Flint Handmade encourages creative economy

Crystal Pepperdine wondered why she was driving to Detroit for craft shows. Pepperdine was already a member of Flint's Creative Alliance and knew there were creative people in Flint. So, she began a crafter's team as part of the Creative Alliance and in May 2009, formed an independent group, Flint Handmade,  a nonprofit group that brings crafting to downtown Flint.

The goal of Flint Handmade,  Pepperdine said, is to "Encourage creative expression and the creative economy in Flint, as well as the economic redevelopment and revitalization of downtown Flint." Flint Handmade gives crafters a place to socialize and a market for their art.

"We want to show people there really are creative, entertaining things to do downtown," Pepperdine said.

Flint Handmade prides itself on being welcoming and diverse. Members includes stay-at -home parents, professionals and students.

"Craft is a combination of art and practicality," Pepperdine said. Flint Handmade's work includes tote bags, notebooks,  light switch plates and jewelry.

The work Flint Handmade produces is "edgy, colorful, modern, contemporary," Pepperdine said.

Flint Handmade has two "craft crawls" each year in May and December. Crafters put tables in businesses, which have included Brown Sugar, the Lunch Studio, Raspberries Rhythm Café and the Crim Foundation. More than  400 people visited the December 2009 holiday market.

The next craft crawl, May 1, will include outdoor vendors. Flint Handmade hopes to occupy the entire 400 block of Saginaw Street.

"The events are always so positive. They really bring a lot of new people downtown and to my business," said Tracey Whelpley, owner of the Lunch Studio.

The events are also "Great for first time vendors," Pepperdine said. The cost of tables is low and provide a way for people who do crafting as a hobby to make extra money.

The group holds a monthly "craft lab" at the Lunch Studio from noon to 3 p.m. the first Sunday of every month.  Anyone is welcome to come in and work on their latest project  or just enjoy lunch with creative people.

A craft swap is held at the craft lab every February and August. People are asked  to bring crafting materials to donate and take what they want.

"We try to be as eco-friendly as we can," Pepperdine said.

Flint Handmade has an ongoing store display at the Lunch Studio.

Pepperdine hopes that someday Flint Handmade will have an independent store front with workshop space to act as a gathering place for creative people and people who want to support local art.

Visit www.flinthandmade.com and www.flinthandmade.blogspot.com for more information.