Friday, March 23, 2012

Crafters of the 'ODD KIND' saving the planet with scissors and glue

The Odd Duck Handmade Bazaar is a craft show of the oddest sort. It is difficult to describe the type of vendors and products you'll see at an indie show like this because they don't quite fit any mold. At this show, 'different' is the norm. However, there are some reoccurring themes within indie culture and one of which is the emphasis on environmental issues and sustainability.
Many of Odd Duck's artist's work are crafted from recycled parts. Some even pride themselves on using 100% recycled materials. Jack's Copper Art is made from scraps that he salvages from his day job. Reclaim2Fame, is an artist who somehow, magically turns just about any sort of material or discarded household item into sculptural robots. A few artists use discarded clothing and up-cycle pieces into new and cutting edge fashion designs or accessories.

One Beautiful World, a non-profit organization that teaches children about environmental responsibility, will be hosting a water-bottle refill station and give out 100 free reusable water bottles donated by the Hollywood CRA. Trash to Treasure, a non-profit creative re-use center whose focus is to reduce the amount of waste ending up in landfills, will be hosting a free DIY (do it yourself) craft tent where Odd Duck attendees will make beads from discarded fabrics.

The Odd Duck Handmade Bazaar and Indie Craft Fair will be held at the Hollywood Central Performing Arts Center on Saturday, March 31st from noon until 6pm. Admission is $5 for adults, children are free. There will be over 80 craft vendors, live acoustic musical performances and food trucks. The first 100 customers will receive a free Odd Duck reusable tote bag with treats, coupons and a handmade gift from one of the vendors.

The Hollywood Craft Mafia is a craft show producing duo who also independently make and sell handmade goods. The HCM team has a goal of shinning the spotlight on the incredible talents of local independent artisans and craftspeople by organizing the annual Odd Duck Indie Craft Fair. To learn more about us contact us at info@hollywoodcraftmafia.com

Monday, March 12, 2012

Odd Duck countdown

Only 19 more sleeps until Odd Duck!
I'll be quick because I've got a to-do list that is longer than those 19 day. I'm just gonna run down some reasons that you should be shopping at Odd Duck on the 31st.
  1. Handmade rocks! each piece is unique, even if you buy something from a vendor who cranks out dozens of the same product... it is still done by a HUMAN and each piece will have its own tiny differences
  2. Everything you buy will have a story behind it. I love when someone complements me on something that I've purchased in the past at a show. I love to be able to tell a little story about it and it just makes me feel good.
  3. You get to meet & talk to the artist. Maybe learn a little about their process, their vision, etc.
  4. You cut out the middle man. Your money goes to helping support someone directly, even if it isn't their "full-time gig", it helps.
I could go on and on but I'd already mentioned above.... I've got stuff to do! See you on the 31st