10 Artists, 5 Porta potties, 5 hours to pimp them!

June 4th, 11 to 5

Paste 1009 Russell Blvd.

Shoppers can expect to find a variety of handmade items including: jewelry, plush, bags, totes, handmade clothing, accessories, terrariums, and house wares. In addition to crafts, several vendors will be selling fine arts items like mixed media, photography, and paintings.

Organizer and local arts and crafts store owner, Katie Shanahan says, “I’ve had the pleasure of meeting some really amazing artists and crafters since opening Paste. There is no other place I would rather bring them all together than the Soulard neighborhood,” Shanahan says. “Soulard Market Park is a fantastic location with easy access from all areas and the culture of the neighborhood is creative and fun – it’s a perfect fit.”

The Soulard Market Park Arts and Crafts Fairs are sponsored by Paste and The Soulard Business Association.  They will be held the second Saturday of every month in May, June, July, and August.

Here at Paste we are committed to being more than just a craft store and we love to give a shout out to our friends in support when we think they’re doing something cool. Our very own Holly, resident instructor and artist, has an awesome seed swap project going on right now we thought was worth sharing. It’s totally FREE and open to the community (advance registration is required). Next Sunday,March 6, from noon to three, at Urban Eats Cafe.

The purpose of the event is to share seeds and knowledge. Participants sign up and log the seeds they plan to bring (store-bought or harvested). When they arrive, they’ll check in, then enjoy some peer-to-peer education with four lovely ladies who will be talking about various topics: Gardening 101, Urban Chickens, DIY Planters, and Harvest Cooking. After a little learning and a little socializing, everyone will be invited to come through the seed buffet and make their selections.

To learn more about this event or register, please visit the website at www.dropswapgrow.com.

Rachel Shelton, Mom, wife, and eco-sewer!

What is the worst craft fail you’ve had?

I once tried to make a stuffed rabbit from a pattern. When it was done, my grandma asked me why I made a long legged grasshopper.

Where do you get your materials from?

I work very hard to use materials that are natural, recycled, or upcycled so I find myself ordering stuff from all over the world. However, I am fortunate because I have teamed with a local university to obtain some really lovely discontinued upholstery samples! You may not be able to have a couch covered in these awesome fabrics any longer, but now you can have a rocking bag made from it and be good to our planet.

If you could talent swap with another local St. Louis crafter for a day who would it be?

Lindsay Brenner. I would love to use a wheel and make pottery.

Ok enough about you! Tell us what you like about Paste!

I love that Paste is locally owned and it has a fun, crafty, unique atmosphere. I also totally dig that Paste supports us local artist. Oh and I think it is very cool that Paste offers such a wide variety of classes.

Ok shamelessly plug yourself! (Where to find your goods, websites, etsy shops etc,)

My goods are available at Paste and the many local shows I participate in. My calendar of events is available at my web site, www.sewgoodandtrendy.com.

We are teaming up with the owner of City Art Supply to bring you many of the items they offered in their store.  Packing one store inside another is a bit of a challenge so I thank all of you who have been dealing with my mess the past few days.  We have added a variety of products including acrylic paints, water colors, colored pencils, pastels, sketch books, inks, screen printing materials, pens, Sharpies, more glue than you could ever need, X-ACTO knives, oil paint supplies and tons more.  Please pass this information on to your artsy friends!  I look forward to seeing you all when you come check it out.  We look like a whole new Paste.