DC Craft Mafia presents Holiday Heist

Check back soon to see our vendor gallery!

Vendor FAQ

Who or what is the DC Craft Mafia?

DC Craft Mafia is a group of crafters who reside in the DC Metropolitan area. We are a part of the larger international Craft Mafia. There are Craft Mafia groups all over the US and even a few overseas.

Our mission is to bring craftiness to the nation's capital through:

• Strengthening the independent artist community by directly supporting each member in the promotion of their business and providing venues for other artists and crafters to showcase their work.
• Educating the public on the importance of buying handmade and providing venues to further the "Buy Handmade" movement.
• Performing community outreach, both to bring crafting to new audiences and to fundraise for local charities.

When and where is the show?

This year’s show is on Saturday, November 21, 2009, at The Soundry in Vienna, VA, from 12pm to 6pm.

When do I need to apply by?

Applications are due July 31, 2009.

What is The Soundry?

The Soundry is an artist studio in Vienna, VA. Artists and crafters can pay a monthly membership fee that allows them use of studio space, access to equipment, ability to host classes and workshops, sell work in the shop and more.

How much does it cost to apply?

We ask for a $10 non-refundable application fee, payable via PayPal to dccraftmafiamoney@gmail.com. Your application is not complete until you have paid the application fee.

How much does a space cost?

Indoor 6' x 6' spaces for one vendor are $55. Sharing a space is $65. A limited number of outdoor 10' x 10' spaces are available for the same price. A limited number of chairs and tables are available to rent (see below). There are also a limited number of spaces that will have access to electricity for an additional fee (see below). Please note that this is in addition to the non-refundable $10 application fee.

What do I get for the booth fee?

You will receive a 6' x 6' foot space. You can also request one of a limited number of 10' x 10' outdoor spaces for the same price. You will have the option of bringing your own 6' table and chairs. A limited number of 6' tables are available to rent for $10. We can also provide a chair for $5. You will need to provide your own table linens. You will also receive a link on the show website as a vendor. Vendors will also have the opportunity for discounted ads in the brochure. Information on rentals and advertising will be included with your acceptance email.

Can I select my own space?

No, we will be assigning all spaces, however, feel free to send us any requests.

When will I be notified if I get in the show?

We will notify everyone no later than August 15, 2009, via email.

Will this show be promoted?

Yes! Show promotion is underway and will continue until our show is complete through various means. We will be advertising locally and online. We will share promotional materials for you to use on your Web site, blog, newsletter, etc. We'll also provide postcards that you can distribute to your customers and mailing list.

What type of vendors are you looking for?

We are looking for artists and crafters who make unique items with an indie vibe. We will be looking for items that will make good gifts, as this is being advertised as a holiday show.

How will this show be juried?

The members of DC Craft Mafia will be reviewing all applications and selecting vendors who we feel will fit with our show. We are looking for fun and unique items that make great gifts. We do not jury based on when an application is submitted or if a vendor was in a previous show. Decisions are based solely on this year’s applications. You can increase your chance of acceptance by providing an accurate and interesting description of your work and good photos. Please be sure to provide all requested information on the application and pay the $10 non-refundable application fee by the due date. We cannot consider incomplete applications.

Can I send more than 5 pictures?

Please do not send anymore than 5 photos of your work. If you'd like us to see more of your work please send us a link to your website or Flickr account. We will try to look at as much of your work as possible.

How many vendors will you be accepting?

We will be accepting 30 vendors. 25 vendors will be inside with 6' x 6' spaces. 5 vendors will be outside with 10' x 10' spaces. Please let us know if you’d like to be considered for an outside space. You will need to provide your own tent.

Can I share a space with another vendor?

Yes. Space sharing is permitted for an additional $10. When you submit the application, please indicate one contact name, but include both applicants in the description as well as photos from both applicants.

I have a large display. Can I apply for more than one space?

No. Because The Soundry is limited in space, we prefer to accept as many different vendors as possible. If you'd like more space, you are welcome to request one of the limited, outdoor 10' x 10' space.

I am a Creative Memories/Pampered Chef/Silpada Jewelry/etc. consultant. Can I apply for this show?

No. DC Craft Mafia's mission is to promote individual crafters. We do not feel that these kinds of businesses are appropriate for this show.

Do my products need to be handmade?

For the most part, yes. We understand that some artists and crafters may have items produced in larger quantities, i.e. prints of photographs or stickers printed, from an outside source, but if it is the work of an individual designer, the applicant will be considered. If you're selling t-shirts in Wal-mart, you're probably not a good fit for our show.

What other opportunities are available?

All applicants will have the opportunity to purchase ad space in the show program, donate door prizes for our charity raffle, send in swag for goodie bags and offer demos and make & takes. You’ll receive more information when you are notified if you’ve been accepted or not.

How does set-up and breakdown work and where can I park?

Set-up will be from 10am to 11:45am. We encourage you to arrive early so your space is ready to go when the show starts at 12pm. You can park directly in front of The Soundry to unload your stuff. There will be volunteers who can help you move your things inside to your table space. After you have unloaded, you’ll need to move your vehicle down the street so The Soundry parking lot will be open for customers.

Breakdown will be from 6pm to 7pm. You can park your vehicle in front of The Soundry to load your belongings. You must leave your table space in the same condition as it was before set-up. All trash should be disposed of properly. Please notify a DC Craft Mafia member immediately if any damages occur. Vendors are responsible for all damages to their assigned table space.

I need to leave before 6pm. Can I still participate?

You, or a representative, must remain at the show for the entire duration, 12pm to 6pm. Packing up early is not permitted.

Will there be any additional activities?

We want to make this show as fun as possible for our vendors and customers. We are going to have:

• Mug Shots photo booth (proceeds to The Washington Humane Society)
• Music, possibly a DJ
• Demos
• Make & Takes
• Door prizes (proceeds to The Washington Humane Society)
• Swag bags for the first 100 customers (and for our vendors, as well!)
• A vendors only after-party

We'll provide more details soon!

Is food available nearby?

The Soundry has a café that offers a wide range of beverages – coffee drinks, teas, smoothies – as well as some baked goods. Vienna has many restaurants that are a few blocks away from The Soundry.

Is electricity available?

There are a limited number of table spaces that do have electricity. After vendors have been accepted, these spaces will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis for an additional fee of $10.

What terms do I agree to by submitting my application and non-refundable application fee?

We ask that all applicants agree to the following terms when submitting an application and non-refundable application fee:

• After submitting this application, I will pay the $10 non-refundable application fee via PayPal to dccraftmafiamoney@gmail.com.
• If I am accepted, I will pay an additional $55 booth fee (or $65 for shared space) via PayPal by August 22, 2009. I understand that my space is not secured until I've paid.
• My application is not complete until I have submitted this application, the $10 non-refundable fee and links or files of images, by July 31, 2009.
• If I am accepted and choose not to participate I will not receive a refund.
• I give permission for DC Craft Mafia to use my name, business name, logo and images for advertising and marketing purposes.
• I understand that the show is on Saturday, November 21, 2009, from 12pm to 6pm. Set-up is from 10am to 11:45am. Break-down is from 6pm to 7pm.
• I (or my representative) am required to maintain and attend my space for the duration of the show. Early break-downs will NOT be permitted.
• I will be provided with an approximately 6' x 6' space (6' across definitely, depth may vary depending on location). I will provide my own tables, chairs and display items. (A limited number of tables [$10] and chairs [$5] are available to rent.)
• If I am accepted for an outdoor 10' x 10' space, I will provide my own tent.
• I will pay applicable 5% Virginia sales tax on my sales.
• The organizers of Holiday Heist, DC Craft Mafia and The Soundry are not responsible for lost, stolen or damaged property or for any bodily injury before, during or after the event.