Where to Find the Best Christmas Presents? Check Out the Craftland Show in Providence RI

December means just one thing to Providence shoppers in the know, and that's the opening of the craft-lover's paradise, Craftland. Featuring hand-made goods from 175 artists and crafters from all over Rhode Island and around the world, Craftland is the definitive source for the coolest gifts in town, but don't worry: this year there's no need to act quickly because Craftland has a new year-round store front at 235 Westminster Street in Providence, RI.

"Johanna Fisher and I were daydreaming about a fantastic shop where everyone could see all the amazing new crafty things being made in Providence," says Craftland Director of Operations, Margaret Carleton. "Once we dreamed it up, we had to make it happen." Craftland was born in 2002.

"Most people are surprised to find out that Craftland is a year-round organization process, and that there are six of us planning each step of the way," says Boss Lady, Deb Dormondy, who has been the main organizer since 2004.

"We started with zero budget and a pretty crazy idea," says Carleton. "We try hard to make Craftland new and better every year so that Craftland is now a well-oiled craft juggernaut!" Her favorite part? "Getting to open all the boxes of fantastic craft magic."

"Craftland artists are an amazing mix of ages, and include first-timers through to professionals," says Dormondy. "Quality is necessary -- but an art school education is not -- and something that looks a little rough around the edges might just be perfect."

So who are the artists?

A self-described "ceramics nerd," RISD alum, David Allyn is selling utilitarian porcelain cups saturated with imagery from his alter-ego, Unkle Thirsty (www.unklethirsty.com), of Thirsty's Tiny Cup Factory. When asked how he got into creation as a career choice, Allyn replied, "Making art seemed like a better gig that waiting tables or serving beer, and it keeps me off the streets."

Using an 1898 letterpress and a gocco, PC-grad, Sarah Parrott, designer and printer of Things Are Better With A Parrott (www.parrotdesignstudio.com) creates cards, invitations, and other stationery items. "The fact that a place in our little city so bursting at the seams with crafty goodness exists blows my mind," says Parrot. "I am not sure how many people realize how lucky we are to have the opportunity for one month a year to buy some of the best things from the best artists around the world."

"Since the artists are not there to explain / defend their work, it allows the work to speak for itself," says Devienna Anggraini, owner and jeweler, of DAMetals (www.dametals.com). "Craftland is truly a magical place."

"I love how Craftland is set up like a store and not a craft fair," agrees Matthew Lawrence, founder of Not About The Buildings (www.notaboutthebuildings.com), a literary events organization in the city. "Craft fairs are very awkward to me, because you feel like you always have to say something nice about everything. Even if their stuff is totally hideous." Lawrence, a Rhode Island native who attended RIC, is learning how to letterpress.

"Craftland is the best venue for local crafters to sell their work in Providence," says Joan M. Wyand, a RISD alum. The self-proclaimed fabric elf transforms old t-shirts into "funky-punky recycled t-shirt clothing." It's her first year selling work at Craftland, but she's helped with the Steelyard's participation in the past.

Go get some great gifts for your family and friends (or yourself!) while supporting the independent arts: "Since we grew directly out of this community," says Carleton. "We are proud to have been able to give 5% of our gross to a local non-profit every year." What's not to love about Craftland?

Craftland (www.craftlandshow.com)

235 Westminster Street

December 5 - 24

Open 11 - 6 PM everyday, until 8 PM on Th/Sat

Craftland Events:

Opening Night Party

12/4, 5:00 - 9:00 PM

Meet the Artists

12/17, 5:00 - 8:00 PM