It’s that time of year again.
Just in time for finals — and all those end-of-semester projects you’re just starting — it’s the holiday shopping season. Naturally, you’ve already burned through your scholarship and grant money, and now you’re scurrying to sell your clothes, video games and blood plasma to make enough money to buy sweet gifts so your friends think you care.
Do you even have time to go shopping?
Well, good news: It doesn’t have to be that complicated.
At the Avenue, we’re poor, busy college kids, too, and we put our ears to the ground to find the best ways for you to make or buy memorable and creative gifts for everyone you know.
In this issue, we’ve got the details about the Glam Indie Craft show, where you can load up on locally crafted gifts. And if you need an excuse to procrastinate, we have the details on the best place to go to make your own gifts for Mom and Dad. We’ve even got a way you can turn that 99-cent record from the thrift store into a serious work of custom art, courtesy of two talented UF artists.
Consider this your holiday gift from the Avenue.
MUSIC TO YOUR WALLET
Tony Feria is a junior majoring in food resource economics. David Aronson is a senior majoring in painting. Together, they are Zombie Vinyl, and they’re bringing dead records back to life.
For about $15 to $25, these guys can turn a boring, old record into a beautiful, shiny design of your choosing.
Feria got the idea to use records as an artistic medium when he saw something similar at an art festival, and he pitched the idea to Aronson when they became roommates. After experimenting with different techniques and paints, they’ve settled into their own style. The duo layers patterns and homemade stencils with spray paint to create their art.
They usually stick to what they know and love, and the walls of their downtown apartment are covered with their creations, depicting their favorite bands, DJs and hip-hop artists. Their work isn’t confined to musical acts, and they’re open to recreating pictures of friends and famous works of art.
The guys have only just begun their business: They created their first vinyl in June, a two-tone portrait of John Lennon.
To check out their work, visit zombievinyls.com, or find them on Facebook, which is where they prefer you place your orders.
GO LOCAL — THEN GO HOME
Featuring the works of 30 local artisans, the second annual Glam Indie Craft Show offers unique gifts for even the toughest Secret Santa pick.
The biggest bonus: Meeting the artisans and handling their wares allows you to avoid the perils of misleading Web pictures and questionable sources.
Derby ladies from the Alachua County Rollers will be skating swag bags to the first 100 attendees, and DJ Phred will be providing the music. Terranova Catering will be on hand to help with your shopping munchies.
The craft show is Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the downtown Gainesville Thelma Bolton Center, 516 NE Second Ave.
What to look for when you hit up the show:
Kim Taylor, Gainesville’s own Sassy Crafter blogger and organizer of the Glam Indie Craft Show, offers insight into this year’s crafting trends.
1. Dude crafts
Because “cute” and “crafty” go together like peas and carrots, some of you more macho folk may not be down for an overload of adorable. But handmade can get very rugged indeed.
Look for: wallets, screen printed tees, tattoo aftercare cream
2. Cruelty-free/vegan body products
No matter what your mom says, it’s not just what’s on the inside that counts.
Look for: eye shadow, lotion, body scrub bars, shaving soap
3. Upcycled items
“Upcycling means taking something that had one purpose in life and turning it into something fresh and new,” Taylor said.
Look for: auto parts as necklaces, coffee bags as wallets, vintage children’s book covers as notebook covers
4. Amigurumi
Japanese for “crocheted stuffed doll,” Taylor describes amigurumi as “quirky, cute and plushy.” These crafts vary in size, color and theme, so they are perfect for kids or the young at heart.
Look for: sea creatures, elves and Lady Gaga
GATORS DO IT ON CAMPUS
Nothing says, “I love you, Mom” like something with your signature chicken-scratched on the back. The Arts and Crafts Center, located in the basement of the Reitz Union, can help you make this happen.
“Even if someone believes they are not artistically inclined, we still encourage them to come in,” said Stefanie Upshaw, the student manager of the center.
Choose from colors like “Pink Passion,” “Granny Smith” and “Pepe le Blue,” then apply them to a ceramic ornament (from $3.50 for an ornament to $16 for a gnome). All glazing and firing is included in the cost. Dec. 15 is the last day to paint a piece before break, and those creations will be ready for pick up Dec. 17.
The center is open from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Monday through Thursday and 1 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Fridays.
