Jun 5, 2009

Handcrafted Products Abound at Summer 2009 Edition of San Francisco International Gift Fair

San Francisco, CA — It’s the difference between receiving an e-mail or a hand-written note on fine stationery. It’s the distinction of a hand-painted objet d’art vs. a mass-produced poster. The personal, artisan-made touch will be vividly on display at the summer edition of the San Francisco International Gift Fair. From August 8—11, 2009 at the City’s Moscone Convention Center , more than 100 exhibitors featuring handcrafted products will showcase their work, all with that ineffable personal touch that transforms any gift into the perfect gift.

“Handcrafted resources can be found in each of the six neighborhoods of the Show,” said Aubin Wilson, show director. “This summer’s market features accomplished makers and artisans from theUnited States and abroad. We will present a collection of individual and production craft in all media and across a myriad of product categories including tabletop, ceramics, textiles, home décor, jewelry, apparel, stationery and more.”

Whether it’s handcrafted dolls from Kat Soto (www.katsoto.com) or tables and lamps made from reclaimed wood by Bitters of Seattle (www.bittersco.com), this Summer’s San Francisco International Gift Fair has its eye on one of the hottest trends in the industry: handmade and sustainable gifts. Household decorations from Cody Foster (www.codyfosterandco.com) and glass pendants, “quoteable quotes” stones or hand-painted salt & pepper shakers from Gather Studios (www.karenweidert.com) highlight the trend as do the elegant stationery and cards being presented by Dahlia & Pears (www.dahliasandpears.com) and hand knitted hats for babies from Libra Knits (www.libraknits.com).

“This is very much a show where artists have center stage,” Wilson continued. “There are artisans from around the world who will be participating in the Show, including The Pacific Indie Craft Collective, a group of artists from Portland, Oregon and along with many first time exhibitors such as UP ‘N ATOM, a handcrafted soap maker from San Francisco and The Martinez family from Oaxaca, Mexico who will present their line of Zapotec rugs.”

Visit the Show’s website www.sfigf.com for a continually updated list of handmade resources being presented at the SFIGF as well as a selection of product images.

The SFIGF® attracts some 11,000 retailers ranging from small specialty stores and boutiques to larger retailers including Pottery Barn and Cost Plus World Market; from museum stores to wineries and much more. The Show features more than 600 exhibitors who represent more than 3,000 lines displayed in a setting designed to evoke San Francisco’s classic neighborhoods and districts: from Treasure Island to Union Square; from the South of Market cultural district featuring American and international handcrafted wares and museum resources to the fashion-forward Marina District while tabletop, wine accessories, home and garden accents can be found in the “North of the Bridge” neighborhood. This August, the San Francisco International Gift Fair® runs concurrently with and adjacent to The Gourmet Housewares Show® (www.thegourmetshow.com) which attracts some 300+ exhibitors and 4,000 attendees.

The semi-annual San Francisco International Gift Fair® is managed by GLM®, a dmg world media business.

The Summer 2009 San Francisco International Gift Fair® will take place August 8 — 11at San Francisco’s Moscone Convention Center. Exhibitors seeking information should contact Aubin Wilson, show director, at (213) 430-2310; awilson@glmshows.com. Attendee information may be obtained by contacting GLM Customer Relations at (800) 272-SHOW (7469) or (603) 665-7524.