When it comes to holiday craft fairs, well we’re fans. And we especially love the 3rd Ward’s Handmade Holiday Craft Fair. They handpick participants, so the wares on display represent the best of Brooklyn’s arts and crafts scene. And since the 3rd Ward has asked us to be a part of the festivities for the past two years, we feel pretty good about their taste. The 2008 fair was such a raging success that it’s been expanded to two floors, with more than 100 people selling food, finery, art, jewelry and more.

The fair is also an awesome party. Live music and a holiday mix from VJ Clay Franklin fills the air with holiday cheer, and where else can you get your shopping done with a libation in hand? (Amazon.com on your couch with a beer does not count.) The first 300 people in the door get a gift bag, designed by illustrator Fernanda Cohen and filled with goodies.

This year we have our own curated corner, and we have quite a line up for you. Come Saturday we’ll be selling our brand new 30 Deals for $30 Brooklyn Based coupon books, and we’ll be joined by some of our favorite creators of cool stuff.

For anyone with a BB tote bag, Katie Gastley’s work will look familiar. “I love the vibe of Brooklyn–it’s this amazing combination old world and modern that is constantly inspiring me,” she says. “The art and architecture coming out of this borough are like none other.” Look for her prints and small wood block paintings depicting neighborhoods you know and love.

If you’re searching for something to wear to your office party or for a special gift for an indie fashion junkie, Tiburon will turn your head. The Red Hook shop sells adorable dresses that started their sartorial lives as men’s button down shirts, and they’ll bring some of their most festive creations on Saturday. Accessorize with a tote from Sew Moni, or pick up a colorful, vintage-inspired apron for the hot cook on your list. If you’re not sure what you’re looking for, well, come check out the The Shiny Squirrel. As we recently reported, this online art and design gallery traffics in the surprising and unexpected.

For holiday cards that eschew snowmen and Santa, take a gander at Sibling Rivalrie. Sisters Alice, Cindy and Winne Au started this business to sell their designs and Cindy and Winne will join us on Saturday to with Winnie’s photography and notecards, and Cindy’s latest obsession: pizzelles. They’re thin, snowflake shaped cookies traditionally made around the holidays or for special occasions. “It’s strangely difficult it is to find them in stores or bakeries around town,” says Cindy. “To remedy this, I bought my own pizzelle iron and have been experimenting with non-traditional variations of the festive cookie, including flavors like Lemon+Thyme, Earl Grey Tea, and Ginger+Orange.”

Handmade Holiday Craft Fair
The 3rd Ward
195 Morgan Ave.
Saturday, December 12, noon to 6pm

Sent by Annaliese. Photos courtesy of Katie Gastley, Winnie Au.