The air buzzed with creative energy and the promise of discovering hidden gems as we recently immersed ourselves in the vibrant atmosphere of the Richmond Craft Mafia’s highly anticipated Spring Bada-Bing craft show. We had previously teased this delightful event through a special giveaway, and for good reason! This annual showcase, similar in spirit and success to their festive Handmade Holiday event we explored back in December, consistently delivers an inspiring array of unique, handcrafted goods from talented local artisans. Given the overwhelmingly positive feedback from our last craft show deep-dive, we were thrilled to embark on another tour, eager to share the incredible local craft-y goodness that captured our imaginations at this spring edition.
While we didn’t leave with the overflowing bounty that characterized our previous haul, we certainly didn’t depart empty-handed. In fact, we ended up purchasing one of the many beloved items that caught our eye – times three, no less! As we guide you through our curated highlights of the show, feel free to play along and guess what cherished pieces made their way home with us. The big reveal awaits at the end of our delightful craft tour de jour!
A Whimsical Welcome: Art That Makes You Smile
Our journey into the heart of creativity began the moment we stepped into the spacious exhibition hall at Plant Zero. Our eyes were immediately drawn to a playfully audacious print by Matt Butler. Sherry, ever thoughtful of her connections, instantly envisioned her bacon-loving blog-compadre, Katie B, as the perfect recipient for such a piece. As for me, the image sparked a more primal, immediate craving for some crispy bacon. It was an unmistakable sign: this show was off to a fantastic, and deliciously quirky, start.
Matt Butler: Master of the Playful Print
Beyond being an unexpected ambassador for the bacon movement, Matt Butler is a truly versatile artist known for his distinctive hand-carved linocut prints. His work, as elegantly described on his website, is crafted “with tongue firmly in cheek,” a sentiment perfectly reflected in his playful designs. He even ventures into painting Toms shoes, showcasing his broad creative range. While our personal affection for bacon hasn’t quite reached the level of declaring it wall art, we found ourselves lingering over his captivating “Whale Love” print, an exquisite example of his ability to imbue everyday subjects with charm and wit.
Articipe: Recipes as Cherished Art
One particular artist at Spring Bada-Bing instantly earned my internal “Why didn’t I think of that!?” award: Articipe. This ingenious creator transforms cherished family recipes into vibrant, custom works of art, breathing new life into culinary traditions. With my stomach now transitioning from a bacon-induced reverie to a more persistent cookie-craving mode, my mind raced with possibilities. I began envisioning all the friends and family members for whom I could commission a personalized version of their favorite dish. The concept is beautifully simple: you provide her with a treasured family recipe, and she masterfully whips up a unique, visually appealing artistic interpretation, making it a truly heartfelt and memorable gift.
Embroidered States and Whimsical Creatures
It’s no secret to regular readers that we have a soft spot for state-themed art, celebrating regional pride and the beauty of geography. Naturally, the intricately crafted embroidery hoop creations by Jennifer Allevato immediately caught our discerning eyes. Her delicate handiwork brings a unique charm to representing any state. For those of you residing outside the Mid-Atlantic region, fret not – you can conveniently order a custom piece for any state directly from her delightful Etsy shop, allowing everyone to proudly display their roots with artisanal flair.
The Runny Bunny: Unconventional Ceramics
Just a short stroll from Jennifer’s booth, we stumbled upon some truly extraordinary ceramic animals, unlike any we had encountered before – and trust us, in our many years of attending craft shows, we’ve seen our fair share. The Runny Bunny masterfully crafts whimsical figures characterized by their charmingly mismatched head and body combinations. Imagine a garden gnome perched atop a graceful bird’s body? Check. Or a rabbit head elegantly adorning a woman’s figure? Double check. These creations are, without a doubt, ultimate conversation starters. This particular booth was consistently bustling with eager patrons, all captivated by the quirky originality of these pieces. Sherry’s personal favorite was an endearing little finch sporting the head of a truck – a choice that I recall Clara also found immensely appealing. Meanwhile, I found myself drawn to the dignified gentlemanly figure with a majestic deer head, a perfect blend of elegance and eccentricity.
Green Escapes and Clever Creations
Given our recent foray into the world of succulent planting, it was almost inevitable that the captivating Terrariums by Rich would beckon us closer. Just as Helen Hunt’s character inspired Jack Nicholson to strive for betterment, Rich’s meticulously crafted terrariums ignited within us a renewed desire to become more accomplished plant cultivators. His artistry extends beyond mere greenery; some of his terrariums feature charming little green martians and other tiny, whimsical creatures, perfect for those who prefer their miniature ecosystems with a touch of playful humor. And speaking of serious, one couldn’t help but be awestruck by the sheer grandeur of the magnificent terrarium showcased in the center of his display – a truly awesome testament to his skill and vision.
Modern June: Chalkboard Charm
Modern June presented an especially clever piece that caught our attention: a cool chalkboard rooster decal. This innovative design offers fantastic inspiration for anyone looking to put a fresh, contemporary spin on the traditional chalkboard concept. Imagine the possibilities for adding a touch of rustic charm or a playful farm-inspired element to your kitchen or entryway, all with the versatile functionality of a chalkboard. It’s a wonderful example of how classic motifs can be reinvented for modern home decor, combining practicality with artistic flair.
Moonlight Bindery: Lego-Inspired Journals
Across the bustling aisle, we discovered an incredibly imaginative offering: uniquely bound books crafted with genuine Legos from Moonlight Bindery. This ingenious fusion of childhood nostalgia and practical stationery instantly brought a smile to our faces. They offered a range of sizes, from compact, wallet-sized editions perfect for on-the-go notes, to larger journals incorporating those iconic big green baseplates that conjure fond memories from my own Lego-building days. These books are not just functional; they are delightful conversation pieces that evoke a sense of playful creativity and remind us that inspiration can be found in the most unexpected combinations.
Milk & Honey Luxuries: Sentimental Silverware
Sherry, with her undeniable soft spot for sentimental housewares, was absolutely enchanted – a chorus of “ooohs” and “aaahs” (predominantly the former, a cascade of oohs, to be precise) escaping her lips – as she admired the exquisite hand-stamped silver utensils from Milk & Honey Luxuries. These repurposed pieces, each bearing a thoughtful or humorous inscription, transform everyday objects into cherished keepsakes. My personal lean, however, drifted towards the wonderfully quirky forks featured on their website, boldly proclaiming “nom nom nom” across their tines – a testament to the diverse and delightful offerings found within their collection. It’s a charming way to add personality and a touch of whimsy to your dining experience.
Whispering Willow: Artisanal Soaps and Natural Displays
While the Spring Bada-Bing show undeniably featured an abundance of art and home decor, it was by no means strictly limited to these categories. The diverse marketplace also showcased an impressive array of jewelry, clothing, and luxurious body products. Among these, the organic soaps from Whispering Willow stood out not only for their intoxicating aromas but also for their incredibly creative presentation. The artisan had arranged the soaps on small slices of tree trunks, an idea that immediately sparked inspiration. Imagine a smaller version of such a tree trunk slice serving as a rustic yet elegant soap dish for your bathroom at home – a simple, natural touch that elevates the everyday. These beautiful and functional pieces can often be found for just a few dollars at a local craft store, or even, for the adventurous, sourced from your own backyard.
Reconnecting with Favorite Artisans and Discovering New Delights
A truly enjoyable aspect of attending the Spring Bada-Bing was the opportunity to revisit the booths of artisans we were already familiar with. Whether through previous shows, other local events, or even our earlier giveaways, seeing their latest creations in person was a treat. This included admiring the vibrant and thoughtful Wisdom Cards from Silver Tree Art. Each card, with its unique design and insightful message, served as a small piece of wearable inspiration, reflecting the artist’s dedication to beauty and meaningful expression.
We also delighted in seeing more of the charming nesting bird bowls crafted by Tasha McKelvey, which we had previously featured in a giveaway. The intricate detail in these pieces was truly commendable; we particularly loved the thoughtful touch that as each bowl decreased in size, its corresponding nest contained one fewer egg. This subtle yet impactful design element added a layer of storytelling and meticulous craftsmanship that made these bowls incredibly special, perfect for both display and practical use.
During the previous show, we somehow, regrettably, managed to bypass the booth of our dear friend Karyn from KShonk Designs. This time, we were absolutely determined to remedy that oversight, ensuring we stopped by to say a proper “Hi” (especially since she hadn’t yet had the chance to meet Clara in person). Sherry, of course, was particularly eager to indulge in a delightful “sparkle-drunk” moment, reveling in the dazzling array of Karyn’s exquisite jewelry. Having house crashed her a while back, our long-standing friendship made this visit all the more special, a heartwarming reunion amidst the creative chaos.
It will likely come as no great surprise that my own inclinations led me towards the more humorous and “tongue-in-cheek” jewelry offerings from Inedible Jewelry. After all, what discerning gentleman doesn’t feel the undeniable need for a pair of pork chop cuff links? These whimsical pieces are a fantastic example of wearable art that doesn’t take itself too seriously, allowing for a unique expression of personality and a good laugh. They transform the mundane into the memorable, truly making a statement.
Lazymuse Productions: Quirky Cat Toys and Cacti
We also found immense pleasure in revisiting some of our perennial favorite booths from the previous show, eager to discover if they had new merchandise or items that were “new-to-us.” Lazymuse Productions, whose charming crocheted jellyfish ornaments we had previously admired and shared, certainly did not disappoint. This time, their booth featured a truly “cac-tastic” display of crocheted cacti, which, in its sheer delightful presence, almost overshadowed their equally amusing cat toys. These feline playthings, shaped like miniature rat heads, eerie zombie fingers, and even fortune cookies (perfect for those knit-blood averse kitties!), showcased the artist’s boundless creativity and playful spirit. The booth was a veritable wonderland of unique, handcrafted delights.
Funnelcloud Studio: More Whale Wonders
And then there was Funnelcloud Studio, presenting even more of their captivating prints that continued to resonate deeply with us. It seems we might be entering an unexpected “whale phase” between their artwork and the compelling Matt Butler print. This realization sparked a new quest: does anyone out there know where we might discover a charming ceramic whale to officially inaugurate this delightful new decor obsession? Their unique artistic vision consistently offers pieces that are both striking and thought-provoking, adding depth and character to any space.
Zou Zou’s Basement: Familiar Favorites, New Designs
Zou Zou’s Basement, the talented artisan behind the adorable pink rabbit print we acquired to adorn the space outside Clara’s room during the holiday craft show, once again captivated us with their latest creations. This time, their booth showcased a particularly striking Ostrich (or perhaps Emu?) print. What truly made this piece irresistible was its color palette, which seemed to be plucked directly from our list of favorite hues. It was a wonderful blend of quirky animal imagery and aesthetically pleasing design, maintaining the charm we’ve come to expect from their work.
Turnerbot: Robotics with Personality
Sherry also experienced a momentary, yet profound, romance with one of the captivating Turnerbots. While I was engrossed in learning about how Sarah, the creator, meticulously crafts each robot with distinct characteristics, Sherry was utterly lost in the hypnotic gaze of its beady, glazed yellow eyes. These unique robotic sculptures are more than just objects; they possess an undeniable personality and charm, making them truly special decorative pieces that spark imagination and wonder. Each Turnerbot tells its own silent story through its handcrafted details.
Lucky Accessories: Enamel Penny Necklaces
Speaking of wonderfully colorful items, Sherry nearly brought home one of the vibrant enameled penny necklaces from Lucky Accessories. This brand, you might recall, was also responsible for the charming pea-pod necklaces that captured our hearts last winter. Their ability to transform simple, everyday objects like pennies into stunning, unique pieces of jewelry with rich enamel finishes is truly remarkable. Each necklace is a small work of art, offering a personalized touch and a burst of color, perfect for adding a subtle pop to any outfit.
The Big Reveal: Our Cherished Finds!
But now, are you ready for the exciting revelation of what beloved items actually made their way home with us from the Spring Bada-Bing? Here’s a crucial hint to help you along – they are prominently featured in the photograph below, nestled together in charming harmony.
Yes, you guessed it! Our cherished acquisition is this friendly little trio of crocheted cacti, handcrafted with delightful precision by none other than Lazymuse Productions. Do we absolutely adore them? In the unforgettable words of Sherry: “faux sho!” These charming faux plants bring all the visual appeal of real cacti without any of the prickly maintenance.
Each of these delightful creations was priced at a very reasonable $10, and their actual size is more substantial than this photograph might suggest; the middle cactus, for instance, stands approximately 7 inches tall. Our initial plan was to acquire just one – specifically, the charming guy on the left. However, Sherry, with her keen eye for aesthetics and balance, soon convinced me that our single purchase would be beautifully complemented by a taller companion. Her persuasive argument then continued, asserting that, as a general rule, things truly look their best when arranged in groups of three. It was a perfectly justifiable expansion of our initial idea, especially since we had walked into the show with a firm “thirty-dollar budget to spend” and managed to adhere to it perfectly. I must confess, they now look incredibly cheerful perched on the window ledge of our office, adding a vibrant and low-maintenance touch of greenery. My absolute favorite aspect of these crocheted beauties is their immortality – they will never wither or die. Furthermore, I will never, in my typically clumsy fashion, accidentally knock one over and scatter dirt everywhere. Pure score!
The Spring Bada-Bing, while a highlight, wasn’t our only recent artistic escapade in Richmond. For another delightful and rather “juicy” post detailing what else we were up to that weekend, be sure to pop over to Young House Life. We love hearing about your own experiences! Have you, our wonderful readers, had the pleasure of attending any craft fairs, art shows, or local farmer’s markets in your area recently? And if so, did you end up bringing home any unique treasures?
Psst – We’ve officially announced the lucky winner for this week’s giveaway! To see if it’s you, simply click right here. Good luck!