If you have never heard of the Strawberry Swing Indie Craft Fair, then boy, are you missing out! And if you live in Kansas City, then you must live under a rock if you haven’t heard about it or seen the posters or posts on Facebook and Instagram.
The Strawberry Swing was founded in 2011, and according to their Facebook page, it was founded by Heather Baker, but is currently run by Katie Mabry van Dieren. It’s one of the best handmade/craft fairs around, literally. They were on Buzzfeed’s, “35 Indie Craft Fairs Every Creative Person Needs to Visit” list and they were named one of the best fall and holiday craft fairs in the US for 2016.
Despite the claims to fame, I absolutely love the Strawberry Swing for several reasons:
- They bring together a very large and diverse portfolio of local (and some regional) makers and artists. I also believe most of them are self-taught too.
- There’s an event for each season, so there’s at least four events a year.
- It’s free! (And they like giving out swag bags to those early bird attendees)
- The events are always a blast and I come home with so many goodies and discover new makers each time, plus visit my faves.
- They donate a percentage of sales to a non-profit each year – you have to like them now. 😉
- Lastly, their goal: “Our goal is to create an indie craft event that becomes nationally known as a ‘place to be’ for all lovers of handmade and recycled/upcycled items.”
This year’s Holiday Swing was held this past weekend, Saturday, Dec. 11 at Kansas City’s Union Station (which is already such a magical place during the holidays).
And with over 100 makers and vintage vendors, this place was POPPIN’!
It looks as crowded as it was, but I will say, the flow of “traffic” was pretty easy. Just stick to the appropriate sides and flows. My only true complaint is how small some of the booths were. When you came across a tiny/cramped set up, it was impossible to enjoy the moment looking at their work while others were waiting. Let alone buying anything in that instance was also a hassle.
However, I discovered new artists I had never came across before, which was awesome. I got this adorable little succulent monthly desk calendar from Ink Stand Studio who is from Fayetteville, Arkansas. I really enjoyed everything in Emily’s booth. There were cute little enamel pins, necklaces and earrings of cats, donuts, pineapples and more. All very quirky and whimsical.
I was particularly excited about this calendar as it was the perfect size for my needs. I recently switched offices at my work and that came with a major desk downsize. I had a full-size hanging wall calendar previously, but now I don’t have that much space, nor the capabilities to hang things as I once did. I have a day counter, but I really like having a monthly view without having to use my computer’s calendar. Anyways, I saw this and knew I needed it and that it would be a perfect fit. It matches my decor and succulent I have at my desk and fits in just right. Plus, the stand came with it, which is another barrier I had come across with previous calendars like this.
Next up came Ladybits Knits whom I had been following on Instagram for a while. When I saw she was going to be at the Holiday Swing I knew right then, I am definitely getting my fingerless gloves from her! This was something that had been on my “need to get” list. And they are freakin’ perfect. Just look at ’em! She even packed them up in fun little paper that I got to choose. Naturally, I went for the “I believe in unicorns.” I personally really liked the ones that drop the “b” or “f” word on them, but I knew those might not be as work-appropriate, so I stuck with the “midwest” ones.
Last thing on my list was stopping by my tried and true Messner Family Farms booth. I am a lip balm freak and literally die a slow a painful death when I don’t have mine on me. (slightly dramatic. But only slightly!) I’ve always been this way. You could say I’m addicted, but I think it still sits on the “very passionate” line. 😉 I’ve always rotated out my few favorites year after year, and started that process all over again when I switched to truly natural products, then shifting further to stay local, too. Their lip balms are my go-to right now, for both myself and Mitch. I love the lavender lemonade, while he gets the walnut honey. Packed with beeswax, honey, coconut oil, sunflower oil, cocoa butter, natural oils and love (seriously, it’s on the ingredient list!), you can not go wrong.
This was perfect timing because I had JUST ran out of mine and held off getting any more from my usual spot (Midcoast Modern) as I knew I’d see them at the Holiday Swing. I’m glad I did too, as they were have a buy 3 for $10 deal and you bet I took that up. These little guys are my ride or dies.
While I shopped just for myself, Mitch finished up his Christmas shopping with a local bang. I won’t be able to share everything he got because they are gifts, but I can update once they holidays are over. I will tell you though, that we did get some fantastic work from Amanda Johnson Designs, who I also bought two pieces for gifts this year prior to the Swing. I’m very excited to share all of these pieces come January! (notice how it’s still in the box in the photo below, hehe)
Another gift was from the precious handmade works of Buffalo Roam Embroidery. This is going to be a gift to Mitch’s grandma, who illustrates little forrest creatures and animals, and will just be head-over-heels with this work. We can share this one as I’m sure Grandma won’t read this post right away. 😉
Last, but certainly not least, Mitch got some lovely work from our personal friends, Chris and Kristin Cooper of Kristin Christopher jewelry. These two are so true and in tune with their art and craft of metal smithing and jewelry making. They make gorgeous jewelry that can take up to 12 hours for a single piece. Talk about hand-made! You can really see the artfulness and creativity they had flowing while making the pieces on display.
This event wrapped up (no pun intended) our personal and Christmas shopping for our home, and I know it did for others as well. Not to mention this event helped cap-off a very busy season for a lot of makers, too. I’m always pleasantly surprised to see how many folks come out to support the local and handmade movement here in Kansas City.
Did you guys go to the Holiday Swing? What are some of your favorite fairs to go to or shop at for the holidays?