Today is Shop Small Saturday. After 11 posts dedicated to this day, I’m rounding out my series with handmade goods.
You could spend all of next weekend driving around Minneapolis and St. Paul to hit all the amazing art and craft events.
My favorite shopping experience every December is the Crafter’s Local 612 No Coast Craft-o-Rama held December 2nd and 3rd in the Midtown Global Market. Here’s the list of vendors. The jewelry I buy here is always my favorite. I’m getting a babysitter for Friday night.
Some of the artists you’ll meet at the Craft-o-Rama also sell their work on ArtMadeDaily.com — it’s similar to Etsy, but much smaller and devoted only to art.
If you like to mix shopping with family fun, visit Saint Paul for next weekend’s Grand Meander. Pet reindeer, visit with Santa, and shop: Art at Ramsey is a juried art show run by artists. Don’t let the junior high gym location deter you. 1700 Summit Avenue, Saint Paul
The Fired Up Studios preview sale is Friday night. Shop among 40 local clay artists and bid in the Second Harvest Heartland silent auction. 1701 East Hennepin Avenue
Also happening next weekend (I know, this doesn’t help you help you shop small today, so you can all month) is the 33rd Annual Old Fashioned Holiday Bazaar at the Landmark Center in St. Paul. There is a heavy emphasis on craft vs. art, but it’s still a fun place to shop. December 1-3.
Lastly, the College of Visual Arts hosts their gallery sale next weekend, as well. $25 admission on Friday night. 173 Selby Avenue, Saint Paul
Just up the hill from downtown is the Grand Hand—one of my favorite local galleries that just keeps growing. 619 Grand Avenue, Saint Paul
Shop LaRue’s in south Minneapolis for gorgeous clothing and art jewelry. 3952 Lyndale Avenue South, Minneapolis
The Northern Clay Center offers classes, studio space, and stunning pottery for sale. 2424 Franklin Avenue East, Minneapolis
Paper Hat is one of the shops that everyone tells you about as soon as they discover it. Visit the blog to see photos or read the Minnesota Monthly review. 2309 West 50th Street, Edina
Once you’ve rested from next weekend’s art-shop-arama, visit the 19th annual Minnesota Women’s Art Festival at the midtown YWCA on December 10th. 2121 East Lake Street, Minneapolis
The Minnetonka Center for the Arts has an ongoing holiday show in their gallery (2240 North Shore Drive, Wayzata) and on the 2nd floor of Ridgedale Center.
If you have a Twitter account, be sure to follow @HandmadeMN and visit their website. HandmadeMN is a collective of Minnesota artists who sell on Etsy.
Sara Kerr 