The excitement of the long holiday weekend was quickly subdued due to a blistery autumn day.  City streets were paved with bright yellow, red and orange leaves.  I decided to brave the elements and take part in Hand Born, a gathering of artists and designers exhibiting their current creations. 

This year six downtown businesses opened up their doors for this craft bazaar.  50 diverse vendors hunkered down in various locations ranging from Deva Café to Bang Bang Hair Studio.  There was something for everyone, from fixie accessories and boutique jewelry to eclectic clothing and dog tutu’s.  If you were on the quest for a one-of-a-kind gift, this was the place to find it; for example, I met a man that rescues old books that libraries discard and transforms them to into writing journals.  Rather than creating something new that will use up more resources, he upcycles existing materials.  All too often people try to create something grandiose out of new product and material, rather than use what they already have.   The environment is a terrible thing to waste; there is the appearance of an upcycling movement taking place before our eyes.   I like the idea of upcycling books into journals, its similar to what our guys at LOOPTWORKS do, they take materials that would be considered waste in the fashion industry and make really cool stuff.

As I made my way through the throngs and saw old friends, I thought this is a great way to ring in the holiday season.  My favorite spot of night was Serrano Social Club, the newest coffee house that is home to all the local hipsters.  This was the place to see and be seen, the artists that retreated here were full of urban flair and the coffee was off the hook.