Throw ‘em up.

Dear Internet friends,

Our web guy is working his butt off to bring you the very awesome, very new Handmade Detroit web site by the end of the week. This is a task that has taken a lot more time to get you than originally planned. And with only 2 days until the Handmade Detroit Holiday Market, I’ve been pretty sentimental. Maybe it’s the lack of sleep, but I can’t stop reflecting.

Last year’s holiday “market” was actually a home show at my house. Handmade Detroit was just an infant then, barely any idea where we wanted to take it and what we wanted. We had a hunch that there were others like us out there and you’ve responded with lots of wonderful fanfare. On a personal note, the folks I’ve met since we started this gig have all been amazing and many have become good friends. They have no problem picking up the slack, getting excited about moving forward and sitting on couches and in cafes brainstorming, dreaming and cutting out mitten pins. I am most thankful for them.

We often find ourselves overwhelmed with all the requests to join up, collaborate and build connections. This is an amazing “problem” to have. Outside of our group, we’ve seen crafty shows popping up all over Detroit this winter. This was one of the major goals of DUCF … to encourage others to start their own ventures … and so we are over the moon with this. We’ve also solidified our goals and they include a big dream for a physical space. The first step will be getting our site completely up and running. Just as all of you have done for us, we hope that the new site will be a place for you to find encouragement, community and inspiration.

Stay crafty,
Stephanie

p.s. A lot of people have asked if they can help in any way with HDHM. Right now we really need your help promoting the event. Here are two ways to do that:

1. Put our web poster on your MySpace profile. We’ll put the first 24 peeps who put us as their profile photo in our top friends. Here is a copy:

2. Post about the event in a MySpace bulletin, on your blogs or in any message boards you frequent. Here is some text to cut and paste:


Buy local this year with 25 Michigan art makers, fashion doers, music labels and crafty peeps @ the Handmade Detroit Holiday Market. Make and take tables, gift wrapping and holiday music (not muzak) all support the spirit of DIY in Detroit.

Handmade Detroit Holiday Market
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 9
Magic Stick, 4120 Woodward Ave.
Open to all, free admission

Thanks everyone!