In 2014 you can shop for a handmade item, order it and sometimes even have it gift wrapped without ever talking to another human being.
While online shopping and marketplaces like etsy.com have helped burgeoning crafters and artists make a living from their work, it has also eliminated part of the process – the connection between buyer and seller.
That’s something Morgan Claborn and Khristy Wilkinson are hoping to change through a new event. Called The Littlemade Market, it’s a grassroots craft fair and bazaar designed specifically to showcase locally produced goods and crafts.
“The vision [for the market] is really to connect Chattanooga to its local crafts,” said Claborn. “We want to provide exposure for experienced but emerging artists, and it’s a chance for them to meet their community and let the community see the value of what’s being created around them.”
Handmade jewelry, pottery, clothing, woodwork, stained glass and ironwork will all be on display along with a few local food vendors and pets from the Pet Placement Center. The event runs from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. Saturday, May 24 in the parking lot behind the St. Andrews Center, located at 1918 Union Ave.