NYIGF To Feature Eco-friendly Handmade Artistry
The New York International Gift Fair (NYIGF) 2009, is scheduled during August 15- 19 at New York City’s Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. The novice and innovative handicrafts manufacturers have a great opportunity to showcase their eco-friendly materials and fine craftsmanship at NYIGF’s “Handmade”. Other highlights of the juried craft division include an increased number of jewelry resources and more wearable textiles.
According to Dorothy Belshaw, NYIGF director and GLM senior vice president. “Handmade buyers can see how these talented artists excel in using sustainable materials not only to create new products, but also to further develop existing lines.” A Canadian-based artist designs wooden puzzles and puppets using wood from well-managed forests, organic cottons, and non-toxic ink. A Collection from Austin, TX, includes museum-quality wall art featuring plant pressings of tropical orchids, leaves, sea plants and wildflowers. A jewelry company from Kansas City, MO, developed its line from found objects such as street signs and license plates, combined with sterling silver and copper.
Apart from handicrafts, talented jewelry designers have the opportunity to present innovative designs using unexpected materials. For example, a South Korean fashion jewelery company, has recently introduced a series of jewelry fashioned from rubber gloves. Cufflinks and belt buckles made from colorful fused glass, wooden jewelry, metal, painted and batik jewelry, customized and one-of-a-kind pieces of scarves, shawls, sarongs, and pillowcases, unique hand-quilted coats and jackets made from vintage dowry quilts from India are all included among many other innovative fashion accessories to be showcased.
The “Handmade in the USA” designation will also be utilized at the Fair as a buyer’s aid to source American-made craft. Some 30,000 attendees from all 50 states and around the world are expected at NYIGF, the nation’s premier gift, home and lifestyle marketplace. For more information and registration, visit NYIGF website.
