Fresno Famous

Independent Fresno designers and crafts people will be selling their wares this holiday season, opening shop in homes for the public to visit. Like indie designer showcases in San Francisco, New York, or Los Angeles, Fresno's holiday craft fairs offer more than cross-stitched tissue box covers and sequined snowmen. On Saturday, December 17th two shopping events will offer handbags, clothing, jewelry, baked goods and more for one crafty (and comfortable) shopping experience.

Lisa Takao founded Takao Designs a year and a half ago, after a lifetime of getting crafty. "I've always been labeled as the artsy one in the family. I paint, I draw, I sculpt, and I enjoy and appreciate all things creative." On December 17 Takao Designs will sponsor the Indie Bazaar, a shopping event featuring more than 15 local designers. Erin B. Jewelry, Carol Boswell, Pink Madres, and Dead Days Comics are some of the designers that will be selling their wares.

In true indie fashion, Lisa decided to organize her own designer showcase after attending shows in other cities.

"After attending several indie designer shows I thought - "Why don't we have anything like this in Fresno!?!" (Isn't that always the case?) I've thought about putting one together for a while now and like most people you just put it on the back burner. One day about a month ago it was a sort of now or never moment that I had and I just decided I'm just going to do it! I wanted to expose Fresno to the underground world of indie designers and labels that are out there that many people do not know even exist."

The Indie Bazaar will feature items like screen printed tanks and tees, hand-sewn clothing, hand-made jewelry, stationary, handbags, baby onesies, and hand-painted clothing and shoes. There will also be drawings, paintings, photography prints, and picture frames. There are few shops in Fresno that carry the work of local designers, so attending a design showcase is a good way of sampling the local talent.

"Fresnans seem to get so caught up in the trends and big brands that are popular in larger cities just because they are popular in larger cities. I thought the Indie Bazaar could offer shoppers a refreshing change of scenery and allow indie labels an opportunity to reach their audience. When you buy indie, you will be helping to support the underground world of indie labels and designers and you won't have to worry about every other person wearing the same thing that you are!"

If Fresno has a renaissance woman, it's Devoya Mayo. Activist, poet, radio host, and one crafty lady, Devoya for the first time will be sharing her craftiness with the general public.

"Joy and I (the friend hosting it) used to have Kwanzaa gatherings where we would make things and ask that everyone who came make something too," Devoya explained via email. "We'd put numbers on all the items and draw names at the end of the night. Well, people kept asking later if we sold the items we make as well. So naturally we decided to give it a try this year."

Featured at the sale will be Devoya's sista girl magnets (hip, retro images with women of color), plus handmade cards, handbags, jewelry, candles, shadow boxes, coasters, and CD compilations.

For the event Devoya recruited friends to display their wares. "Shannon will be there with funky flower arrangements; Margaret is bringing handbags and Joy's all about sweets. If we had of thought of it earlier I'm sure we could have convinced some of our other friends to bring down stuff because most of them are handy with a glue gun too."

Both indie shopping events have a friendly, hang-out atmosphere, with live music or free hot cider designed to make you linger. For that impossible to impress hipster on your list, a one-of-a-kind handmade creation from an indie Fresno designer might be the only solution.

The Indie Bazaar: Saturday December 17th, 10am to 5pm, 4525 N. Wishon

The Holiday Craft and Bake Sale: Saturday, December 17th, 10am to 1pm, 2848 North Chance