If you've bought anything online in the last 15 years, your email inbox is likely exploding with offers entreating you to trade your hard-earned cash for perfume, bedding, fleece pajama pants and hundreds of other mass-produced goodies. While we won't ask anyone to deny themselves an iPod or even those comfy fleece pants, we strongly suggest you take your dollars to local merchants and artists in the weeks to come. You'll skip the shipping charges, the wait times and the delivery snafus and end up with gifts that are both unique and useful. Best of all, you don't have to plan your shopping trip with the precision of a four-star general: many local businesses are banding together to make holiday buying easy, convenient and dare we say…fun?
Remember that most events are held during the day and early evening, so check ahead of time to plan your trip. If you know of other craft shows or handmade markets with a local focus, add them in the comments below! Let's get local this holiday season.
Made in the 216 Holiday Shoppe / Room Service / Now through December 24
Room Service owner Danielle DeBoe has relocated to Ohio City's SoLo district, and in doing so, gained enough square footage to host her Made in the 216 Holiday Shoppe on-premise. Shop items made by local artists and designers, the selection curated by DeBoe; men's and women's apparel, jewelry, kids' items, candles and soaps, home goods, art and stationery are just some of what you'll find at this year's Shoppe. Room Service is located at 2078 West 25th Street. For additional details and updates, visit Made in the 216 online.
Brilliance: A Holiday Trunk Show / duoHOME / December 3-4
duoHOME is hosting a trunk show featuring the work of six talented Cleveland artists and jewelry designers. Show hours are Friday, 4-8pm and Saturday, noon-8pm. duoHOME is located at 6507 Detroit Avenue in the Gordon Square Arts District. Call 216-651-4411 or visit the duoHOME website for more details about the show.
11th Annual Holiday Sale / Terra Vista Studios / December 3-5
Shop local, original handmade art from more than two dozen Cleveland artists. Ceramics, silver and gold jewelry, oil and watercolor painting, metal sculpture, paper creations, hand-knit accessories, vintage inspired beadwork and more. Merchants will accept cash or check. Parking is available on the street or in a secure lot across the street from the building. Access includes stairs and elevator. Terra Vista Studios is located 1400 East 30th Street. For details and sale hours, call 216-523-1387 or visit www.terravistastudios.com.
Cleveland Handmade Market / Wooltex Gallery / December 4
Enjoy the historic Tower Press building, grab a bite at Artefino Art Gallery Cafe, browse the work of more than a dozen artists and meet special guest Valerie Mayen of Yellowcake and Project Runway fame. The Wooltex Gallery is located at 1900 Superior Avenue. For updated details and show hours, visit www.clevelandhandmade.com/market.
