a "real world" job? Erin is a Product Specialist for Fusion Alliance, an Indianapolis IT company. Judy is a full-time grandmother and fine artist.

Your five favorite things: Family, Creating, Everyday Beauty, Decorating and Repurposing

Who are your favorite artists/crafters? Love the entire Etsy community! One of my favorite regional artists is Dolan Geiman. And of course, Holly Becker, of Decor8 has just a fabulous aesthetic!

Where can we find you?
http://www.goodtogoeco.com/

Interview Day 20: craftycrew

Name: Jill Clancy, Amanda Clancy, Linda Parrott, and Brandi Myers
Business Name: craftycrew and now also, Altar'Designs
Location: Bloomington, IN

What do you make? hand crafted ash wood recipe boxes, flip-top recipe boxes, hand crafted ash wood "Wedding Wish" address file boxes, notecards, cards, paper bookmarks, altered rolodex's, and glass tile pendants.

How did you learn your art/craft? Self taught actually.

Where do you get your inspiration from? ETSY, magazines, HGTV, and wedding and craft blogs.

Do you have a "real world" job?

Yes, Jill Clancy - I.U. School of Library and Informations Science,

Linda Parrott - I.U. UITS,

Amanda Clancy - Truffles Restaurant,

Brandi Myers - Full-time student at I.U.

Your five favorite things: chocolate!, fabric, scrapbook paper, food, and shopping!

Who are your favorite artists/crafters?
http://www.sisterbutterfly.etsy.com/

http://sugarchicbaby.etsy.com/

http://www.moddottextiles.etsy.com/

http://www.weebindery.etsy.com/

http://www.theclackhouse.etsy.com/

http://www.twopiggiesandapony.etsy.com/

http://www.suzannebwebb.etsy.com/

Where can we find you?
http://craftycrew.etsy.com/

http://altardesigns.etsy.com/

FARM Restaurant - seasonal

Cactus Flower - glass tile pendants

Interviews Day 19: strawberrycherry!

Name: Nicole Bilby
Business Name: strawberrycherry!
Location: Bloomington, In

What do you make? Handknitted and crocheted dolls and accessories, handspun yarn, other goodies as I'm inspired

How did you learn your art/craft? I started crocheting as a little girl and picked it up again about 5 years ago. I've been teaching myself new tricks ever since!

Where do you get your inspiration from? Cute illustrations, cartoons, friends.

Do you have a "real world" job? Unfortunately...

Your five favorite things: sour candy, chai tea, handspun yarn, purple, star trek

Who are your favorite artists/crafters?

My friend Jean - jeanelise.etsy.com

Woo! - woowork.com

There are so many more I don't even know...

Where can we find you?

The Bloomington Handmade Market!

strawberrycherry.etsy.com

Interview Day 18: Get Lathered Soap Company

Name: Rhonda Frye
Business Name: Get Lathered Soap Company
Location: Indianapolis

What do you make? Handcrafted soaps, lip balms, solid shampoos & conditioners

How did you learn your art/craft? Initially I taught myself using books. Later I found online groups that offered information and fabulous camaraderie.

Where do you get your inspiration from? My inspiration first and foremost is using my science background to formulate exceptional products. Secondarily, I find artistic inspiration everywhere in nature--even in food

Do you have a "real world" job? Yep--- I'm a pharmacist

Your five favorite things: my family, soapmaking, wine, food, my dog

Who are your favorite artists/crafters? Nicole of Accessoire.etsy.com, Megan of SpiceofLifeDesigns.etsy.com

Where can we find you? 
 http://www.getlathered.etsy.com/

Interview Day 17: Vernon Ave. and Never Contented Things

Name: Toni Johnson
Business Name: Vernon Ave
Location: Louisville, Kentucky

What do you make?
I specialize in handcrafted handbags made from new, vintage and recycled materials. I really adore the new vintage inspired and retro modern fabrics in cotton, as well. I love haunting thrift stores. I have been going thrifting since I was a child. I had the coolest aunt that collected vintage lingerie, clothing and handbags

How did you learn your art/craft? Self Taught although I was always around crafts and sewing. My Mom made my sister, myself and her matching outfits when I was a child.

Where do you get your inspiration from?
My adoration for handbags began with my grandmothers Julia Belle, Elizabeth and my mother Michelle from a very young age. It is in my blood. The beauty, craftsmanship and design of vintage handbags are amazing. And there began the collection and intrigue. I have many bags that were my Grandmothers that she carried to parties, the Kentucky Derby and such. I love that history. I really enjoy reading about the history of handbags.

Do you have a "real world" job? I consider this a real job. However I am a professionally trained graphic designer.

Your five favorite things: This is almost tragic. I have so many favorite things. travelling, sewing, baking, music, old movies

Who are your favorite artists/crafters? ohhh, this is so hard!

Warhol

Coco Chanel

Melissa Averinos

Paul Rand

Anais Nin

Where can we find you?
http://www.vernonave.etsy.com/

blog: http://www.handmademoonshine.blogspot.com/

fb: vernon ave
 
 
 
 
 

Name: Erin Paulson and Zoë Bare
Business Name: Never Contented Things
Location: Chicago, IL

What do you make? Handmade paper wares – from elegant wearable items to beautiful functional ones.

How did you learn your art/craft? From taking papermaking workshops with Andrea Peterson and Helen Hiebert, two papermaking masters. And by experimenting with a combination of ideas and a variety of both common and unusual materials.

Where do you get your inspiration from? Organic forms and natural occurrences.

Do you have a "real world" job? Yes, we’re both photographers. Erin currently works freelance and Zoë works full-time for a Chicago auction house.

Your five favorite things: Pie! (of all varieties) Movies, both excellent and bad. Paper in all of its incarnations. Baking cookies, and then eating them. Making things in general with our four bare hands.

Who are your favorite artists/crafters? We both like Robert and Shana ParkeHarrison, Erica Shires, and Ryan McGinley. Erin, having more of a bookbinding background, loves the books of Monique Lallier. Zoë’s interest in printmaking has led to a fascination with Lynd Ward.

Where can we find you?
http://nevercontentedthings.etsy.com/