Etsy's European cousin, DaWanda
This post is dedicated to craft. Yesterday we checked out a very popular design market that featured a multiplex warehouse (formerly the mint) filled with DIY small businesses vending their crafty wares. On Facebook the two-day event showed 7000 people planning to attend!
There was a small entrance fee, but I'd like to think that goes to support the artists, or at least such events. The organizer is DaWanda, which is akin to Etsy in the US, but a European-wide online marketplace for independent craftsmen and women.
You can read more about them on their blog:
http://blog-en.dawanda.com/
It was clear that some Berliners were excited to attend; the line was long despite very brisk weather.
Once inside it was warmer, packed with craftiness and people and set to good electronic music.
We stumbled upon a cafe inside that featured work by a favorite Portuguese artist we admire named VHILS. He chisels portraits into walls. Here's his version of Angela Merkel:
I also liked the bird cage theme that adorned the cafe walls:
The building has some neat features, like winding stairwells, some lit for the holidays:
Along hallways, visitors could tuck into rooms full of crafts for sale.
And in between buildings, hot drinks and food trucks awaited hungry customers.
Back to perusing the goods, we saw cute stationery, leather goods, cool jewelry, and other wonders.
Didn't buy a thing, but felt I got my money's worth of eye candy! :)
There was a small entrance fee, but I'd like to think that goes to support the artists, or at least such events. The organizer is DaWanda, which is akin to Etsy in the US, but a European-wide online marketplace for independent craftsmen and women.
You can read more about them on their blog:
http://blog-en.dawanda.com/
It was clear that some Berliners were excited to attend; the line was long despite very brisk weather.
Once inside it was warmer, packed with craftiness and people and set to good electronic music.
We stumbled upon a cafe inside that featured work by a favorite Portuguese artist we admire named VHILS. He chisels portraits into walls. Here's his version of Angela Merkel:
I also liked the bird cage theme that adorned the cafe walls:
The building has some neat features, like winding stairwells, some lit for the holidays:
And in between buildings, hot drinks and food trucks awaited hungry customers.
Didn't buy a thing, but felt I got my money's worth of eye candy! :)
Very cool, Ellie. So much happenin in Berlin. Yay. Hope the chilly weather isn't too shocking to your California blood.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Carol! Oh, it's mighty cold. Yes, shocking to my system. Miss F lets out a little gasp when the wind hits her face! We are being brave, when not hunkering down til Spring.
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