Meet A Maker

Oy, what a week. The world’s events surely have everything else feeling kind of sad and unimportant, don’t they?

I’ll remind you that we need bread and roses, something I talked about in a column last summer before I went on maternity leave. The concept is this: we need those things that sustain us, like food, water, shelter. But we also need soul food. We need beauty. We need tradition. We need things made or given with love.

So to that end, I’ll mention two ways to get a little lost this weekend and connect with fellow man- and womankind.

The American Craft Council hosts their annual show this weekend, with a twist: 10 local interior designers will be designing rooms inspired by a piece of craft at the show, and you’ll be able to check out the results. I love this—that’s how most of us approach decorating. One inspired piece or two can set off a chain reaction of good design decisions, resulting in a house that feels like a personal sanctuary. You’ll also be able to take in the handiwork of more than 250 artists and craftspeople and I guarantee you will find some pieces that will wow you. April 19-21, St. Paul RiverCentre, 175 West Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul

Secondly, the first HAMMS Event (Help a Minnesota Maker Succeed) is taking place on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The brainchild of entrepreneuresses Becky Sturm (Stormsister Spatique and 3WayBeauty) and Sairey Gernes (Irely and TowelTopper), the event will feature more than 40 makers and designers on the top floor of the old Hamm’s Brewery. Some of my favorites will be there from Kedrin to Worker B to The Elixery. Expect food and fun—and bring your dog! The bonus is that the money from the sale of your $10 ticket will be put in a pot to award up to $5,000 to a participating maker. April 20, Hamms Shipping Docks, top floor, 713 Minnehaha Ave., St. Paul

Be kind, and take it easy this weekend.