It's imperative: get yourself to the Portland Bazaar this weekend. The two-day show is a view into the local makers and artisans scene, and by all accounts the view looks good. Last year’s PDX Bazaar was a mad success. Don’t miss this one. There will be scores of vendors, some of whom have retail shops already (Woonwinkel, Alder & Co., Schoolhouse Electric & Supply), many others of which are only available online or at other people's shops. 

Wood & Faulk’s Matt Pierce is one of the major organizers, as well as a participant. (Wood & Faulk's line of handcrafted canvas and leather bags and other leather goods are regularly available online, at Beam & Anchor and at other retailers).

Design*Sponge, the hip and classy online design magazine and DIY guide, is the other major force behind the not-so-bizarre bazaar.

The vendors who will be on hand at the Portland Bazaar run the gamut of styles, but they're all involved somehow in creatively making life better by making everything from furniture to fragrance. Here is just a taste:

Kinetic Creatures – these are DIY kits to make cardboard animals (giraffe, elephant, or rhino) that walk – the sustainable 21st century version of the metal wind-up toy, and maybe even more fun. Assemble the cardboard pieces in the kit, and “by turning the wire handle, you make the creatures come alive with a simple mechanical motion.” You can also get the Kinetic Creatures motor kit, which will power the animals with a small electric motor and laser-cut wooden gears. (Prices are about $25-$40.)  

Forest & Waves – Edward Juan’s map-like illustrations of places, including charming views of Portland and its major landmarks. They are a cross between perpective drawings and maps, whimsical and accurate in just the right ways.  

Portland Bazaar

When:
December 8-9, 2012
9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Saturday
9:00 AM to 4:00 PM Sunday
Where:
Sandbox Studio 
420 NE 9th Avenue
Portland, OR