When WORN Fashion Journal was invited to visit the BUST Magazine Craftacular during World Maker Faire, we let nothing stand in our way: not the fact that popular DIY festival was being held in New York City (and Queens at that!); not the chilly weather (some Wornettes should have brought their cardigans); not even that it was being held at the New York Hall of Science, better known as the site of the 1964 World’s Fair, as seen at the ending of ‘Men in Black’ (and we have expected to see Edgar the Alien roaming about).
The Wornettes were just happy to be there, and not just to shop.
Maker Faires, which are organized by Make Magazine and have been held in various cities since 2006, have an unescapable science and technology flavour to them. They cater to the type of person who likes taking apart their radios, or making ones from scratch. They encourage inquisitiveness, individual thinking and a hands-on approach to the world around us.
These are not qualities often associated with fashion, or fashion magazines. But for precisely this reason WORN wanted to support BUST Magazine and its Craftacular, now in its second year. The crafters who took part (selling items ranging from copper ‘collar’ necklaces to buttons celebrating Bea Arthur) have taken style into their own hands.
A great example is Erica Morris, who makes steampunk-inspired jewellery under the label The Clockwork Witch for “the fantastically and mechanically inclined” (her words).
“Recycling is integral to my work,” she explains. “I use old watches, vintage postage stamps, chocolate foils as well as delicate organics such as insect wings and animal bones.” Although she sells her pieces online, she loves fairs because she wants to see how people react to her creations in person.
The only downside of vending at an event like the Craftacular? Morris would have liked more time to check out other people’s cool creations, but she did make friends with her “tent mate” who makes cupcake soaps.
Be they makers of hoodies with built-in mittens, wallets patterned with subway maps or necklaces inspired by the lunar eclipse, craft-sellers have the same attitude of builders of 3D printers and soapbox race cars: seeing what’s already out there, they smile and say, “Now see what I can do!”
video // Daniel Reis
photography // Casie Brown
By Max Mosher
Reposted from wornjournal.com
