Crafts News
Massive arts & crafts expo comes to DFW with state-of-the-art tricks
Cutting-edge crafting is going down.
If you're wondering where all the artsy-crafty people will be this weekend, head for Fort Worth, where The Texas Pinners Conference, celebrating all things DIY, is going down for two days.
This one-of-a-kind trade show hosts more than 200 vendors and exhibitors, offering a wide array of classes and shopping opportunities, representing the best of Texas. It's taking place at the Will Rogers Memorial Center, 3401 W Lancaster Ave. on Friday, September 22, from 10 am-8 pm and Saturday, September 23, from 9 am-7 pm.
Founded in 2013, the Pinners Conference brings together individuals with a common interest in creativity, hobbies and do-it-yourself projects. It's held in seven states including Kansas City, Georgia, and Idaho.
Texas was the first state outside of the original location in Salt Lake City, says co-founder Roxanne Bennett.
"Texas is such a creative environment," she says. "People are willing to try new things, they're active on social media, and they stay on top of trends."
The conference stays vital because trends in the crafts world change so quickly.
"This year the hot trend is UV resin," she says. "Praviously, this was something you could do only if you had all the tools. Now they have a process where you hold a blue light over the material and it dries in 3 minutes. People are going crazy for it."
The event has two components:
- More than 110 interactive classes taught by industry experts, influencers, and professionals in their fields. Workshops and demonstrations introduce new techniques, insights, and innovative crafting ideas.
- Vendors, all related to crafts, cooking, self-improvement, photography, party planning, scrapbooking, holiday, beauty, and fashion, featuring local artists and shops.
That's part of the appeal: Nearly all of the presenters are small business owners doing what they love to do.
Also new this year: free tickets for teachers.
"As a former educator, I know that teachers are some of the most inspiring individuals, especially in our children's lives," Bennett says. "So, what better way to encourage their creativity and show appreciation than to give them access to one of the largest creative events offline?"
Teachers can reserve free tickets at tx.pinnersconference.com/gettickets, using the code TEACH. Educators and school administrators are eligible for two complimentary tickets. Attendees are encouraged to bring their school ID badges to the event.
Tickets start at $12, which include entrance to the conference, access to exhibitors’ shopping, make-and-takes and more. Children 8 years and under are free. Class passes run from $22 to $39. Many classes will have optional kits to purchase once registered for the class.
