As an offshoot blog of the Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen site, their mission is “bringing Pennsylvania artisans & shoppers together.”  On the HIP site, you’ll not only find information on PA artists making exciting new work, you’ll see events posted, advice for crafters, guest bloggers, even a recipe for homemade puffy paint (my newest favorite post).  The creators are doing an excellent job showcasing the talent that PA has to offer, although I’m positive there’s much more to be uncovered!  Can’t wait to see what HIP reports on next.

In addition, there’s a fairly new section of the webpage that maps all local brick and mortar shops that sell handmade within our keystone state.  We’re happy to be pinpointed here in Emmaus!

Check out HIP in the near future for ads from OOOH.  They are currently in the works! :)

But with all the great things NICHE has to offer, we must say that their almost-daily postings on Facebook are something we look forward to.  Whoever is in charge of their social media, we thank you!  By being a fan (or “Liking” their page, a new feature that is essentially being a fan) of the NICHE page, we are able to see their posts that link you to interesting articles that they in turn have found online, anywhere from tips on writing to-do lists to uplifting reports of the rebounding economy.

Another aspect of NICHE is their Awards, both in independent artists and craft retailers.  Being nominated for a future award in the top retailers category (possibly for our website?) is one of our main goals for the next few years, and to see past winners is truly inspiring.  Many of the winners from 2009 are not too far away from us in the tri-state area.

With all that said, we thank NICHE magazine for showing us that there is success out there for fine craft retailers and artists, and that though our gallery is not award-winning (yet!), what we represent is being appreciated and celebrated.