Spring 2010 Handmade Cavalcade

A report from the {NewNew}'s Spring 2010 Handmade Cavalcade at Brooklyn's Berry Park.

Yes, it's safe to say...Crafting is cool again. The word no longer conjures up macramé plant hangers, paint-by-numbers vistas, or cheesy looped potholders. For the past 10 years or so, the world has seen a renewed interest in all things DIY, and this resurgence is undeniable. In fact, since Etsy.com's debut just five years ago, its sellers have seen unprecedented gains in 2009: $181 million (up from $88 million in 2008). All during one of the worst economic downfalls since the Great Depression, no less.

This past Saturday, Etsy, together with The {NewNew}, a group fostering solidarity and increasing exposure among Metro NYC-area crafters, held its well-attended Handmade Cavalcade. Over 25 vendors offered up locally designed and produced goods including everything from home décor and accessories to jewelry, lighting, paper goods, and *yum* baked goods, too.

The event was held at Berry Park, a relatively new Williamsburg, Brooklyn biergarten with a spacious roof deck overlooking the Manhattan skyline. The day? Beautiful. And the vendors? Extremely talented by any standards.

Walking into the bar, we were touched by the obvious camaraderie and unbelievably polished displays. NYC is really cooking up some great stuff! We spoke with our favorite vendors, and asked them all one question: How do you think the handmade craft movement is changing design, and impacting how (and what) people are buying?

Here, their artful answers:

"People are now going further to seek out unique goods. Now, consumers care more about where and how something's been made; they aren't necessarily looking for the most inexpensive items anymore. Large retailers are tapping into this, too: They're hiring independent designers to create custom lines for their stores. It's been wonderful seeing pieces by my talented, hardworking friends sold in smaller, downtown boutiques and in nationwide chains."
-- Jenny Topolski, designer and artist

"It's now so much easier for crafters to develop and produce their products, gain exposure and find buyers. So many of the resources and production methods available to me now weren't available three, let alone 13 years ago. People can now see and buy handmade goods in real time, and designers can release their creativity and find tangible success doing so."
-- Jen Pepper, peppersprouts

"I feel like I'm part of a community -- a group of like-minded individuals who value what I value. There's also more of an awareness and appreciation of the time and effort going into making something from scratch -- and certain people are even willing to pay a little extra for it. Love goes into everything I make. And you don't do this kind of thing unless you really love what you're doing."
-- Luise Stromberg, warpeDesign

"Virtual marketplaces like Etsy give legitimacy to what I love to do. Because really, I'm just one girl who's working out of a room in her apartment...It's given me a real platform."
-- Jessica Marquez, Miniature Rhino

"Many big-box retailers are appropriating the 'handmade look' to their mass-produced items, which is good and bad. While it downplays the process for those of us who work really hard, there's also a real push toward individuality. Traditional techniques [like the smocking seen in some of her handmade pillows], passed down for generations, are now being adapted for modern-day designs. I see more and more of these techniques being utilized in ways they weren't originally intended."
-- Tanya Mauler, Luck x4

What about you, dear readers? Have you attended this or any of The {NewNew}'s past events? If so, tell us what you think! Or, just tell us how you think the handmade craft movement is changing design, and impacting how (and what) people are buying?