Handmade Arcade hosting virtual spring event, other happenings in 2021
Adam Nelson grew up in nature.
His father, Doyle Nelson, was a national park ranger in California, Wyoming and Pennsylvania. He was recently chief ranger of the Delaware Water Gap in Pennsylvania.
“We spent a lot of time in the outdoors,” said Adam Nelson, of East Liberty, who came to Pittsburgh for college. “When we went fishing we always had to bring a lot of stuff. After college, I wanted to get back to nature and be connected to that world. I remember lugging all this stuff to go fishing. My dad inspired me to do this.”
The “this” he is referring to is creating The Daggerfish Gear Co., a business that creates hand reels – compact fishing rods. He will be showcasing those as one of 60 vendors at Handmade Arcade’s Virtual Marketplace Spring Edition.
Handmade Arcade provides craft-based artists, designers, and makers opportunities to sell products.
The free online event supports makers who live or work in Allegheny County. It will take place April 30 through May 2.
Applications now open for the first-ever, hyperlocal Handmade Arcade Virtual Marketplace. Calling all makers living and/or working in Allegheny county to APPLY TODAY for this new opportunity to connect with locally-minded shoppers. Don't miss out! https://t.co/HXAgIIpUp0 pic.twitter.com/pLi8WNsf66
— handmade arcade (@HandmadeArcade) February 5, 2021
Nelson said he decided on the company name after he made the first hand reel. He was gripping it while walking in the woods and said it felt like he was carrying a dagger.
He makes the products from maple, cherry and walnut.
“I love this business, because it is most in line with my personality,” Nelson said. “It has been fast growing and people seem to like the design.”
He said he was impressed at how Handmade Arcade pivoted to a virtual platform last December because of the pandemic. The organization received a grant from the Richard King Mellon Foundation.
“Pittsburgh is our home,” says Tricia Brancolini-Foley, Handmade Arcade’s executive director. “Ever since our launch in 2004, local makers have been the heart of Handmade Arcade’s programming and work. We’re excited to shine a light on this community of resilient creators who make this region so vibrant.”
Products available include outdoor items, home goods, jewelry, clothing, décor and handbags. Handbag designer Shannon Richardson, of Bridgeville, owns Sha’Lari Couture.
Richardson creates bags and accessories using Tandy leather.
Richardson is constantly working on adding new bags to her collection. Each purse is individually made.
“I tell a customer at shows I do that if you like this bag I can’t reproduce it and I can’t guarantee it will be here when you come back later,” she said.
Richardson applauded Handmade Arcade because it reaches a wide audience and organizers also keep vendors informed.
She began with making a reversible tote, then created a diaper bag and is currently fashioning cross-body, hobo and tote style bags.
Handmade Arcade shares stories of vendors such as Richardson and Nelson via Instagram and Facebook.
“I know that shoppers love our in-person market because they can walk down the aisles and see all the products,” Brancolini-Foley said. “Meeting the makers is part of the experience. But we can’t do that safely just yet.”
JoAnne Klimovich Harrop is a TribLive reporter covering the region's diverse culinary scene and unique homes. She writes features about interesting people. The Edward R. Murrow award-winning journalist began her career as a sports reporter. She has been with the Trib for 26 years and is the author of "A Daughter's Promise." She can be reached at jharrop@triblive.com.
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