The Art Star Craft Bazaar, held each spring, is arguably the most visible arts-and-crafts show in town, hauling in huge crowds and expert DIYers from all over the city. So it was no surprise when organizers announced they would get in on some holiday action by throwing their first-ever winter craft fair. It makes perfect sense: an end-of-the-year craft market provides people the opportunity to get all their gift-getting accomplished at one venue while supporting our thriving local-artist set.
Expect to see your typical spattering of gifted artists selling everything from jewelry and knitted designs to plush monsters and gorgeous handmade 2012 calendars — something you wouldn't have taken a second look at when the last shindig happened in May.
And for the bold among you, there's also a list of brow-raising outliers. Local artist Beth Beverly's Diamond Tooth Taxidermy will tote exquisite, albeit controversial, wearable taxidermy. But if rocking dead fowl in your hair is too extreme, look out for Gilbert & Leona (pictured), a group of craftspeople who repurpose found leather to make eccentrically asymmetrical bags, wallets and journals. The leather typically comes from industry excess or thrift shops, but, as G&L's Dana Master puts it, sometimes a girl has to get creative: "All of the bright and colorful little girl pouches are made from leather cast-offs from a clown shoe manufacturer."
Sat.-Sun., Nov. 19-20, 11 a.m.-6 p.m., free, 23rd St. Armory, 22 S. 23rd St., 215-238-1557, artstarcraftbazaar.com.
