Opposable digits enable humans to use tools, make crafts, and launch posthandshake thumb wars with unsuspecting businessmen. Experience the feisty side of handmade with today’s Groupon: for $5, you get four admission tickets to "Make It! The Handmade Revolution" at Calgary Chinese Cultural Centre (up to a $20 value). This Groupon includes admission for all three days of the event, which runs April 29 to May 1.
"Make It", run by design-minded siblings, showcases Canadian-made, ethically produced crafts in a festive atmosphere. While local DJs spin music engineered to permanently flush mall-shopping ennui, more than 50 urban artisans and designers flaunt their clothing, accessories, art, jewellery, baby items, and home décor. Artisans include Ripe botanical beauty products; Whirl Girl's eco-friendly clothing, and ToodleBunny Designs, who crafts handmade jewellery out of recycled oxygen.
Though "Make It" sometimes features a discounted price online, this Groupon still offers the best deal available.
Make It Productions
Run by founder and designer Jenna Herbut, Make It Productions's fairs showcase the work of more than 200 Canadian artisans and designers at events Merge magazine has described as "the craft sale for the next generation." The laid-back emporium—that has received tons of positive press—thrums with the energy of designers such as Sugar + Candy, Faye Tality Couture, and Prickly Potter Ceramics as they enthusiastically promote their wares. Music serenades ears wandering between booths, and homemade creations from vendors such as My Chocolate Tree sate hunger with snacks that are as sweet and savory as a love poem written in Worcestershire sauce.
As an extension of her mission to improve designers' livelihoods, Jenna channels her background in marketing into a parallel venture, Make It! University, which helps artisans hone their business models.