I was so excited when Rock + Shop sent this to the press today because craft fairs need to pop up in cities other than all the major ones. Seeing something in Raleigh is just great, especially since I'm sure there's a lot of crafty chicas down south that are sooo looking forward to attending something like this. Go South!

The Rock + Shop Market made its debut in 2005 by product designer Michelle Smith from Smashing Mirrors. Michelle felt a strong need to bring together local indie artists after seeing other alternative fairs sprouting up in other parts of the country. Through her fair, Michelle wants to showcase North Carolina?s DIY spirit and provides a the opportunity to meet local designers and celebrate the area?s diverse musical talent.

The Rock & Shop Market will take place on July 15th from 1-5pm at the Tir Na Nog (across from Moore Square) in downtown Raleigh. The first 50 attendees receive a gift bag filled with freebies including magazines, samples and coupons.

The market features designer goods including silk screened apparel and reconstructed t-shirts, custom iPod cases, handbags, jewelry, and handmade soap by Alena Hennessy (one of my favorites), April Fool Handmade (check out their pencil blocks), Art School Dropout (delightful jewelry),Circle Circle Dot Dot (super cute wares),Mood Swing Studio (love the baubles and vintage homewares), Stephaine Statham (great art)Sprout Studio (yummy ceramics), Bookish (quilty cuteness), Pear Threads (beautiful bags, they were just in Boston), Michelle Smith (what a talent), and more!

Enjoy a cold beer at the bar (now *this* is a craft fair) while browsing the aisles of over 35 vendors plus enjoy music by the bands Ryan Pound, Bull City and DJ Marco. Admission is $3. Sponsored by Bust Magazine, Carolina Woman, and The Raleigh Hatchet.

For more information and a full vendor list visit Rock + Shop online. Will YOU be there?

(images from rock + shop)