Crafty Wonderland is a woman owned and operated retail store in Downtown Portland with a second store opening on NE Alberta in the fall of 2018. We feature handmade goods from over 200 local artists.

With the addition of the second Shop location, we are looking to grow our team and add several part-time and full-time retail sales associates with the opportunity for other positions as our business grows!

If you feel you are interested in applying, please read the details below and email the following to craftywonderland[at]yahoo.com:

1. A cover letter detailing why you are a good fit for our team

2. A current resume

3. A list of 3 references

You may also drop off printed copies at our retail store during business hours, but please do not call with any inquiries! We are busy providing our customers with exquisite service!

The ideal candidate:

• Has a minimum of 2 years experience working retail

• Provides excellent customer service

• Is comfortable answering questions and dealing with a diverse range of people

• Is a quick learner and asks for clarification if needed

• Has the ability to work in a fast-paced environment and multitask with accuracy

• Is friendly, personable, upbeat and can work as a part of a team

• Is comfortable working with Quickbooks Point of Sale System

• Is able to execute loss prevention protocol

• Is punctual, reliable, and respectful

• Has an interest in handmade goods and art!

Other Requirements:

Any potential applicant MUST be able to work weekends, as well as having the ability to be flexible with their schedule to cover other shifts.

No additional time off is granted between Black Friday and Christmas.

Tasks for a Retail Sales Associate include but are not limited to:

• Assisting Customers

• Operating the cash register

• Opening and closing the shop

• Keeping the store tidy with light cleaning and straightening

• Restocking sold merchandise

• Merchandising throughout the shop

• Helping with social media as needed

Starting pay will be further discussed within application process.

This position would be responsible for the general upkeep of the shop on a day to day basis. During your shifts, you would be expected to engage and help customers, process their transactions, and restock goods that have sold throughout the day. You will also be interacting with our vendors on a day to day basis, so maintaining a professional and friendly attitude is a must!

We are happy to announce the staff here at Crafty Wonderland is being featured as September’s Artist(s) of the Month! We have a staff full of creative, artistic individuals and we are excited to have an opportunity to showcase all of their talents! We all make jewelry, but occasionally we branch out into other mediums. This month we will have jewelry, paintings, embroidery and much more featured!

We’ve taken some time to talk about each of our inspirations, processes, and more.

What would you say inspires your work?

Cathy: I'm inspired by all things vintage - textiles, jewelry, furniture. I've also become obsessed with vintage secret societies like the odd fellows and masons. So I'm hoping to see that reflected in my work in the future.

Torie: Often my biggest source of inspiration for new designs comes from creating jewelry for my friends, as birthday gifts and such. The process usually causes me to stretch my boundaries in ways that I wouldn't necessarily do otherwise. I'm also a big lover of antique jewelry, abstract paintings, and black and white photography, so I look to those things when I'm needing a little creative boost.

Megan: I definitely draw a lot of inspiration from fantasy and mythology, and here lately lots of heavy symbolism! Some of my favorite illustrators growing up were Arthur Rackham, Tony DiTerlizzi, and Brian Froud. I really enjoy intricate linework, like 18th century illustrations. In terms of content, moments of magic are definitely my biggest inspiration. I love subtle surrealism, big eyes, and flowers!

Alissa: My work is inspired by nature in the Pacific Northwest and vintage design styles like Art Deco and Art Nouveau.

Sierra: Texture, nature, unique color combinations, conversations with amazing people and the materials that jump out at me.

 Tell us a bit about your artistic process!

C: In the past I have tended to overthink my process so lately I have been trying to just make without thinking too much about it. I am loving just assembling things that feel right rather than waiting for my brain to tell me they look right.

T: If I'm wanting to create something new, I look at what I already have in my line and think about what I could make that would complement the designs that are selling well. Sometimes this involves sketching shapes and ideas in a notebook, or looking back over past sketches to see if any of them hold up. Then I sit at the table and make a sample and see how I like it!

M: Honestly I’m still trying to hone in on a specific ‘process’ for making art. The thing I catch myself doing most often is scribbling down an idea I’ve had on a sketchbook app on my phone. I don’t always get around to revisiting those, but every once in a while I do!  About 90% of my process is just combining different elements I’m drawn to until they combine in a way the speaks to me.

A: I start out sketching a bunch of ideas, then draw the best ones in ink, then scan and finish them off in Adobe Illustrator. It's hard to decide which designs I like best so I'll often ask my Instagram followers to vote :) Once I've finalized a design, I have it laser cut out of brass and then I make them into earrings and necklaces.

S: I get inspired by materials and color.  I am a create and learn as I go kind of artist.  I am always learning something new and continue to build on my skill set as I go.  

 What are some projects you hope to tackle in the future?

C: I'd love to learn silversmithing in the not so distant future. I've been wanting to take a class for a few years now but never seem to have the time to commit.

T:I've been wanting to design a line of cast jewelry for the past few years, but haven't quite gotten around to it yet! I have all the wax carving supplies...just need to sit down and start playing with them!

M: I’ve got a few ideas for zines that I would like to make- once I find the time! I’ve been really inspired by old Slavic fairy tale illustrations recently, and I’d love to attempt something full of that much detail!

A:Some new jewelry collections that I'm working on are combining my cut-out brass pieces with stones and other objects. I'm also going to start making some new smaller dainty post earrings.

S: I am really wanting to dive back into painting and potentially get some mixed media pieces going.  I’d love to take some classes to extend my creativity, skill set, and grow as an artist.

Are you diving into any good books, shows, or podcasts lately?

C: I've been working my way through Vivienne Westwood's autobiography - she is a big style icon for me. And I just discovered a new cable show called "Tattoo Age" that profiles all the highly regarded tattoo artists from this century. It's super interesting and inspiring.

T: I just read Rules of Civility and A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles and loved them both very much! You know you've read a good book when you're still thinking about it a month later.

M: Anything by Neil Gaiman is a winner for me personally. I recently read ‘Norse Mythology’ and it flooded my mind with inspiration. I’m also delving into the Harry Potter series again which is always really inspiring for me.

A: I'm really liking the new show "Making It" with Amy Poehler and Nick Offerman. Parks & Rec is one of my all time favorites so it's neat to see Amy & Nick mixed with crafty goodness.

S: I have a deep fondness for the Dollop podcast.  It’s hilarious and fun to hear random American history from a comedic viewpoint.  I am also a big fan of the Hollywood Theatre.

What is your favorite product to make?

C: I enjoy making my crystal talismans. I love incorporating the organic crystals with the brass geometric shapes to create something that feels magical.

T:The hammered diamond hoops with beads. I love the matte finish on the beads and enjoy working with those stones.

M: I don’t really have a favorite yet, but I always love having a moment to work on illustrations.

A: My line of cut-out brass necklaces and earrings allows me to combine my background in graphic design with my love of jewelry. So it's really the best of both worlds for me :)

 S: I have really loved making these wire word pendants.  I feel a nostalgia with the shape and each word has a personal meaning.  

What is one of your favorite spots in Portland? I know it’s hard to choose just one!

C:My favorite spot in Portland is the Eagles Lodge on SE Hawthorne + 50th. They host bingo night and a rummage sale once a month and you can get a cocktail for $3. I've been going there for over 20 years and it has barely changed - it feels like the old Portland I fell in love with way back when. I finally became a member recently and hope to be volunteer bartending there real soon.

T:The patio at Por Que No? on Hawthorne is always my favorite.

M:I love exploring the little neighborhoods in Portland’s East side. The houses are all so precious and I can’t help but daydream of having one of my own one day! And pretty much anywhere in town during spring, the plants blooming here are incredible.

A:City State Diner is my go-to place for brunch and good a cup of coffee. I like to bring my sketchbook and draw while I wait for my food.

S:I always tell people to go to Mothers when they visit Portland.  It’s a beautiful spot with delicious food, the staff is great and the decor is beautiful.

If you could use just three words to describe your business or art, what would they be?

C: Female. Strong. Magic.

T: Simple, versatile, and sweet.

M: Surreal, whimsical, and magical.

A: Modern, casual, and positive.

S: Colorful, bold, fun.

We will be displaying our work until the end of September, be sure to come check it out!

Applications for the 2018 Crafty Wonderland Holiday Art + Craft Market are now CLOSED! Thank you to all of you who applied! You will be notified of your status by the end of the day on Wednesday, September 12th.

Please DO NOT email us asking to submit a late application. We do not accept late applications under any circumstances. Please DO NOT email us asking the status of your application. We are busy at work and will be in touch by the deadline listed above.

Thank you!

August’s Artist of the Month is none other than Paper Puffin! Featuring wide-eyed curious cats and intricately illustrated natural elements, Paper Puffin has definitely created an unmistakable style.

What would you say inspires your work?

This particular, peculiar cat named Puffin is my main muse, though I’m inspired by the many amazing cats I’ve met over the years. Nature, micro landscapes and collections and the places I’ve lived.

We carry some of the best Paper Puffin goods available year round in our Downtown Portland location. We have prints, cards, and stickers- all adorned with those funny cat faces!

What is one of your favorite spots in Portland? I know it’s hard to choose just one!

There are so many great coffee shops and little stores! Magnetic North Studios off Belmont is a great artist-run workspace, and where I do my screen-printing. My favorite moments are walking through the neighborhoods when all the flowers are blooming.

Tell us a bit about your artistic process!

I limited myself to a single black pen years ago, as a way to develop my line work but also to narrow my focus. I love working with lots of different materials and processes, especially paper, wood fabric and found objects. I love it most when I can combine a design with hand-made production.

What is your favorite product to make?

I love working on original paintings, and collaborating with other artist friends for smaller projects when I can.

It’s so hard to pass up any of these cat faces, so stop in this month and adopt one of your very own!

If you could use just three words to describe your business, what would they be?

Curious Paper Cat

photo by Shannon O'Connor

Applications are OPEN!

PLEASE NOTE: Participation in the Friday night ticketed shopping party is mandatory for all vendors! People can buy tickets in order to shop early for first pick of your goods and without the huge crowds. It's going to be AWESOME! This means that ALL VENDORS will be REQUIRED to load in and set their booth up completely between 10am and 4pm on Friday, December 7th and to have their booths open that evening during the event. Please make note of this and arrange your schedule accordingly. Again, this is REQUIRED and is the ONLY time slot where vendors can load in.

Our application system is entirely digital! 

Follow the link below to the apply page on our website. PLEASE READ THROUGH THE APPLICATION FAQs to answer any and all questions regarding the sale and the application process. You will find a link to the application at the bottom of the "faq / apply" page. 

We also recommend that you check out our list of handy APPLICATION TIPS before applying.

Don't wait too long!
Applications are due August 22nd!

CLICK HERE TO APPLY