By Viper Allan
Fall brings many new things when it takes ahold of Raleigh.
The Krispy Kreme on the corner of Peace Street starts selling their famous pumpkin spice donuts.
The oaks our city is known for begin dropping seemingly harmless acorns that turn into projectile weapons when people walk beneath the branches.
The temperature drops to levels more suitable for human habitation, and the farmer’s markets reflect that, reaping the re-emergence of winter squash and gourds.
Fall, for local artists and designers, though, means an influx in business opportunity and revenue through the season’s numerous craft shows and exhibitions.
Perhaps the most well-known is the annual event known as “A Shopping SPREE!,” a massive shopping festival that touts itself as “a way to get all of your holiday shopping done.”
A staple event for the past 28 years, A Shopping SPREE! kicks off with their Preview Gala on October 24th with exclusive shopping, music, and Southern shrimp and grits. The event runs through October 28th at the Raleigh Convention Center.
The current vendor’s list is unreleased as of yet, but previous exhibitors include a gingerbread house kit distributor by the name of Candy Cottage, Lily Pulitzer-inspired stationary by Home and Garden Classics, Christmas accessories by Culbreth, and printed clothing by Liza Byrd.
Overall the event exudes a Southern charm of monograms, cakes, and a colorful mesh of Christmas and coastal style.
The second of note is The Handmade Market, which takes place on November 10th at Cobblestone Hall in Moore Square.
Run by a group of local designers calling themselves “The Handmaidens” and operating under the tagline “because ‘mall’ is a four-letter word,” The Handmade Market is a diverse collection of local designers, artists, and crafters across many mediums, including but not limited to metalsmithing, mixed media, amigurumi, upcycled clothing, and baked goods.
Like A Shopping SPREE!, the vendors list has not been released, but The Handmade Market is always headlined by its founders, The Handmaidens.
Members come and go, but right now The Handmaidens are comprised of the owners of labels Hothouse Posey, Stir Studios, Mood Swing Designs, milk&honey, Patina South, Lucky Accessories, and It’s By Design.
Check their website at www.thehandmademarket.com for event updates.