As Pinterest and Etsy grow in popularity, handcrafted gifts are on the rise — and local purveyors of handmade goods are getting in on the action. With so many holiday craft markets this year, there's truly something for everyone. Are you a traditionalist? An art lover? The whimsical crafty type? Find the perfect holiday market for you.
Your style: Etsy devotee
Your fairs: Craft'za and No Coast Craft-O-Rama
The organizers behind Craft'za (an offshoot of the long-running St. Paul Craftstravaganza) and No Coast Craft-O-Rama are pioneers of the indie craft movement in the Twin Cities. These markets are also two of the metro area's largest holiday craft fairs, with handcrafted goods from more than 60 local vendors at Craft'za and upward of 80 at No Coast. It's no surprise that the fairs have a good number of vendors in common, including Fringe and Fettle Ceramics, Vandalia Street Press, Bodylish skin care and Everthine Jewelry. Highlights exclusive to No Coast include printmaking by Adam Turman, Aesthetic Apparatus and Amy Jo, while Craft'za's lineup includes award-winning creative studio Burlesque of North America.
Craft'za: Nov. 19. Free. Grain Belt Bottling House, 71 13th Av. NE., Mpls., craftstravaganza.com
No Coast Craft-O-Rama: Dec. 2-3. Free. Midtown Global Market, 920 E. Lake St., Mpls., nocoastcraft.com
Your style: Classic and traditional
Your fairs: Holidazzle Village and St. Paul European Christmas Market