Tres Chic Veronique: I'm a collector.

I'm a collector.

This weekend was long anticipated: it was the Renegade Craft Fair!

I can't believe this was the 4th year (in Brooklyn), and I've been every single year. I feel that this fair is getting bigger and better every year. The first year had a lot of overpriced hey-I-could-make-that crafty items, such as tote bags or iPod covers, and a few, uh, novelty items like duct tape wallets. Seriously, duct tape wallets. However, amidst these not too exciting items, there were a few gems: jaw-dropping crafts that I admire but can't do myself, like ceramics or jewelry making. Unfortunately, these beauties were pricey, and I passed. Year 2, I bought all the things that I didn't buy during year 1, as described in this post. Year 3 went unblogged, but again, I did not hesitate to purchase cleverly conceived (and executed) items. You gotta support independent designers! Year 4 did not disappoint.

Here is my loot:

Necklace from Figs and Ginger, whose website I checked out beforehand. (I've learned that research and arriving early are key to a successful RCF experience). I kept an eye out for their booth and pounced on it. They were even kind enough to make me a slightly longer necklace!

I'm a fan of Perch! and their sleek but slightly retro designs and have purchased a piece each year. I love this basket,*and* it was on sale! The sock yarn was an impulse purchase from Lulubeans, but I could not resist that variegated yellow.

I've also been a fan of the orange retro molecules on a stark white ceramic background by Neutrino Designs, sold through Art Star, and I've building up a collection. And it was on sale too!

I could not resist getting some strawberry milk (to go with the skim milk, chocolate donut and 2 bananas that I already have) all made by My Paper Crane.

After being out in the sweltering midday sun, seeing and talking to so many crafty people, I had an urge. An urge to CRAFT. I needed a quick project with instant gratification. One crazy thunderstorm later (lightning hit a block from my apartment, it rained sideways), voila: a pincushion! I hope all the vendors at the McCarren Park pool were all right...