Costume Assistant Girl: Allentown Art Festival 2011

This festival takes place in the charming Allentown area of Buffalo, NY. It covers several large blocks and has everything an art festival should offer. Admission is FREE but of course we know you can't leave a street festival without spending money. I allowed myself to $45 to spend and I got a silver ring, fried mushrooms, a chicken pita, one chocolate chip cannoli, an 8 oz jar of local honey, a sour cream Italian cookie, and a super cute luggage tag. I was happy with every item I purchased and out of all the yummy food I ate the fried mushrooms impressed me the most. Thanks to this Festival I now have a great list of places to get future Christmas and occasion gifts for all my family and friends.

I was really impressed by this festival. The food was great, the traffic was controlled, the art selection was outstanding, and it featured artists and vendors from all over the country not just from Buffalo as I expected. I was amazed by the quality of work available. So many times you go to a festival that disappoints and yes there was tacky art and cheesy posters that you see everywhere but this festival raises the bar and covers all medias of art leather work, glass work, jewelry making, photography, watercolor, metal work, wood work etc.

This event is already on my calendar for next year. Attention all Artists and Crafters start planning to attend or better yet sell here www.allentownartfestival.com next year.

My Favorite Vendors:

I stopped at a booth of delicate gold and silver handmade jewelry and they directed me to the following Buffalo, NY shop. Thanks to the Festival I'll be sure to check out this local shop. This store is made up of 3 jewelry makers with 3 different styles. I'm glad I got to see their work in person because the website photos don't do justice to their work. I was most struck by the fresh water pearl pieces especially the comb I saw. Perfect for bridal day accessories.

http://www.wildthingsartisans.com/
http://www.etsy.com/shop/donnasturges

I love old coins, jewelry, and silver. This artist combines all of those things. Her prices are reasonable and her design are simple.

http://www.madefromcoins.com/

Although most of this artist's pieces aren't my taste I really like her spin on the swallow and hummingbird craze in jewelry as seen in this photo from her website.

http://www.michelledarinjewelry.com/

If I had a cottage or a country house or a rustic dwelling of any kind I would decorate shabby chic/cottage style/french country. I love the idea of using old hardware, moldings, and woodwork as wall art. I've been looking for the perfect key holder and this one as seen on this artists website caught my eye and they also have interesting whimsical pieces made from architectural pieces.

http://www.theperfectview.com/

Here is proof that you can get great quality real wood furniture that will last you a life time at the same price or near the same price of a pressed piece from Ikea or Target. Buy yourself a great classic piece of furniture that is going to last forever and live with you in any place you call home. It's worth it. Some of this furniture isn't my style but also remember before you buy that piece of pressed partical board local artists and furniture makers will often make pieces to order for just a little more than a cookie cutter mass produced piece you can buy off the shelf of a Super Center. You aren't limited to what's in stock when you buy from a local artist.

http://www.oak-crafts.com/

I include this artist because copper is my favorite metal and knowing what I know about copper I can't help but giggle and think hmmmm do they really only use heat or do they pee a little too. (I'm not explaining that one but anyone who has worked with copper before well they get it.) Not to degrade the artist because some of these pieces are truly beautiful.

http://www.studioyates.com/

I can't pass up a beauty product. Olive oil soap is another favorite of mine. These hand crafters make great gifts.

http://www.bathandbliss.com/