On a whim, I traveled to Boston this past weekend to attend the Bazaar Bizarre Holiday Craft Show at the BCA Cyclorama on Tremont Street in the South End of Boston. I had some clue with a name like "Bazaar Bizarre " that this holiday craft show was not going to be "usual". And of course my instincts were correct.A Funky, Whimsical Craft Show
Let me try to describe what this fair is like. The vendors are young, hip, creative with obvious ties to their parents who lived through the 1960s and 1970s. This is N
OT your usual Christmas craft craft show at the local church or community center. And that may be a good thing if you are looking for more whimsy and less granny.The plush toys shown here are made by Hbou Designs
also on Etsy.com
Nifty, Gifty Holiday Crafts And Gifts
Yes there were scarves, pot holders, handmade textiles and plush toys. But all the artisans seemed to elevate their goods to nifty gifty Christmas stuff. There were plenty of retro inspired crafts items such as brooches made from old plastic buttons and jewelry crafted from bottle caps.
One fella made "toys" with the parts of crab and
lobster shells. O.k. I admit (and so did he) that his pals are a little strange. His company is called "Bearded Tales of Woe" .My daughter pointed out the pop culture soaps and the edgy note cards. While she went for products with attitude, I concentrated on the colorful and well made jewelry. 
DIY Christmas Sewing GiftsAnd if you prefer to make your own gifts, "Gather Here" packaged her sewing materials for you to take home and DIY.
The Bazaar Bizarre began in Boston in 2001 when a group of crafty friends peddled their goods in this offbeat extravaganza. In 2004, the show spread to Los Angeles and then to Cleveland and San Francisco in 2006.
For more information about future shows visit http://www.bazaarbizarre.org/
C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of I Antique Online an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café.To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.comVisit my website, CDianneZweig.comDianne is a member of:The American Society of Journalists and AuthorsThe Society of Professional Journalists
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