Photo: Dress Recycler

The BUST Magazine Holiday Craftacular 2010

The ‘handmade’ craze was in full effect this past Sunday, December 12th at a local designer open market we stumbled upon sponsored by BUST Magazine- “The magazine for women with something to get off their chests”. This pop culture women’s magazine is uncensored, untraditional and as unique as each woman is on the planet. BUST had over 300 local designers from near and far showcasing their designs for the public to see. Not even the monsoon weather this past Sunday could keep these shoppers away as the line was down the block to get in. A huge assortment of local artisans set up shop and created a ‘shop local’ experience that spread awareness of the handmade craft movement.

As you are probably aware of the Renegade Craft Fair that hit Williamsburg this past summer, this event was very similar with even more participants. People now more than ever are starting their own creative businesses to supplement their incomes in this difficult economy. The best part of these local designer showcases of course is the shopping for ‘untraditional’ gifts. We were so impressed with the diversity and quality of the merchandise that we had a few honorable mentions:

Return to me:
This unique customizable jewelry company takes the fun of a Light bright and brings it to the masses for the sake of fashion. Take the cuffs and poke out your own words or sayings. Feel free to be as vulgar as you wish. The unique plated necklaces come with thread so you can ‘sew’ your own design into your necklace using the needle and thread. Go crazy and create any design you want. When you’re fly wearing the necklace you designed, take a quick pic and submit to them so they’ll feature you on their site at www.returntome.co.uk.

Made with Awesome:
These t-shirt guys are the epitome of awesome ‘nerdiness’ with their Harry Potter and square root t-shirts. Their quirky goods and funny slang tees are all handmade, original designs. The prices are amazingly affordable, with totes and kids tees included in the family of awesomeness. Check them out at www.madewithawesome.com and you’ll be awesome too.

Purevile:
By far the most eclectic and original of the crowd, local jewelry designer Purevile takes both natural and vintage materials to create show stopping pieces. They use anything from vintage keys, cameos, bone and baby doll heads to bring magic and fantasy to your outfit. Their prices accommodate most budgets and bring a new meaning to the term ‘statement’ jewelry. Hit them up at www.purevile.com to see their selection on Etsy. Bravo!

My Secret Music Box:
An innovative and creative way to always carry a tune with you! These are vintage one of a kind pieces that are real, actual music boxes that play. You can customize your own tune or pick from her selection of old school favorites. This designer works hard to bring you pieces that you won’t find anywhere else, that bring the blah out of every day into something light and cheery. She creates a line of additional accessories as well, including earrings, hair pins and combs. Visit her website at www.mysecretmusicbox.com for a truly special designer piece.

Hey Betties, looking for a hip new read? Go to www.bust.com to sign up for their email newsletter, join the ‘bust’ lounge threads, see Bust TV or hit up the Girl Wide Web. Tell them The Dress Recycler sent you! Girl Power!
For more fashion education, style inspiration and local designer information, hit me at www.thedressrecycler.com. Your bargain fashion superhero!

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