Crafts News
Fort Worth hosts massive arts & crafts expo with cutting-edge techniques
Cutting-edge crafting is going down.
An annual creativity-fest has landed in Fort Worth: The Texas Pinners Conference, celebrating all things DIY, is going down for two days at the Will Rogers Memorial Center, 3401 W Lancaster Ave. on Friday, September 22, from 10 am-8 pm and Saturday, September 23, from 9 am-7 pm.
This one-of-a-kind trade show hosts more than 200 vendors and exhibitors, offering a wide array of classes and shopping opportunities, representing the best of Texas.
Founded in 2013, the Pinners Conference was created to bring together individuals who share a common interest in learning, creativity, hobbies and do-it-yourself projects.
It's held in seven states including Kansas City, Georgia, and Idaho.
Texas was the first state outside of the original location in Salt Lake City, says co-founder Roxanne Bennett.
"Texas is such a creative environment," she says. "People are willing to try new things, they're active on social media, and they stay on top of trends."
She says the conference stays vital because trends in the crafts world change so quickly.
"This year the hot trend is UV resin," she says. "Praviously, this was something you could only do if you had all the tools. Now they have this process where you hold a blue light over the material and it dries in 3 minutes. People are going crazy for it."
More than 110 interactive classes are taught by industry experts, influencers, and professionals in their fields. Workshops and demonstrations introduce new techniques, insights, and innovative crafting ideas.
Vendors are all related to crafts, cooking, self-improvement, photography, party planning, scrapbooking, holiday, beauty, and fashion, featuring local artists and shops.
That's part of the appeal: Nearly all of the presenters are small business owners doing what they love to do.
Also new this year: free tickets for teachers.
"As a former educator, I know that teachers are some of the most inspiring individuals, especially in our children's lives," Bennett says. "So, what better way to encourage their creativity and show appreciation than to give them access to one of the largest creative events offline?"
To secure free tickets, Texas educators and school administrators can reserve by visiting tx.pinnersconference.com/gettickets and using the code TEACH. Educators and school administrators are eligible for two complimentary tickets. Attendees are also encouraged to bring their school ID badges to the event.
Tickets start at $12, which include entrance to the conference, access to exhibitors’ shopping, make-and-takes and more. Children 8 years and under are free. Class passes run from $22 to $39. Many classes will have optional kits to purchase once registered for the class.
