Darksome Art & Craft Market - Out of the Crypt

The time has come for the Darksome Art & Craft Market!

This weekend, you can shop over 100 of the best, spookiest artists and artisans from around the country. There will be shop updates, sale codes, charitable fundraising, artist demos, and more! Although the market originated in Philly, since the beginning of the pandemic, all the events have moved online, allowing more artists to participate, and more art lovers from all over the country to shop and find new artists to follow.

For this market, I’ll be offering 10% off all weekend with the discount code: DARKSOMECRYPT and I’ll be donating 25% of sales to the event charity: Mental Health America. I’ll also be releasing some of the new designs that I’ve been working on over the last couple of months, which will all be available in my shop update at NOON on Friday, May 14th. Here are the new items that will be available:

New Patches

Bone Earrings

New Collars

O-ring & Solid bands

Hand-dyed Fabric

Red Leather Hoop Earrings

There are so many other talented artists participating in this show! You better believe that I'm going to be doing a little shopping myself and my friends (some “OMG, I haven’t seen you in a year” gifts)! You can head over to Darksome- Out of the Crypt to check out all the participants. The website is live, but the donations, discounts, and shop updates will be on the weekend only. There is a list on the website of the times of all the artists’ shop update times. A lot of these folks run out of their merch really fast, so planning ahead is very helpful. Here are some of my favorite artists in the sale:

Above Images L-R: Cabinet of Curious Clay, Evil Tea Co., Forest Noir Photography, FTG Illustrations. Second row L-R: Hokum Wares, Martha Rotten, Nature’s Energy, Uruz Metals

Have a great and spooky weekend everyone!

Make the Yuletide Gay!

How is your holiday shopping going? I am a total procrastinator and haven't even started! I do know where I'll be doing my shopping though...online...from small businesses and local artisans! This weekend is a prime opportunity to support actual humans making things (rather than bizzilionnaires who don't pay taxes or treat their workers well).

From December 4-6, over 30 local artists under the LGBTQPIA+ umbrella will be offering our goods via the Make the Yuletide Gay Online Market.

How it works:
-Head to the Facebook Event Page for the info and the link to the market.
-At 5pm on Friday, December 4th, the link to the market website will go live!
-Use the discount code of GAY10 for 10% off many artists websites (mine included!)
-Finish up your shopping by 5pm on Sunday, December 6th to get your discount.

I’ll be adding some new items to my website just in time for this market, so check back in!

The List

The List is a new online resource for discovering some of the best Artisans in the US.

As cooler weather descends upon us and with shipping taking forever these days, it might be a good time to start thinking about holiday shopping (I know, I know... this sounds ridiculous, but it's true!) The website just launched TODAY, so check it out!

The cool thing about this website (and the reason that I joined it) is that it links you directly to the artisan's website, so we artists still get 100% of the sales, rather than only earning a percentage of the sales (as is the case in brick and mortar shops or websites like Etsy). The cool thing for shoppers is that most artists are offering a special deal through The List. 

Here are a couple of my favorite artisans featured on The List:

Stace of Spades:

Makwa Studio:

Third Daughter, Restless Daughter:

I know you all are already passionate about art, supporting local artists and small businesses, cause that's how you got on this mailing list! But I also understand that we sometimes we set our morals aside for convenience or savings. With so many small businesses shutting down, I've made a pledge to myself to buy from small businesses and directly from artists for this (and most likely every) holiday season. Will you join me? Hit the comment button on top and let me know if you are with me!

Merry Witchmas!

I’m only doing one holiday market this year, with my favorite artist collective, A Conspiracy of Strange Girls. Join us at A Witchmas Market, Saturday, December 14th from 12-5pm at La Doña Cervecería. I’ll have a booth with a smattering of all of my goods, including art, leather, clothing, hand-embroidered patches, scrap leather earrings, and more!

A Conspiracy of Strange Girls has welcomed a lot of new members in the last year, so be prepared to see some new art! There will also be some of the artists that you’ve seen at previous Strange Girls markets, so you’ll still be able to get fantastically rude and queer shirts from Ritual Printing, amazing jewelry from 3Jag Designs and BMF Jewelry, patches from Lofty Dog Designs and more!

Here is a sampling of some more stuff you’ll see at the market:

For more info on the above artists, check out (in order): L. Budo Illo, Helland Studio, Sick Kitty Ceramics, Celestia Aromatherapy, Leesha’s Lacquer, and Kari Lee Art.

In addition to the art, there will tarot readings by Companion in Shadow, food by Flagsmash, and of course, beer by La Doña Cervecería.

La Doña Cervecería is the nation's first Latino influenced for-benefit beer company, supporting and accentuating the Latinx communities of Minnesota. Besides hosting events like our market and serving a variety of fine beers, La Doña has a Salsa Dancing night, a Spanish/English Conversation Club, and a Futbol league.

The Story of Black Spoke Leather Co. (RIP)

The Story of Black Spoke Leather Co. (RIP)

Black Spoke Leather Co. was a company that I started in 2014. I had wanted a small bag to wear while biking to concerts and art shows that was fancier than your average fanny pack, but also reflected my own punk-rock/minimalist aesthetic.

I did a lot of research on the leather industry, including how terrible many of the processes are for the environment. Most of the world’s leather is processed using Chromium, an extremely toxic pollutant that is hazardous to humans and the environment. Many of the tanneries that use this process are not well regulated, resulting in over 1.5 million people at risk for Chromium poisoning through contamination of ground water.

I decided then to only work with vegetable-tanned leather, which still uses animal hides, but instead of harsh chemicals, it uses plant matter in the tanning process. I also discovered an ancient method of dyeing the leather, vinegaroon or vinegar black, which uses vinegar and iron to change the chemical composition of the leather, changing the color to black immediately. I started to mix my own vinegaroon and use this method to color my leather.

For the next 4 years, my primary business (because I always had side hustles) was Black Spoke Leather Co.. I participated in a variety of local and national craft shows. I created more products with the punk minimalist style. I met a lot of fantastic people and designed custom pieces, some of which became a part of my regular offerings.

As time went on, I found myself longing for a creative outlet beyond leather work. I joined an artist collective, A Conspiracy of Strange Girls, and started showcasing different types of art in their group shows. As I did more of their art and craft shows, I found myself going back to my roots of clothing design and illustration, and exploring new paths of fiber art, installation, and sculptural work. I had a lot of leather goods still, and still liked to work on it, but it didn’t feel like its own business. The lines between my art and leather started to blur.

I felt torn between my art and this leather business. I had multiple websites and social media platforms and wasn’t able to keep up to date on any of them. I needed to simplify. It was time to merge all of my offerings, not only to make it easier with online stuff, but also for applying for art shows and grants. Also, why did I feel the need to keep my leather work separate from the rest of my work? I think that I originally did it because I thought I was shedding my previous identity as a clothing designer. But inspiration comes in waves and cycles. I like to work in many mediums. Why not showcase all of my work together?

So here we are… It is November 2019 and I am retiring my Black Spoke Leather Co. brand. I still make leather goods and some pieces that I’ve made before this decision may still be stamped with the Black Spoke logo and have the Black Spoke tag. Eventually I’ll have a new stamp and new tags when I can afford it. I’ll be putting some items on super clearance in the next few weeks, so keep an eye out.

Cheers and thanks to everyone that supported Black Spoke Leather Co.

Cheers and thanks to everyone that supported my other work.

Here’s to the future and more pretty/gritty work, more recycling in art and more freedom in creative expression!

Shopping for the Holidaze!

It seems like there is a craft market every day this month in Minneapolis, amiright? This new trend in adding a market to every event is a little overwhelming for customers and vendors. Luckily you have your pal over here at Black Spoke to help in the decision making process!

A Conspiracy of Strange Girls and Jackson Flats presents:

A Winter’s Night Market

For high quality, last-minute gift shopping, this market shouldn’t be missed! With over 30 vendors from the art collective: A Conspiracy of Strange Girls and the artist lofts: Jackson Flats, you are sure to find some truly unique, edgy, and eclectic handmade wares. Also, this is the last market that Black Spoke will be participating in this year! I’ll have my classic designs, some new belt and jewelry, and some trash art, my mixed media illustrations on cardboard.

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Other markets that I’ll be shopping at (but not vending) are:

Tattersall Holiday Market

The White Page Artist Market

No Coast Craft-O-Rama

Upcoming End O' Summer Sales

Hey y'all!  I hope you have been enjoying your summers!  I know that I have been!  Between long walks with the dog and lazy days reading in the hammock in the back yard, I've been brainstorming some ways to tweak my current designs to make them even better!  I'll be rolling out some new versions of the basics in the months to come, but first, I need to make some room for all the new product by selling some of the oldies but goodies!  

I've got two events coming up in the next two weeks, where you'll be able to get some leather goods at discounted prices (25-50% off!).  Mark your calendars for these:

-August 20th | 10am-7pm | Back Alley Bazaar at Golden Pearl Vintage

-August 28th | 10am-4pm | Five Watt Flea Market at Five Watt Coffee

More info on both:

THIS SATURDAY (!!!!) from 10am-7pm in the back alley/parking lot behind the Golden Pearl Vintage, we'll be having a "Back Alley Bazaar".  I'll be hanging out there with marked down Black Spoke Leather Co. merchandise,  the Golden Pearl Vintage will have a huge amount of "not perfect, but still dang cute" vintage clothes and accessories for every gender at crazy low prices, and neighbors Urban Violet and Find Furnish will be joining in the fun with great sales merch.  

Enter through the Golden Pearl at 507A E. Hennepin Ave. or through the alley between Conga and Find Furnish on 5th St. NE.  

Parking is a bit tricky in this area, but there is metered parking on 5th St. NE.  Busing, biking, and walking are easy in this neighborhood and your best bets!

Five Watt is, hands down, THE BEST coffee shop in Minneapolis!  On Sunday, August 28th, from 10am-4pm, grab a cup o' joe (I recommend the Gin Basil Smash) and head out the back door for a fabulous flea market filled with hand-made goods, vintage finds, records, books and tchotchkes.  What else could you possibly want to do on a Sunday, but dig for treasure? 

Five Watt - 3745 Nicollet Ave. S. 

American Craft Council Show: St. Paul Edition

Mark your calendars and get your tickets!!! The American Craft Council Show is coming to St. Paul from April 8th - 10th (with a preview party April 7th).

Show Dates/Times    -    Tickets $12 (free for ACC members or children 12 & under)

Friday, April 8     10am - 8pm  ($5 after 5pm) 

Saturday, April 9     10am - 6pm

Sunday, April 10     11am - 5pm

Preview Party:

Thursday, April 7   6pm - 9pm, Tickets $75  (proceeds benefil ACC's educational programming)

Here is a sneak peak to some of my favorite artists at the show:

Workerby/Ruby 3

Elizabeth Peckacek

Bergen Anderson

Korrin Lohmann

Polite Society

Tara Locklear

P.S.- I'm giving out free tickets to 3 lucky newsletter subscribers!  If you haven't subscribed yet, you can HERE.

Black Spoke Leather Co. is now available at The Golden Pearl Vintage!

There is something cool brewing in Northeast Minneapolis, and although I do like a good brew (mmmmm, Indeed's Midnight Ryder), I'm not talking about the abundance of craft breweries.  I am talking about the new businesses moving into Lower-Northeast/East River neighborhood, the newest of which is THE GOLDEN PEARL VINTAGE!

The Golden Pearl Vintage is the best shop ever!! (yes, my opinion is biased, yes, it is owned by my dear friend, and yes, I helped open it, and well yeah, I currently work there with a bunch of my buds, but it is also an amazing boutique).  The Pearl is owned by Audra Frizzell, a long-time vintage clothing connoisseur, costume history buff, and seriously stylin' shop girl.  

Photo of owner Audra Frizzell by TJ Turner for Minnesota Monthly Magazine

With a carefully curated selection of women's and men's clothing and accessories from the 1920's- the 1990's.  You won't have to dig for treasures here, because we inspect, clean, and mend every piece before it goes out on the floor.  

Display of Black Spoke Leather Co. goods at The Golden Pearl Vintage

Sprinkled around the store, you'll find displays of my leather goods.  The Golden Pearl Vintage is currently the only place in the Twin Cities to shop Black Spoke Leather Co. in person (outside of craft shows).  

After being open for a little over a month, The Golden Pearl Vintage has been nominated one of the Best Vintage Stores in the Twin Cities.  You can vote in the reader's poll HERE.

Before voting though, make sure to stop in and check out the store, peruse my new leather goods, and say hello!  Hope to see you soon!

July Shows: Made Here Market & Bauhaus Brewery Nightmarket

July is shaping up to be an exciting month for Black Spoke Leather Co.!  

Not only did we make some custom pieces for L'assassins new music video (more on that once it is released), we have a few really great craft fairs coming up in Minneapolis!

JULY 19 & JULY 26

The MADE HERE Market will feature local artisans displaying and selling Minnesota-made handicrafts and art. Up to 35 eclectic vendors, selected from a broad open call, will participate each Sunday. The Market will stretch from the parking lot to an adjacent indoor event center. The Third Bird is also hosting a pop-up art gallery.

Sundays July 19, 26, August 2, 9, 16, 23, 30

11am-6pm

Free! 

More info HERE.

July 21

Come see the spectacle of NORTHEAST NIGHT MARKET at Bauhaus Brew Labs! Hang out with friends, be entertained and support local craftspeople and artisans. Leave reality behind for a few hours and get a taste of New Orleans' special kind of awesome. The market will have over 30 local artisan booths as well as local musicians and street performers wandering throughout the space for a spectacle for the eyes! 

Black Spoke Leather Co. will be sharing a booth with the kick ass screen printing artist, LOWWBONES.  

Due to an amazing turnout at the first Night Market in June (20,000 people!!!), tickets will be limited to 3,000 and are available HERE for $2 ea.  All ticket proceeds go to fund future markets and pay the amazing group of volunteer performers (they're working for tips, too y'all...hint, hint!).

July 21

6pm-10pm

$2 

More info HERE.

Pop-Up at Pompadour!

Black Spoke Leather Co. is popping up in South Minneapolis!

For the month of June, Pompadour is hosting a pop-up shop of our goods.  This is a great opportunity to try on some suspenders, feel and smell some leather, and pick up a gift for your dad (and yourself!).  

Display of the Deluxe Hip Bag in Inkblot at Pompadour.

Also, we'll be there JUNE 12th,  5-7pm for a social hour.  Stop by, meet Sarah Holm (owner/maker of Black Spoke Leather Co.) and Anna Wells (owner/stylist of Pompadour), and drink some WINE with us!

Pompadour: a Lifestyle Salon is located at 3743 Nicollet Ave S., Minneapolis, MN.

Hours: Tues-Thurs: 10am-9:30pm, Fri: 10am-6pm, Sat: 10am-4pm

Social Hour: Friday, June 12, 5pm-7pm