The last time I did the Rusty Plum craft fair was almost 10 years ago. It was the weekend before Valentine's day, and I huddled with about 12 crafters in the old Elle Corazon space (now the Arterie) on Bernard. I was making paper, notebooks, cards and agendas at the time, but traffic was slow at the sale that weekend and I used the time re-learning how to knit from my table-neighbour who made the most amazing hats I've ever seen.
The Rusty Plum evolved a lot after that, but I was busy having kids, seamstressing and getting a clothing line off the ground. By the time I was ready to do another craft sale the Rusty Plum had vanished...until now. This year, the bazaar continues it's tradition of offering the best of our local artisans for the three weekends leading up to Christmas, with great coffee and foodstuffs to boot. But instead of a tiny store space, it's being held in the enormous basement of St-Michael's Church on St-Viateur, and instead of 12 artisans there are more than 50 tables to browse. With everything from designer cupcakes to jewelry to handmade soap (not to mention fantastic art prints and silkscreened t-shirts), this holiday bazaar really has something for everyone on your list. Not only can you pick up unique handmade gifts, you also get to meet the artisans and contribute directly to the local economy. Christmas shopping with a conscience has never been so easy!
I'll be there again for the third and final weekend, December 19 and 20, with my recycled wool "Ear Hats", mittens, and neckwarmers for kids and a couple of new styles of winter necessities for former kids, too.
