Handmade Arts from the Heart

For the second time in less than a year, presents an opportunity to find unique presents this holiday season and support local artisans and the school while you’re at it.  

Dawn White, a first and second grade teacher at Barton Open School, is one of the minds behind Handmade Arts from the Heart.

“Last winter, I was talking with the parents in my classroom and got thinking about the talent we have around us and how we could celebrate the creativity in our community,” White said.

Thus, Handmade Arts from the Heart was created. 

One new addition to the sale this school-year is Amanda Moore and her line of handmade cloth diapers and accessories, Juicytoots (the seemingly-innocent name comes from a health crisis her youngest suffered around when Moore was working on her diaper designs). Her mother, who creates fused glass jewelry under the name Red Wine Design, had participated in the first Handmade Arts from the Heart and suggested it would be a good market for Moore.

A Minneapolis mother of three, Moore designed and developed her products with the help of her children, fit-testing on her own young models. Moore’s signature offering is a one-size fitted diaper with hidden side snaps.

“When my third child came along I developed my one-size fitted diaper,” Moore said. “It is unique and very popular. Other one-size diapers on the market are front-snapping and have exposed snaps that touch the child's skin. My one-size is side-snapping, which works better for different body types.”

This year, fees Moore and other vendors pay to take part will go to benefit Barton’s After School Tutoring Program. Vendors are also asked to donate to Barton’s silent auction, which is held in March. The silent auction then provides advertising for the vendors and funding for school programs. 

As both a teacher and participating artist herself (find her work at www.shantidesigns.etsy.com and www.peasandcarrotstoo.etsy.com), White sees the benefits from both sides. 

The first Handmade Arts from the Heart was held on February 12 of this year. White said it was very successful for a post-holiday sale in February. The plan now is for Handmade Arts from the Heart to become an annual event held each November if all goes well this time around.  

And indications are that it will. For the second Handmade Arts from the Heart, 37 Twin Cities vendors are on hand, all providing one-of-a-kind creations. Nothing store-bought, nothing re-sold.

Find Juicytoots, Red Wine Design and dozens more at this Saturday’s Handmade Arts from the Heart. In addition to the vendors, local musicians and dancers will provide entertainment throughout the day. Find more information about the sale here.  

If You Go:

What: Handmade Arts from the Heart

Where: Barton Open School Gym, 4237 Colfax Avenue South, Minneapolis

When: Saturday, November 12, 9AM–4PM

Cost: Free