Red Prairie Press

The Handmade Market is produced by The Handmaidens, a North Carolina collective of nine artists and designers.
It's held in Raleigh in a place called Vintage 21...which sounds as cool as it probably is (it's a new venue this year. last year it was in an alternative church, and we hope to love it as much this year!)

Because I fly solo to this show (Phil is working his adorable butt off at the MD film festival, which opens tonight in Baltimore. He is the technical supervisor, we'll have you know), I'm so happy to have the company of my two NC friends Laura and Amalia, who graciously offer a very comfortable couch in their apartment to me in Carborro each year. Carborro is even more beautiful than Raleigh (from the 30 seconds I was in both cities last year, I was able to make this judgement accurately and with much authority, obviously). They have a huge food co-op in the center of town with an outdoor eating green, with picnic tables and delicious vegetarian brunch on the weekends. The green was covered in people eating, playing music and dancing. It felt like a bizarre version of the 60's, where everyone also has a cell phone. Carborro also has a very pretty and well maintained farmer's market, where I plan to return and purchase whatever strange puffed cheese roll madness and Chai Tea concoction I devoured last year, before heading to Raleigh. If i remember correctly, there was also a shop just outside Carborro in Chapel Hill (?) that sold only fancy popsicles. I kid you not. Tragically, it was closed.

Anyway, in conclusion:

-If you're in MD, attend the MD Film Fest (also, see HERE for more things to do this weekend)
-If you're in NC, attend The Handmade Market (Bonus- there's also a Cinqo De Mayo party outside of Handmade Market, as if you aren't already enticed).
-If you're not near either of these places, wish me luck. I have a craft fair EVERY WEEK until our wedding. All the more reason for a party... And on the positive, at least this blushing bride will be able to pay her own way!