The Little Craft Show

-celebrating handmade since 2011-

Original Brooks

All the time I am asked how I became a bookbinder. Well, here is the short version of my story…

I have always felt a connection to books, whether a blank journal or a novel. As a child, I enjoyed a visit to the library and spent countless hours at my neighborhood bookstore. In high school, I made and sold ‘zines and in college and graduate school I created artist books. The connection I felt to books early on in my life continues. Now in my mid 30s, I run a business making handcrafted books.

While studying photography at the University of Oklahoma, I was introduced to bookbinding. I immediately loved it, but my focus was on photography and my career path was to be an educator and artist. In 2010, I earned my MFA from Indiana University and started teaching full time at IUPUI. My contracted ended after one year and I decided to travel for a month. After traveling for 1200 miles on a bicycle, I moved to Asheville, North Carolina. I had no access to photography facilities and so I picked up bookmaking again. All I needed was paper, a needle, and some thread.

In 2013, I founded Original Brooks Book Bindery. The bindery specializes in hand sewn journals made from repurposed and vintage materials as well as custom book works. Over the last five years, my studio has expanded and grown, selling online and across the country. I still hand craft every book produced by the studio with loving care and attention to detail. In 2018, I relocated from Asheville, North Carolina to my home state of Oklahoma. I live in Norman with my boyfriend and two dogs.

I have taught classes and workshops in photography and bookmaking at Indiana University, Herron School of Art & Design, Warren Wilson, Pyramid Atlantic Book Arts Center, and Bookworks of Asheville. This year, I am honored to be selected by the Norman Arts Council to teach a bookmaking workshop as part as their Undercover Artist Series.

Norman,OK

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  • Only a few hours left to apply to our winter markets & only a few more months ‘til show time! Applications available at the link in our profile. We can’t wait to WELCOME you to our holiday shows, Arkansas!🌲✨ (Beautiful photo by @hilluhry.)
  • Wondering if you can split a booth with a fellow maker? Want to know more about the vendor selection process? Curious about sponsoring or volunteering with The Little Craft Show? The answers to all those questions (and many more!) are available on our FAQ page on our website! Applications for our winter markets close THIS Saturday, 8/31, so if we can answer any questions for you that aren’t on our FAQ page, let us know below or send us a DM. Wanna know who all these people are? We can answer that, too. These are shoppers from near and far that came out to one of our holiday markets in Fayetteville and stood in a rain-soaked line that wrapped around the building before the doors opened — just another show of support from all the folks who love handmade.
  • Psst. Applications for our winter markets are only open for 19 more days. Get your applications in now, makers! [Incredible sign by @regenerousdesigns.]
  • 🎶 You will get a sentimental feeling when you shop from hundreds of local artists and makers 🎶 Isn’t that how that wintry tune goes? Applications for our three holiday markets are open through 8/31 — tell your crafty pals!
  • It won’t be long ‘til we’re deckin’ the halls across Arkansas! Applications for our winter markets are open, and whether you apply to just one or all three, there’s only one application fee. Submit your application at the link in our profile! (We may or may not review all the submissions with mugs of hot cocoa in hand — just doing our part to get in the holiday spirit.) #fayettevillear #bentonvillear #littlerockar #holidaycraftshow
  • We are counting the days ‘til our winter markets begin (only 143 more days, for those wondering) and we’re LOVING all the maker submissions we’ve received so far for these events. Still need to submit your application? Visit the link in our profile now, and remember you only have one application fee this year whether you apply to each show or just one. See you in 143 days, Arkansas — it’s a lot sooner than you think! ❄️
  • ✨ APPLICATIONS FOR OUR WINTER MARKETS ARE NOW OPEN ✨ Visit the link in our profile to see dates and locations, review our FAQ page, and apply to be a 2019 holiday vendor. We know application fees can add up fast, so this year we only have one application fee. Once you’ve applied to one show, you’ll receive a confirmation e-mail plus a special code (ONEMORETIME) to use toward a subsequent show. Have questions about the application process? Comment below or send us a DM! Excited to see what you’ve been working on!
  • It’s hard to believe, but applications for our winter show open TOMORROW! It may be scorching hot outside, but we’re already dreaming of snowflakes, hot cocoa, and rows and rows of holiday shopping inside. Stay tuned tomorrow for more details about our winter markets all across Arkansas! ❄️ #handmade #arkansas #handmadeisthebestmade #itsthemostwonderfultimeoftheyear

Upcoming Events

  1. The Little Craft Show – Fayetteville, Arkansas

    November 29 @ 5:00 pm - November 30 @ 5:00 pm

  2. The Little Craft Show – Bentonville, Arkansas

    December 7 @ 10:00 am - 4:00 pm

  3. The Little Craft Show – Little Rock, Arkansas

    December 14 @ 11:00 am - 5:00 pm

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HISTORY

The Little Craft Show was founded in 2011 as a fun, “little” event for us to sell our handmade products with our closest friends. We had a small venue, a handful of crafty friends, and a few extra spaces to fill. The response was amazing. TLCS is now Arkansas’ most talked about indie craft show that's celebrated for our refreshing atmosphere, enthusiastic vendors, and high quality handmade goods. We were even ranked as one of the top EIGHT craft shows in the nation by Country Living Magazine.