I wanted to get Early Birdie tickets to the Handmade Arcade. Last year was my first Handmade Arcade, and it was a wonderland of Handmade goods, a convention center filled with a giant craft show. Many of the vendors include goods that are up-cycled as well. I enjoyed shopping there and talking to vendors and Christmas shopping, so this is on my to-do list this year. And last year I was able to get Early Birdie tickets pretty easily. The event itself is free, but for $15, you can get in an hour earlier than everyone else, plus you get a swag bag with some little treats and coupons. Once the people start to come in the place gets pretty packed, so I’ll pay to get in a little early.

Cute card with two kitties and a heart that I bought for my husband.

Well this year I went to buy my tickets, but they were no longer available online. Starting Monday they will sell a limited number of $10 tickets, but those tickets exclude the swag bag. But! The Artsmiths of Pittsburgh still had some tickets left. I was feeling kind of drained today and I wanted to take a nap, but my husband said I should get over there today to get my tickets before they were all gone.

I headed over there and OMG! It is like a mini Handmade Arcade there. The place is filled with all kinds of locally made products including jewelry, soaps, decorative items, Christmas ornaments, art, photography, clothes, accessories, etc. They even have an art exhibit downstairs. If only the holidays were not coming, I could have gone nuts in there, but I’m trying to watch my spending. Sure, I could Christmas shop in there, but mostly I wanted the stuff for myself. Lol. Oh well. I did end up buying a cute card for my husband with two cats and a heart and it says “love.” Perfect for crazy cat people in love. Lol

Long story short, I got my tickets and they only had two more after mine were purchased, so my husband was right. Anyway, if you are in the Pittsburgh area, check out Handmade Arcade next Saturday. And maybe check out the Artsmiths of Pittsburgh sometime. Tons of cute stuff. Lots to look at and hopefully buy, to support local artisans.