Buffalo Rising Online

May 11th 2008, 9:42am By Corinne Eberwine

Remember when you were in grade school and your teacher helped you make gifts out of Popsicle sticks and construction paper? Any parent is genuinely touched by the sentiment behind these lovely creations... but if you're a little too old to be making noodle necklaces, it might be time to leave the handcrafting to professional artists and get Mom something original that she'll be sure to love. A shopping trip for local handcrafted goodies at Buffalo's only monthly independent artists' market would be a real treat for anyone—and a great place to get Mom that special something she’ll really appreciate.

If the opening of Buffalo Indie Market this past April was any indication, there will be plenty to please everyone—not just moms. Last month I had to restrain myself by buying only 3 bars of all-natural handmade soap, wild berry lip balm and bath salts, a beautiful plum colored glass-bead and wire bracelet, a pack of unique and stylish thank-you cards, and a couple of unbelievably fresh and aromatic beeswax candles. Believe me, there was plenty more I wanted to take home with me—including a cute & quirky purse made out of the top of blue jeans, gorgeous quilts, cozy knits and beautiful ceramics. Lucky for me that this happens every month, so I won’t have any problem regularly adding to my collection of “where did you find this?” conversation pieces.

Obviously, the stuff for sale is the main focus of this organization…but there’s even more to look forward to. Founder Mary Stephens has been busy filling tables and booking live entertainment for each month’s event. As a special feature for Mother’s Day, the market will be filled with the talent of local women musicians Kilissa Cissoko (www.kilissa.com) & Eimaj. There will also be a Mother's Day Raffle for a chance to win great prizes including handmade items, gift certificates, a Sabres hockey stick signed by Paul Gaustad, and much more! And then there’s the food; Pearl Street’s delicious menu is an attraction in itself. Lunch service begins at noon, so you could have a nice lunch downstairs before heading up to shop at the market. And what is that saying about it being happy hour somewhere? The trademark homemade brews of this local landmark are enough to lure in any hops & barley connoisseur, even on a Sunday afternoon.

One thing is for sure: Buffalo Indie Market is as much an event as it is an outlet for the actual pieces being sold. You’ll enjoy the time you spend there, and most likely come home with something that will continue to put a smile on your face. Judging by the variety of useful and original wares at the last market, I'm betting whatever you get Mom this year will get much more use than just decorating the refrigerator.

The market is free to the public on the third floor of the Pearl Street Grill & Brewery, from 11:00a.m. – 4:00p.m. For the latest information, lists of each event’s participating vendors, and to find out about getting more involved, visit www.buffaloindiemarket.com.