Craft Gossip

Independent craft blog since 2007

Handmade Brigade – CA

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The one and only HandMade Brigade Indie Craft Show is back again! For those of you who don’t know the Brigade, you’re in for a wild ride. They will be showcasing 30+ of the greatest talent in DIY/indie crafts. Their emerging designers are doing their very best to push the envelope for your shopping pleasure.

Their next show is June 27th at the Laguna Niguel Tall Mouse Craft Store from 10am-4pm. And as if the vendors themselves weren’t enough, admission is free, there will still be grab bags for the first 50 die hard fans of the HB, free refreshments and music.

Another new facet of the HandMade Brigade Indie Craft Show is that the Orange County Handmade Brigade (A brand new renegade craft club) is working behind the scenes to make sure that the show is a major success.

Handmade Brigade
Tall Mouse Arts and Crafts
Saturday, June 27, 2009  10AM-4PM
23932 Aliso Creek Road. Laguna Niguel, CA 92677


Have you read?

Etsy Feature – Pottery Travel Mug Template Set (3 Pieces)

There’s something so satisfying about a handmade travel mug. It’s practical, stylish, and makes your daily coffee or tea ritual feel that little bit more special. With this set of 3 pottery travel mug templates, you can create your own ceramic mugs that not only look professional but also make thoughtful, personal gifts.

What’s Included

This set comes with three different templates for slab-building your own travel mugs. Each template has slightly different proportions, giving you variety in size and style. That way you can experiment until you find the perfect fit for your hand—or make a matching set for family and friends.

Why These Templates Are Worth It

  • Reusable & Reliable: Print and trace them as many times as you want.

  • Practical Design: The angled opening and lid slot make them comfortable and functional.

  • Perfect for Beginners: Templates take the guesswork out of hand-building.

  • Gift-Worthy: A handmade travel mug is a unique, eco-friendly present that anyone would appreciate.

Inspiration for Makers

  • Try a speckled clay body with a matte glaze for a modern, minimalist vibe.

  • Add underglaze designs or decals for a personalized look.

  • Make a full set of mugs in coordinating colors—perfect for a couple or family gift.

  • Pair your finished mugs with a bag of specialty coffee or tea for a beautiful handmade gift set.

Why You’ll Love It

Handmade pottery mugs have a warmth and character that no store-bought cup can compete with. Using these templates makes the process approachable, while still leaving plenty of room for your creativity to shine. And honestly? Everyone I know could use a good travel mug—so why not make one that feels personal and one-of-a-kind?

You can grab the set here: Travel Mugs Set Templates (3 Pieces) on Etsy.

This post is part of my Etsy Feature series, where I share clay tools and templates that make creating both functional and decorative pottery easier and more fun. And if you’re looking for a project that balances everyday use with handmade charm, these travel mugs might be your next go-to.