The Good, The Bad & The Lovely

Area crafters are busy sculpting, sewing, weaving, screen-printing, knitting and welding in preparation for the Green with Indie Craft Show on Saturday, March 9. Approximately 55 vendors, mostly from Missouri and Illinois, will showcase their wares at the St. Louis Craft Mafia’s eco-friendly event. Items available will include everything from handmade jewelry to refurbished furniture to organic home goods.

Green with Indie is St. Louis’ only “green” indie arts and crafts fair. “We require all of our vendors to have products that are eco-friendly in some way,” says Holly Schroeder, South City Studio owner and Green with Indie organizer.

Schroeder noted that this year’s vendors have different ways of meeting this criterion. Vendors might sell vintage items, upcycle used objects to create new products, employ a green process or use raw materials that are eco-friendly. Furthermore, many of the vendors create products that are reusable, which eliminates the need for disposable items.

In addition to sustainable shopping, this year’s event also will feature some fun activities. The Upcycle Exchange and Perennial are hosting a project station, where guests can make a craft to take home. There also will be a DIY gift-wrapping table and a woodland-themed photo booth. And when hunger strikes, shoppers can grab a bite to eat from Urban Eats Café or Lulu’s Local Eatery.

“People are loving being green!” Schroeder says of St. Louis’ reaction to the eco-crafting movement. “It’s fun to think about things in a new way and challenge yourself and others to get creative.”

The Green with Indie Craft Show will take place between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. in Grant Gym (175 Edgar Road) on the Webster University campus. Admission is free.