The crafty city guide to the Twin Cities, Minneapolis and Saint Paul, MN, comes from Mei Pak of Creative Hive Co., one of our creative conference’s illustrious speakers:
I met my husband while we were studying at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. After graduating, I went full time into running my own business, and my husband got a job offer in Minneapolis, so we moved to the Twin Cities. Although we’re transplants, we love Minneapolis and call it our home. It’s a beautiful city with awesome people, it’s super affordable to live here, and we have a thriving creative community! Here are my favorite places that any crafter or maker should visit if you find yourself in this corner of the Midwest. — Mei Pak
CRAFTY STORES
I Like You
501 First Ave. NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413
I Like You carries the largest selection of handmade products from the Midwest and beyond. You’ll find something for everyone!
Bibelot
1082 Grand Ave., Saint Paul, MN 55105
Bibelot is home to a variety of locally made and designed products ranging from jewelry and paper to home goods and eco-friendly wares.
Patina
821 50th St. W, Minneapolis, MN 55419
You could spend hours browsing through Patina’s unique curation of home décor, paper, jewelry, toys and accessories. With seven stores in the Twin Cities, you can’t miss it the next time you’re in town!
PLACES FOR MAKERS
Crafty Planet
2833 Johnson St. NE, Minneapolis, MN 55418
Find super cool reproduction and modern fabrics as well as tons of craft stuff here.
Articulture
2613 E. Franklin Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55406
Kids and adults can take a workshop or two at Articulture — but don’t forget to visit their gallery and retail space where you can find art supplies and products made by local artists.
CRAFT SHOWS
No Coast Craft-o-Rama
Annually at Midtown Global Market
This holiday indie craft show is heavily advertised and promoted in the Twin Cities. Vendors from out of town brave the snowy weather to sell at No Coast because foot traffic and sales can go through the roof!
Craftstravaganza and Craft’za
Annually at Minnesota State Fair Grounds and Grain Belt Bottling House
Andy Krueger at Scuttlebug LLC organizes two annual awesome craft shows in the Twin Cities. They’re juried shows that showcase the best and coolest handmade products and art!
BEST VINTAGE
Junk Bonanza
Canterbury Park in Shakopee, MN
One of the biggest events for purveyors and shoppers of vintage finds, beautiful antiques and artisan-repurposed pieces.
Rewind
2207 Lyndale Ave. S, Minneapolis, MN 55405
Specializing in men’s and women’s fashion and accessories from the ’60s to the ’90s.
The Cottage House
4304 Chicago Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55407
Find rare vintage items, shabby chic furniture and antique home décor accessories here that you can’t get anywhere else.
CRAFTY HANGOUTS
Turtlebread
4762 Chicago Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55407
A local favorite artisanal bakery that serves up delicious soup and lunch items. Come for the good food and peaceful atmosphere!
Rustica
3220 W. Lake St., Minneapolis, MN 55416
A cozy neighborhood bakery with a unique selection of breads, pastries and dessert tarts.
Bull Run Coffee
3346 Lyndale Ave. S, Minneapolis, MN 55408
Bull Run Coffee is a small-batch coffee roaster with a great new expanded space to hang out and chat with crafty friends!
Mei Pak is a marketing strategist guiding and supporting small and creative business owners to a more consistent income. Mei also runs Tiny Hands, a line of handmade, scented food jewelry with her small team of assistants, that is sold in over a hundred stores across the U.S. You can find Mei in Minneapolis and on Instagram.
Are you coming to Midwest Craft Con? Get your tickets now and join creative business people from all across the Midwest!
Midwest Craft Con 