Locally Sourced: No Coast Craft-O-Rama
On one lucky December weekend as snowflakes dance in the heart of the city wind swirls, throngs of hearty Minnesotans, wrapped in fat, knitted scarves and recycled material messenger bags stream through the doors of Midtown Global Market to attend the annual No Coast Craft-o-Rama. Lest you picture crafters as elderly ladies hawking stitched together doilies or bedazzled mom jeans, I must warn you that the word “crafter” has under gone a radical transformation since the days of Popsicle sticks. It is holiday gift central for anyone with an indie bent to a gift and wish list. To find out more about No Coast’s origins and what to expect this year, I contacted Trish Hoskins, an organizer of No Coast as well as the owner of Crafty Planet. For the full interview and additional photos, go to www.LavenderMagazine.com.
Which are your Top 5 booths to visit this year?
All new vendors:
• Soup Hunter Guitars – Adam Kirsch makes handmade wooden instruments www.souphunter.tumbler.com.
• Tiny Hands – Mei Pak’s jewelry looks (and smells) good enough to eat (pictured), www.tinyhandsonline.com.
• ScutiePie Hot Pants – Lindsey is going to have her serger on hand to whip up custom hot pants while her customers wait. Talk about extreme crafting!
• Too Bad Mice – Grace’s catnip cat toys had us rolling in the aisles and screaming, “OMG I must get a cat so that I have an excuse to buy some!” www.toobadmice.etsy.com.
• Local Produce – Local Produce will be offering gift wrapping services, as well as selling the supplies if you really must DIY. www.localproducempls.com
Any tips for first time attendees?
Bus or walk if you can. Carpooling with friends is also a great option! Parking is always a bit crazycakes.
• Come early and/or come late: first thing Friday to get the best selection and last thing Saturday when the crowds have thinned.
• Leave the strollers, bulky backpacks, etc. at home. It can get crowded!
• Be sure to pick up a program or at least a map. The vendors meander all over the place. You don’t want to overlook anybody, trust me!
• Be sure to leave time to eat – the Midtown Global Market food vendors are awesome. I encourage you to eat often while you’re there. You need to keep up your strength to shop!
Finally, take a deep breath and enjoy the hectic day! Everyone at the sale is very happy to see you!
Details: Friday, December 2 (3 p.m. to 8 p.m.) and Saturday, December 3 (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) at the Midtown Global Exchange building, Minneapolis. www.nocoastcraft.com
