As December descends, craft mavens everywhere emerge toting baskets of wares ready for consumption. My experience with craft fairs has always been the same: useless gifts perfect for the daughter-in-law, cat lover, or fishing uncle in your family. However, my first Christmas in the NW provided an introduction to Portland’s own, higher quality version of the generic Holiday Craft Fair, the Handmade Bazaar. Over the years it has grown, spawned siblings, and secured a specific stake in the holiday shopping frenzy. Just in case you missed it last weekend, couldn’t bear to battle the crowds, or are just procrastinating like a champ, here is the cream that rose to the top.
Perfect Children
There is an abundance of ridiculously adorable stuffed animals residing on gift store shelves, but in my opinion the Perfect Children reign supreme. A bit more, “beauty is in the eye of the beholder” than “cute as pie,” these bug-eyed creatures are perfect for children and probably a few of your peers.
chaos@perfectchildren.com www.perfectchildren.com
Vladmasters
One of my favorite gifts for just about anyone is a set of handmade viewmasters made by local artist Vladimir. Undoubtedly the receiver will have never experienced anything like it before. In beautiful 3D one peers through the viewer to watch one of four mysterious tales unravel. Select sets include a CD to verbally guide you through the journey. I recommend Actaeon at Home and The Public Life of Jeremiah Barnes.
www.vladmaster.com
Understated Finery
The standout of this year’s bazaar was a selection of ceramics made by Jennifer Anable. These impeccably made coffee mugs and trays consist of a creamy white base glaze with a single graphic overlay. The artist’s and my personal favorite: a coffee mug with a line drawing of a young man passed out and drooling with the word “death” imprinted below. That IS the way to start out the morning.
jenniferanable@hotmail.com
–Erin Rackelman
updated Thursday December 15 2005 9:06
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