In 210SA!

Glue guns and glitter: Welcome to DIY factory
Jennifer Lloyd | 210SA

Renegade crafters will unite for the second annual DIY Factory on Saturday, Nov. 15, in greater numbers and with wild creations. This year, attendees can join in the Swap-O-Rama-Rama by redesigning used clothes on-site for a retrofitted-fashion show during the event at La Plaza del Rey Ballroom.


Missy Ozuna, producer of the show, said about 50 vendors and artisans will be selling their wares at DIY Factory. Expect to find purses made from vintage curtains, found-object art, baby clothing, ceramics, jewelry and feather hairpieces. Lots of stuff will be priced $20 or less, Ozuna said. Visitors can also watch local painter Lawrence Trujillo create art or get into the do-it-yourself spirit themselves.


Those willing to take some design risks can join in the Swap-O-Rama-Rama hosted by Greater Austin Garbage Arts. Ozuna described the swap as an area where guests can donate and swap clothing and transform items with a little design help.


Those who create their own fashions can be part of the fashion show later that night, Ozuna said. Participants can either wear their redesigned clothes themselves or dress a model to show alongside the work of local designers.


Artisans will set up shop next to community action advocates this year. The community info and action portion — with reps from Esperanza Peace and Justice Center, San Antonio Free Speech Coalition and Battered Women and Children’s Shelter of Bexar County — “gives people the opportunity to take the DIY ethic one step further in their community,” Ozuna said. And for each $5 entry free, DIY Factory will give $1 to the Women and Children’s Shelter.


“The craft movement has been going on elsewhere for quite a while, and the craft movement plays a big part in the DIY ethic,” Ozuna said. “It’s about recycling old stuff, about making things unique and not buying mass-produced junk and not supporting large corporations. ..... I think it has to do with individualism, not looking like everybody else.


THE RUNDOWN
WHAT: Second annual DIY Factory
WHEN: 3 p.m. to 1 a.m. Saturday, Nov.
15
WHERE: La Plaza del Rey Ballroom, 2716 Fredericksburg Road
HOW MUCH: $5 (children 12 and under free with adult)
INFO: thediyfactory. org