Pittsburgh's biggest holiday mart, Handmade Arcade, returns

PITTSBURGH — Shop local in a big way on Saturday, Dec. 4, at Handmade Arcade Holiday Market in the David Lawrence Convention Center.

The Pittsburgh region's largest holiday market features 200 local, independent makers selling one-of-a-kind practical objects, crafts and art.

You'll find vendors like Melanie Vaughan, whose Bridgewater business Revamped by Vaughan, specializes in custom charcuterie boards, coasters and artwork.

"The charcuterie trend is very popular," said Vaughan, who started Revamped by Vaughan in 2018 after selling her bridal salon out of a desire to spend more time with her family.

"My boards have become popular 'thank you' gifts for local real estate agents, wedding and shower gifts," Vaughan said. "I have a showroom behind the CBD store in Bridgewater, however because I have been so busy with custom orders I am unable to be there on a regular basis, so I have that open by appointment only. That is why I decided to participate in this year's Handmade Arcade."

She had heard good things from the owners of Cord + Iron, the candle-makers now located in Beaver.

"They had participated in past years at Handmade Arcade and raved about what a wonderful show it was," Vaughan said. "They spoke about the other wonderful vendors, and how many of their current customers first came to them through that event."

Brand loyalty comes naturally at Handmade Arcade, where the vibe is fresh and artsy.

Relegated to virtual status last year by the pandemic, Handmade Arcade returns to an in-person holiday market opening Dec. 3, with the annual Friday Night Happy Hour. Hours are 5 to 7:30 p.m., and admission is $35.

Admission is free for the Main Event from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Dec. 4. Though Early Bird Shopping is another option, from 9:30 to 11 a.m. for $25.

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This weekend, lovers of things handmade can shop from the comfort of home by browsing the Virtual Holiday Market, available Saturday to Monday at handmadearcade.org

The Handmade Arcade website also lists a detailed schedule of special events and large-scale, artist-led demonstrations.

With its return to the David Lawrence Convention Center, Handmade Arcade is prioritizing the health and comfort of shoppers and makers by implementing updated safety protocols, including social distancing, a mask requirement for attendees older than 2, zoned areas for eating and drinking, and an additional hall to allow for more space between booths and wider walkways. In order to reduce crowding at the check-in desk, every shopper will need to register at handmadearcade.org for a free timed admission pass.

“It’s been a long and sometimes isolating year, and we are so excited to bring the whole community together again,” Tricia Brancolini-Foley, executive director of Handmade Arcade, said. “With our Friday Night Happy Hour, 83 new featured makers, and the addition of incredible live demonstrations, Handmade Arcade is taking this beloved event to a new level.”

Revamped by Vaughan's owner, one of those new makers, said she's excited and nervous as she prepares for the show.

"I feel that historically we are in a time where people are actively looking to support local small businesses and it has been overwhelming," Vaughan, of Patterson Township, said. "I have received an amazing amount of Christmas orders to fill, and am so grateful for everyone’s support. I am working nonstop to make sure I have enough product to have not only for the show but for last-minute gift requests.

Her 20-foot-by-10-foot showroom at Handmade Arcade Holiday Market will give her plenty of room to display her charcuterie boards, Christmas ornaments, coasters and artwork. Prices range from $24 (Christmas ornaments) to $785 (large artwork).

"My charcuterie boards range from $95 to $175," Vaughan said. "My Pittsburgh board, which consists of alcohol ink artwork between layers of colored epoxy, is my most popular item at this time. I am currently working on having my website available for purchasing, but it will probably not be available until the beginning of the year."

Scott Tady is the local Entertainment Reporter for The Beaver County Times and Ellwood City Ledger. He's easy to reach at stady@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter at @scotttady.

This article originally appeared on Beaver County Times: Pittsburgh's largest holiday market features 200 local makers