Etsy's Handmade Blog
Etsy in Action: Bay Area Maker Faire in San Mateo
Story by adam, objecked
Published on May 29, 2009 in Events 		Photo by

Ric e Ette on flickr

For anyone who's ever been to an Austin or Bay Area Maker Faire, I'm sure you'll echo my sentiments that it is a respectable spectacle filled with spectacular spectacles. With an emphasis on the experiments of tinkerers from around the globe, it's a great way to get inspiration for new projects as we head into summer. This weekend's event in San Mateo, California, May 30 - 31, 2009, will not disappoint! 

Steam carriage, photo by staxnet on flickr.

While this g33k gala is pretty out there, it isn't just for geeks. Maker Faire is a family-friendly event and attracts all walks of makers and explorers. In my previous jaunts to these events, I've met an architect who builds portable, modular, panoramic towers the size of a four story building. I've met people who build Tesla coils, just so they can have sword fights with lightning. I've met children who have built functioning robots, and bicycle enthusiasts who have built pedal-powered carnival rides out of recycled cycles. I've met people who use walnuts for gasoline, and a man who built a full size Babbage difference engine #2. As you might imagine, the list goes on and on, but certainly this is the hub where computer programmers, Steampunks, the Burning Man crowd, and the typical family of four can come together and rejoice in the marvels of mankind's imagination.

Naturally, you should expect to see some Etsy folks there too, so if you're coming to the Maker Faire, stop into the Bazaar Bizarre craft area and see the faces behind some of the glorious Etsy shops you know and love.

RedSheep battles AbsolutelySmall's chickenpants.

Etsy Admin Adam and I, Eric a.k.a. objecked, will also be on hand, with goodies and crafts. Make sure to stop in and say "hi" to us at the Expo Hall, where you can enter to win one of many Etsy tote bags stuffed with an Etsy t-shirt, Diana Eng's new book Fashion Geek* from My Craftivity Store*, Eco-Cotton yarn and sewing supplies, fashion embellishing goodness from ilovetocreate, cool markers from Marvy Uchida, coupons, and more! 

Free stuff not enough...? We will also have a station set up for you to get creative and make your own comic strips!

Give a shout in the comments below if you'll be attending (or vending at) this year's Maker Faire. We hope to see you! Not in the area? Find inspiration in the Geek Chic gift guide right now! 

*Psst... yes, you! These links include a 10% discount code for Etsy Storque readers. 

Tags Bay area, Bazaar Bizarre, books, Burning Man, California, carnival, conference, coupon, craft fair, craft shows, engineering, etsy in action, Events, experiments, fairs, geekery, geeks, giveaway, hackers, Make Magazine, Maker Faire, meet up, programmers, San Francisco, San Mateo, steampunk, technology, weekend
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50 comments     Login to add your own!

May 29, 2009 at 1:34 p.m. LaveMeSoapCo

oh how fun!

May 29, 2009 at 1:34 p.m. siennaorlando

Oh so close!! What and awesome event!
Love the infectious stomatitis!

May 29, 2009 at 1:36 p.m. evihan

great mixture:-)

May 29, 2009 at 1:39 p.m. FancifulForm

I want in!!

May 29, 2009 at 1:46 p.m. fieldday

field day will be there with Bazaar Bizarre. cant wait!

May 29, 2009 at 1:46 p.m. slumptown

How fun, wish I was going to be in the area!

May 29, 2009 at 1:51 p.m. adoreneko

I want to go!
Thanks for the discount links. :-)

May 29, 2009 at 1:51 p.m. buttercupbloom

buttercupbloom will be there, toooooo!

So! Much! Fun!!!!!!

May 29, 2009 at 1:52 p.m. HibouCards

That looks really cool, would love to go... unfortunately I'm on the East coast :(
Anybody knows of a similar fair on this side of the country?

May 29, 2009 at 1:54 p.m. BlueRoseRetro

I think I will make the trip from Santa Cruz to San Mateo for, what sounds to be a fabulous event. I will be sure to stop by and say hi.

May 29, 2009 at 1:54 p.m. workingforpeanuts

Wish I was there! Have fun everybody! Nice picks here!

May 29, 2009 at 2:01 p.m. ToxicInk

Looks like a blast!

May 29, 2009 at 2:05 p.m. travellingcircus

Jeepers...I wish I could be there. Looks like an absolute riot!

May 29, 2009 at 2:07 p.m. zwzzy

yeahhh! Hopefully I'll make it out!

May 29, 2009 at 2:10 p.m. fromlucywithlove

I wish I could be there too... I'm sure it's going to be a lot of fun!
Also, looooooved the picks!

May 29, 2009 at 2:11 p.m. SugarMohawk

Looks like sooooooo much fun! Where is my SUITCASE!!

May 29, 2009 at 2:20 p.m. FabulousPants

I can't wait to see everyone there! Maker is one of my favorite Bay Area events!

May 29, 2009 at 2:30 p.m. TheCottageCheese

Oh, this looks like so much fun! I wish I could be there...

May 29, 2009 at 2:56 p.m. bobnstitch

Redsheep too funny

May 29, 2009 at 2:58 p.m. EJPcreations

I wanna go!!!

May 29, 2009 at 3:03 p.m. redyellowandblueink

Maker fair is very neat. I was at the first Maker fair-i was the one in the middle.....it's gotten a lot more popular since then-which is pretty cool. DIY baby!!!!!!!!!!

May 29, 2009 at 3:12 p.m. tanisalexis

GREAT to see madebymoxie up there!! she is the ultimate in needle felting artists!! you'll see what I mean when you see her work in person. be sure to give her a high five for me. :) XO!

May 29, 2009 at 3:23 p.m. thestapeliacompany

Yet another reason I wish I lived on the west coast! This looks so fun! :)

May 29, 2009 at 3:41 p.m. baconsquarefarm

Have fun guys~! Wish I could come too~!

May 29, 2009 at 3:57 p.m. Morado

I LOVE that T shirt....the girl is so preeeeetyy! :o)

May 29, 2009 at 4:05 p.m. PipocaHandmade

This event sounds awesome! Have fun!

May 29, 2009 at 4:42 p.m. LHogan

oh la la

May 29, 2009 at 6:01 p.m. worksofwhimsy

That looks so cool! Too bad I can't get away -- it might be worth a 9 hour drive.

May 29, 2009 at 6:10 p.m. SundraSandrusi

Nice picks here!

May 29, 2009 at 9:02 p.m. phydeaux

I'm looking forward to meeting so many of my Etsy colleagues - will be so much fun! :)

May 29, 2009 at 10:24 p.m. SpunSugarKnits

I'll be there all day Saturday as an attendee! I am so excited!

May 30, 2009 at 12:36 a.m. franticfiberfun

I have never been, but am thinking I must go check it out. Saturday or sunday, that's the question!

May 30, 2009 at 10:25 a.m. kwaraw

I'm going today! I'll be looking out for all the esty people.

May 30, 2009 at 12:20 p.m. lovelygifts

Love the steam carriage pic

May 30, 2009 at 12:27 p.m. moonstr

im going sunday!!!
woohoo!

May 30, 2009 at 12:29 p.m. sherrytruitt

How cool. Have fun if you go!

May 30, 2009 at 7:25 p.m. TianaCHE

Have fun for all! Awesome picks!

May 31, 2009 at 5:36 p.m. TheNightjar

ooooh! I missed it this time! i have an actual infectious stomatitis right now so I wish i could go today! erhh! next year....!

June 1, 2009 at 4:12 a.m. Iammie

Cute stuffs!

June 1, 2009 at 11:02 a.m. FleursRockAffair

It was so much fun!!

June 1, 2009 at 11:14 a.m. moonstr

it was so great!

June 1, 2009 at 1:03 p.m. TotusMel

It was so great...though I didn't get so see anything but my steamteam friends...so busy!

June 2, 2009 at 2:42 a.m. Luna66

oh how fun!

June 5, 2009 at 2:57 a.m. AlliesAdornments

Overheard by someone looking at my table "Wow, this gives me so many ideas to make all kinds of CRAP!"
Ummm, thanks?

It was wicked busy & fun!
See you next year!

June 5, 2009 at 9:39 p.m. NEVERWAS

The steam car shown is by our group!
We brought a Calliope we made this year.

June 7, 2009 at 7:31 p.m. mruxndesign

%) hmmm, i missed it.
was it fun? who participated the event?

cheers
kris

June 11, 2009 at 2:49 a.m. 57thirtythree

I was there selling our tees and hoodies. I got dizzy from hearing my own voice and packing tees. Man what an exhilarating experience! A great DIY festival. Thanks to everyone who supported us. Cheers, Lo & J

June 12, 2009 at 9:32 a.m. BirdAndMoonStudio

sure looks like fun!!!!

July 14, 2009 at 4:51 a.m. Tina669

I want to go!

Oct. 4, 2009 at 11:56 p.m. NEVERWAS

We built the steam cart in the picture. Brought the Victorian House and the Calliope we built this year.
This is largely funded by the sale of our steampunk goggles and accessories.

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