One of the worst things about not being able to go to a craft fair out of town is waiting to see photos from the event and read blog posts about what the shoppers and vendors thought. It drives me nuts- I must be a crafty nerd.

Well, fear not, Mitten crafters. Handmade Detroit is proud to announce a new feature we’re debuting at DUCF- Handmade Detroit LIVE! We’ve got a variety of ways for you to send in content, and that’s exactly what we want you to do- be a DUCF reporter! (Nerdy description: We’re using Tumblr to aggregate content from a variety of web sites us kids love.) Here’s how you can do it:

• Post directly to the blog using an email address that you can find at the tweetup or at DUCF. You can send photos, text… the works! The more the better!

• Use the #ducf09 hashtag on Twitter
• Tag your photos “ducf09″ on Flickr

We heart Yelp and we love to read what people write about us, so you’ll be able to see what people have been saying about DUCF. And Four Square? Yeah, it’s in there, too. Don’t forget to check in to the Majestic complex during the day!

You can start sending content right now. Do it!

They don’t often get a lot of public credit, but this live-blogging magic wouldn’t have happened without the Handmade Detroit boys, Dan Nixon and Josh Weston. You can meet them tomorrow at DUCF.

Until we meet at the fair… blog that shit!

Vendors from left to right:

Top row: Rhymes with Twee, Sloe Gin Fizz, Small Screen Designs, Sparklepants Industries

2nd row: Spokepunchers, Stinkybomb Soap, Talking Squid, Tekstila

3rd row: The Bang!, Tiny Astronaut Press, Wee Revolution, Wei’s Open Secret

4th row: YumYumChumChum

#5: The shopping!

Duh, DUCF is just a great place to pick up creative, unique stuff for both the holidays and yourself. I tend to do more of the latter.

#4: The DUCF gals’ families!

When you see the Majestic all lit up, know that it’s Lish’s dad that does it for us. And my Michigan cards? They wouldn’t be possible without Lish’s mom gifting us a die cut machine. Carey’s parents come to every show to support us — as does Amy’s crew, Ethan, Ramona and Henry. And Beth’s brother is no stranger either. Of course, Beth’s hubby is Dan, one of our web guys. And our other web guy, Josh, is married to our lawyer Lauren. We’re a big happy over here, it’s pretty awesome.

#3: Converting “unbelievers”

Craft is not what you probably think anymore. You’re going to have to show up to DUCF on Saturday to find out what I mean.

#2: Our awesome vendors and sponsors!

Both this year and past years! Our vendors turn into friends, grow their businesses and stay in touch. It’s so awesome to watch a new vendor try out our show with success, and equally great to watch older vendors grow and experiment with their businesses. And our sponsors — truly are our saviours, many of whom have come back year after year to support not only DUCF, but the Detroit creative community. Thank you to both our vendors and sponsors, past, present and future!

#1.5: The DUCF crew!

I mean come on, Amy, Carey, Bethany and Lish rule!

#1: The community of supporters!

The enthusaism of DUCF is catchy. Ask any vendor that’s done our show before. The people that come to DUCF are so enthusiastic to see all the awesome things being made right in our backyard. I generally look around and realize how lucky we are to live in a place with so much creation happening, where so many come out to support it.

Don’t miss out on all the awesome: Detroit Urban Craft Fair 2009, is this Saturday, Nov. 21 from 10 am to 7 pm at the Majestic Theater, 4120 Woodward Ave. in Detroit. Admission is free, bring the family!

Vendors from left to right:

Top row: Reware Vintage, Liz’s Handmade Books, LMNOP, make-out goods

2nd row: Mimi and Ferne, Miss Mossy, my marigold, My Vintage Kitschen

3rd row: Nicole Lindner, One Straight Shot, Phantom Limb, Rar Rar Press

Vendors from left to right:

Top row: Little Men, Hands and Notions, herb + ginger, JD Makes Things

2nd row: Jennifer Joy Creative, katie muth, Kill Taupe, killmonkies

3rd row: kirkiture, Kristen Perkins, La Otra Camilla, La Femme Monkita

Make sure to grab your copy of the Metro Times today to see Handmade Detroit chat about this year’s DUCF! You can also read it online, too.

You guys, check it out. Our very own Bethany is the first project in the new book One Yard Wonders, finally at a local bookseller near you (on online at Powell’s)! Beth’s project is a Framed Tack Board — an adorable way to organize your jewerly or inspriations. Grab a copy for  full instructions on this and the other 100 projects that can be made with just one yard of fabric.

Way to go Beth!!

Here’s the original project she submitted too!

Vendors from left to right:

Top row: Glittersniffer, Chain Chain Chained, Claylab, Cleodee

2nd row: Courtney Fischer Jewelry, dang argyle, Detroit Lives, detroitGT

3rd row: Einfach Skate, eve vandalsen, Garbella, Glass Action!

In anticipation of our fourth year of DUCF, I got a new tattoo for my own personal Handmade Detroit logo! Thanks to Jeff Shea at Wholeshot! Tattoo in Berkley for inking me!

Vendors from left to right:

Top row: Bx Ceramics, All Things Grow, Always the Forest, AmyD

2nd row: Angela Duncan, Artemesia, ASTA, AusGerCo

3rd row: Bettula, blue-thimble, bluedotpapershop, BE Handmade