Deluxe Indie Craft Bazaar: Erin Cooper
My story about the Deluxe Indie Craft Bazaar includes some quotes from Erin Cooper, but I thought I’d share her whole interview here because she has some clever things that made me smile.
So, without further delay: Erin Cooper of Oklahoma City.
Q: Tell me about your company and what you make.
A: My company is named Pippin + Pearl and we make handmade gifts & accessories. We specialize in items that are inspired by classic vintage styles and we try to incorporate vintage items such as jewelry, buttons, trim and even millinery supplies in our designs. We are currently transitioning from being featured in a local vintage shop, Mister Rabbit, to launching our online store at pippinandpearl.com, and, hopefully, being carried in multiple boutiques in Oklahoma City.
Q: Why do you do hand-made items? What do you get out of it creatively, personally, professionally?
A: I’m a graphic designer and I have always loved creating art. Crafting gets me out of the digital realm and allows me to create something tangible, and I find that super satisfying. It is also something that has brought me closer to the community here in OKC. I’m not a native of Oklahoma. I came here from Colorado and met Sara Cowan of Deluxe in December of 2008. 
She was manning her booth at Deluxe Indie Craft Bazaar and I instantly liked her “go get ‘em,” attitude and her funky panache… . She sort of “brought me into the fold” of the OKC indie crafting community. We started talking on Twitter, and through her I met a ton of amazing artists in the area. Deluxe provides that same collective attraction for most of the artists involved. Everyone encourages each other, and when we get together, it’s a little like a reunion, with all the coolest people you ever heard of. It is an awesome collection of people, and I feel lucky to be a part of the group.
Creatively – a chance to design and create my own accessories. I love making things and then having people come up to me at the store or the library and ask me, “Where did you get that awesome scarf/necklace/headband?” I read a ton of style blogs and fashion magazines for inspiration. I pay attention to the colors on the runway and the accessories being worn in magazines and movies. I love that being a handmade artist allows you to respond quickly to trends. I find it so gratifying to see something I like and come up with my own twist on a look or style.
Personally – I have made some amazing friendships through the crafting community. I’ve created an identity outside of my professional life, and I have hopes that one day I’ll be able to merge the two and you know… world domination and all that. 
Professionally – I have used my career in design and marketing at Cooper Multimedia to boost the visibility of my craft business, Deluxe Indie Craft Bazaar, and the businesses of a few of my local artist friends. I think that through these connections, I’m sharpening my skills and hopefully working towards building relationships that will be mutually beneficial.
Q: What do you like about Deluxe and why do you come?
A: Coming from another state and getting to know Oklahoma City from that perspective has been so interesting. I believe that Deluxe is a major “feather in the cap” of this city. As we were leaving my first Deluxe back in 2008, I remember telling my husband, ” I think I’m gonna like it here…” This show and all the amazing people in it are a big reason why OKC feels like home to me.
Anyone can come to Deluxe because it costs nothing for admission. Anyone can enjoy the entertainment, and peruse the booths. Deluxe showcases artists that are a wonderful representation of all walks of life, and I think everyone enjoys soaking up the social and family aspect of this show. Also, it’s great to know that every time you buy something at Deluxe, you really are contributing to your local economy. Each of these artists is working hard to create amazing items, and when you buy them, you’re making sure their families have a good Christmas.
It really impresses me that Deluxe is involved with the community. There are lots of community groups that will be represented, as well as Project OKC which is a local non-profit who gives back to OKC in a big way. There are lots of reasons to come and have an amazing time at Deluxe, and I think everyone will leave with a smile on their faces.
Q: Explain how Deluxe is different from your run-of-the-mill craft shows.
A: It’s an amazing collection of artists who produce crafts with a young & hip vibe, but it’s also an event that is friendly to everyone. It’s FREE to get in. It’s a free concert, it’s a free puppet show, it’s a free visit from Santa. It’s the perfect event to take your whole family. I think there is something really pure and organic about how this event has come about and grown.
It was an idea born in the kitchen of two local women and it’s grown into this amazing representation of what this city has to offer. Sara & JD have done a brilliant job of curating with every shopper in mind. They’ve even created a gift guide to give you ideas for shopping for everyone (husband/babysitter/mailman/great-aunt louise).
If a “run of the mill” craft show is full of a random sampling of kitsch, then this craft show is more like a carefully curated collection of crafts that you will be tempted to keep for yourself, instead of gifting. I’m serious. I always end up keeping half of the stuff I intend to give away as gifts. (Sorry, Mom!)
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