CRAFTFEST 2017: MADE IN CANADA MATTERS

Have you seen this big orange building along the Ottawa river? You know, the one behind the museum on your way across the bridge to Gatineau? The sweet site for CRAFTFEST 2017! If you've been around for a while then you know that I am all in for supporting Canadian makers. When I started to hear the buzz around the city about CRAFTFEST / Expo-Artisan, I knew it was going to be big. Like, as big as Canada's 150th birthday!

This is going to be a huge handmade party right in the heart of Ottawa from June 11-25th. I'm talking a popup shop chalk full of the best of the best in Canadian makers, weekend markets, workshops and events (like my shopping night on June 15th, but more on that in a minute!)

One of my favourite things about the location for CRAFTFEST is that it's right along the Ottawa River pathway! If you're coming from downtown or the west end, you can hop onto the river pathway on your bike, rollerblades, or your own two feet and find yourself at the heart of this event. This central location makes it easy and accessible to everyone!

Alright, so now that I've given you the run down on what you can expect at CRAFTFEST, I wanted to share a few of my personal favourite highlights with you! You can view the full schedule of events here.

A night of local shopping with What Emily Said x The Happy Ever Crafter
Mark your calendar for Thursday, June 15th and join me for a shopping night! I'll be at the pop-up shop from 6-9pm to shop and talk about all things local with you! To make this deal even sweeter, my friend Becca of The Happy Ever Crafter will also be on-site to deliver a modern calligraphy workshop! If you're interested in attending the workshop you can buy tickets here, and if you're interested in shopping with me you can RSVP (it's free!)

Events for everyone!
Outside of the wicked workshop schedule that is lined up, there are additional events that you can attend! This Sunday, June 11 will be the launch party for CRAFTFEST and feature beer tasting with local brewery Beyond the Pale. Saturday, June 17 is a movie night under the stars. Bike to Zibi and watch Monty Python and the Holy Grail at this outdoor showing! Saturday, June 24 is Fuckup Nights - a popular entrepreneur social night where small business bosses share lessons of failures which are ultimately part of their success. Those are all pretty unique experiences that you won't want to miss!

My favourite local makers all in one place for 2 whole weeks.
Two weeks of the popup shop so you can shop all day, every day from June 11-25. In addition to the popup shop, there will be two weekend markets under the sun. Here's who I can't wait to check out at CRAFTFEST (which let's be honest it's really hard to pick, I can't wait to check out all of the makers!)

Birch Jewellery to get yourself one of the adorable pinecone necklackes!
Manmade Art because I love this Ottawa city streets typography print!
Enerjive because who doesn't love healthy snacks?
Low Poly Craft, specifically this unicorn kit!
Black Coffee Apparel for this unique campfire mug!
Fletch Robbins because everyone needs a dino t-shirt!

So, are you excited yet? Canada's big birthday is juuust around the corner and I can't think of a better way to kick-off the celebrations than celebrating everything that makes Canada so great. Incredibly talented people from across the country, with most being from our very own city! Dedicated hustlers, Gareth of Maker House and Amanda of Freewheeling Craft who have poured their heart and soul into this event. Scenic views of the Ottawa river and unlimited opportunities to shop, craft, create, and make new friends! See you there!