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Best Handmade Crafts In Baltimore

Handmade crafts are an important part of the American Folk Art tradition. Buying something local and handmade guarantees that you're getting a unique piece of art. It's more special than something fresh off of the assembly line that is shoved into every store in the country. For a great gift, decoration or personal splurge, these shops offer some of the best handmade crafts in Baltimore. -- Amy Gardner Mcneal
Womans_Industrial_Exchange
(credit: http://womansindustrialexchange.org)

The Woman's Industrial Exchange

333 North Charles Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
(410) 685-4388
www.womansindustrialexchange.org

Hours:

Tuesday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed on Sunday and Monday.

Since their opening in 1880, The Woman's Industrial Exchange has been a leader in providing Baltimore craft artists with a place to show and sell their wares. The gift shop features beautiful one-of-a-kind children's clothes, knitted items, jewelry, paintings and toys, as well as locally created painted art. This is truly a beautiful and historic place to find a special gift. They also offer lessons in making crafts, from textiles to mosaics. Sofi's Crepes, in the basement, is a popular local lunch spot.

Sideshow_Shop
(credit: www.sideshowbaltimore.com)

Sideshow Shop at the American Visionary Art Museum

800 Key Highway
Baltimore, MD 21230
(443) 872-4926
www.avam.org

Hours:

Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Closed on Sunday.

The always energetic and gloriously funky gift shop at the American Visionary Art Museum (AVAM) is one of the most fun places to shop for a selection of the best handmade crafts in Baltimore. AVAM takes it's mission to bring visionary art to the masses seriously, and this is evident in the Sideshow Shop. Browse locally handmade jewelry, bags, textiles, art and more at this eclectic wonderland of kitsch. You'll definitely leave smiling. This is the perfect place to find something for someone who is hard to shop for or to just pick up some unique new earrings.

Earth_Alley
(credit: www.earthalley.com)

Earth Alley

3602 Elm Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21211
(410) 366-2110
www.earthalley.com

Hours: Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Closed on Sunday.

Earth Alley, in Hampden, is Baltimore's source for eco-friendly shopping. Featuring a large stock of locally made crafts and gifts, as well as environmentally responsible products from all over the world, Earth Alley's selection and service set it apart. Beautifully handcrafted jewelry, textiles, cosmetics and art for the home give earth-conscious shoppers the opportunity to find the perfect gift. With many products resourced from rescued industrial materials, this shop specializes in fair trade, sustainably sourced artisan crafts. Earth Alley also hosts weekly First Friday events and classes on "green" topics.

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