Holiday Gift Markets: Shop local all weekend...and beyond!

By Susan Froyd Fri., Nov. 9 2012 at 6:45 AM

Categories: Holidaze, Talking Shop

Rebecca Pebbles, "Tinniant Campana," for Art by Craft

It started a few years ago with a slight buzz, but the concept of buying local has become a resonant holiday-season mantra for urban forward-thinkers. In its wake, handmade holiday markets are thriving, all packed to the rafters with the work of regional crafters, jewelers and artisans. A slew of sales kick off the shopping season this weekend, and you can hit several if you plan ahead. So we're starting your shopping list here, and watch for a separate rundown of sales in December.

Pamela Webb, "Cone Ring," for Art by Craft.

Denver Handmade Alliance, Art By Craft Exhibition
Daily except Mondays, November 9-29
RedLine Gallery
Free

Art By Craft fancies up the functional in a gallery setting, behaving more like a gallery show than a traditional market. But the works on view, the creations of eighteen Denver Handmade Alliance members working in a variety of craft and design mediums, are unquestionably for sale. The exhibition opens Friday, November 9, with a reception featuring live music and refreshments from 6 to 9 p.m.

Boulder Potter's Guild Art Show
November 8-11
Boulder County Fairgrounds
Free

Like all craft guild shows, this one, featuring pottery and sculptural clay works from forty members of the Boulder Potter's Guild, promises to be all over the place -- just as crafters are out in the world. But there's no doubt that every piece for sale will be unique and handmade, and the price right.

Continue reading for more sales.