First Friday Indie Market Update

To all our vendors and customers,

We have decided that for the summer we will suspend the First Friday Indie Market.

We hope to hold a market in December the night of the Festival of Lights. If this is the case, we will be accepting applications toward the end of August. We will keep you informed of the progress.

Thank you all for your support throughout the years,
The FFIM team.

May 2015 Artists

April showers bring May flowers....and Mothers Day...and graduations...and weddings, oh my!  Find some outstanding gifts for the people in you life at the First Friday May Indie Market on Friday, May 1st from 4-9 pm.  The market is located on the corners of Elm and MLK in Downtown Greensboro.

Want to know which artist will be at the market? Click below! 

http://firstfridayindiemarkets.blogspot.com/p/our-vendors.h…

April 2015 Artists

Can you believe that it's that time of year again? We are gearing up for another year of First Friday Indie Markets. The first market on the year is April 3, 2015 from 4 pm - 9 pm on the corner of MKL and Elm Streets in Downtown Greensboro.

Want to know which artist will be at the market? Click below!

http://firstfridayindiemarkets.blogspot.com/p/our-vendors.h…

April 2015 First Friday Indie Market Application Available

The first market of the year is just around the corner and the First Friday Indie Market is looking for vendors!

The Indie Market is a Handmade/Vintage Open Air Market and is intended for local small business artists and crafters. ALL ITEMS SOLD AT THIS EVENT MUST BE HANDMADE BY YOU OR VINTAGE. No mass produced items or resellers will be allowed. 

The market is intended for small business artists and crafters who have not established a permanent presence. If your business has a physical storefront, you will not be allowed to participate; however renting a small space within a store/gallery is fine. 

To apply to the First Friday Indie Market, click the April 2015 Application at the top of the the page.

Questions: firstfridayindiemarkets@gmail.com

The Indie Market is a place where local artists and crafts people can come together for an Open Air Market of handmade and vintage goodness. We are located at the corner of South Elm & MLK in Downtown Greensboro. Each Market takes place on the first Friday of every month (April through December) from 4pm - 9pm.

December First Friday Indie Market is TONIGHT!

Let's all get in the Holiday spirit and ready to shop! FIRST FRIDAY INDIE MARKET is December 5, 2014 from 4 pm - 9 pm on the corner of MKL and Elm Streets in Downtown Greensboro.

Featured Artists:

Featured Artists: Carolina Quill

Steampunk Cellars

The Bluebird's Feather

Warm Wishes December Artists: Adrialys Handmade Clara Marie's Bakery Come Journal with V Crafty Conversations at Glen Haven CreativeBordersX3 Dangles Delwood's Barbecue LLC Donna's Delights dwan EBL Designs Gate City GlitterZ! Gourdgeous Design Grace & Elegance Gwinnett Galleria Harbor Road Jewelry Show Jade Rabbit Apothecary Josandi Crafts Kennedy Kreations Nemesis Jewelry Phonechay's Creations Redbird Designs for Your Nest Robert's Birdhouses Savor the Moment Twisted Cork Wood Creations by Jerry Yarelie J. Designs

Meet Kim Koltzau of Steampunk Cellars!

What is your business’ name?

Steampunk Cellars, jewelry and accessories for the slightly askew and I am Kim Koltzau!

What sort of items do you make?

I make jewelry and accessories, some mixed media, and some sculptured from polymer clay. I make pins, brooches, earrings, hairpins, necklaces, etc. I also make small sculptures. I get bored easily so I am always changing it up.

When and how did you learn your craft?

I have been making jewelry for about ten years and working with polymer for about three years. I always like to try new things, so I had bought a book on polymer clay techniques, and decided to give it a try. I worked my way through the book slowly, trying to find a style that I felt was me. It’s amazing what you can learn from reading a book. Since then I have expanded my knowledge base a bit, and feel like I have found my niche.

Where do you get your inspiration from?

Ha ha! I am up way too late at night. No, I really love science fiction and fantasy, both book and on the screen. There are a number of artists I follow on Facebook and Tumblr, as well as friends that work with polymer like I do, and we bounce ideas and concepts back and forth between us. My customers also give me a lot of ideas, and I keep a list. If it’s something I think I can make in my style, I give it a try.

How did you get started doing this as a business?

I think it happened the same way it does for most artists and crafters. A lot of encouragement from friends and family, and plenty of persistence. 

Do you have any advice for other crafters/artisans just starting out?

If you are looking for an easy or quick way to make money, crafting and artisan work is not it. It takes a lot more time than you would ever imagine, more work than you put in as an employee, and family that is supportive and willing to hear you cry and get upset at failure. Startup costs, supplies, and show entry fees can add up. If you can push past that, join art support groups. Talk to others at shows, listen to their advice on shows and how they have been successful. Develop an online presence. Always be positive with your customers both online and in person. And most importantly, listen to your customers, the good and bad. It will help you shape your product, and figure out what your target market is, and how to reach them. 

Anything else you would like to share? 

I love the First Friday Indie Market. While I am not always able to be there, I use the opportunity to reconnect with local crafters, buy things I am out of, like soap and coffee and yummy banana pudding, and develop relationships with my repeat customers. I am so excited to be back this year, even if I had to wait until June!

Steampunk Cellars will be a featured artist at the First Friday Indie Market on December 5, 2014.  The market is located on the corner of MKL and Elm St in Downtown Greensboro, NC and is open from 4-9 pm. 

Want to see more of Steampunk Cellars?  Check out Kim’s Etsy shop at: www.steampunkcellars.etsy.com or find her on Facebook at: https://m.facebook.com/profile.php?id=248137198584232

Meet Jessica Owen of The Bluebird's Feather!

What is your business’ name? The Bluebird’s Feather and I’m Jessica Owen

What sort of items do you make? Knit infinity scarves, cowls, headbands, and crochet hats

When and how did you learn your craft? My mom taught me how to knit when I was 12 or 13 (I’m 24 now). She taught me how to make scarves at that time, and has recently taught me how to crochet.  She is a major part of my business today and creates some of the designs that you will see at the market.

Where do you get your inspiration from? I get most of my inspiration from nature. I also am a lover of all things whimsical. I love to knit with vibrant colors and to add bows and flowers onto my items.  

How did you get started doing this as a business? I work full time during the week, however I have always loved knitting and staying busy. People began to ask for the scarves I was wearing and I decided to create an Etsy shop to share my hobby with others. I think handmade items are extra special and make great gifts. Creating The Bluebird’s Feather has allowed my to continue doing what I love, and it keeps my hands very busy. : )

Do you have any advice for other crafters/artisans just starting out? My biggest advice is to stick with craft shows and events that are only featuring handmade and/or vintage items. I also would say to trust your self and to stick with what you enjoy creating.

Anything else you would like to share? I really appreciate the opportunity to be a vendor at the First Friday Indie Market. I also want to thank my mom, Jean Routh for helping me with The Bluebird’s Feather and for of course teaching me how to knit in the first place.

The Bluebird’s Feather will be a featured artist at the First Friday Indie Market on December 5, 2014. The market is located on the corner of MLK and Elm St in Downtown Greensboro, NC and is open from 4-9 pm.