 | The Cleveland Flea is a flea market (of sorts) in the area around Sterle's Slovenian Country House in Cleveland. I say "of sorts" because I want you to drop your preconception of the word "flea market". This is more of an arts and crafts extravaganza! There is stand after stand of goods ranging from craft jewelry and furniture to delicious food to old-timie knick-nacks and much more. It's not overwhelming but it's nothing you'd drive by and miss either. |
When Gina and I pulled up to the corner of St. Clair and East 55th, I was shocked to see the number of people there! The streets were buzzing with positive feelings as Clevelanders escaped their winter fortresses to enjoy the 1st real weekend day of great weather! Of course we were late and zooming by to find a place to park which wasn't that difficult since unfortunately the neighborhood has lots of open lots.
Our 1st stop was inside of Sterle's for a terrarium making class. Yes, I had similar thoughts to you like "What's a terrarium?" and "Seriously, what's a terrarium?" but I was able to slowly figure it out when I walked in and saw our supplies. There was a seal-able mason jar type of thing; some rocks, dirt and moss; and tiny little people, houses, and mushrooms. That is the first sentence I've ever used ;'s in and even though I'm 134% sure I used them wrong, shut up. The class was run by Green Thumb Design and boy was she a great teacher. Step by step we added all of the ingredients gently to our jar until everything was placed perfectly. This was the end result (mine on the left and Gina's on the right):
Unfortunately we couldn't make the Edible Workshop with Kelli because the classes overlapped but I definitely wanted to mention it since Kelli was so nice to us when we talked to her about rhubarb, which was the topic of that workshop. The Agrarian Collective is her company and they will be teaching classes and running a both at the Flea all summer. Definitely check them out!
After our terrarium class, Gina and I walked from booth to booth checking out all of the wonderful goods. Gina purchased a necklace charm from Allie M. Designs which was an old round section of a map of Canton that included Louisville. I fell in love with every piece of furniture at Stag & Birch who make furniture out of reclaimed barn wood on top of custom fabricated metal bases. One day when I'm rich...
We also stopped by to see our friend Sassyfrass who is super talented and as nice a person as you could meet. Jess makes beautiful jewelry and Gina can't get enough of it. Can't miss gifts for the special lady in your life guys and gals. I almost feel like we stalk her since we've been to a handful of recent art's and crafts shows that she's been a part of. She also works out of Modern Vintage in Hartville which is currently my favorite furniture store ever. It's a must go to if you're in the area.
| Since my parents are giving me a record/8-track player, I've been on the look out for records and 8-tracks. I was able to get myself Jackson Browne's "The Pretender" for only $1. Yes, the last hipster horse has crossed the record finish line but I'm not going to go crazy and start an epic 70's collection. Just a few fun ones here and there. It's got a radio too so I can listen to the Tribe games on my porch while drinking a beer... then some disco on 8-track during the commercials. Then a Neil Diamond record to celebrate a win! Although it's always a win with Neil. |  |
All in all the Cleveland Flea was awesome and it's not one of those things that you just go to once and say "Eh, I was there so I never have to go back." There's always something new (or old) and it's certainly worth checking out again and again. With the interesting classes, a wide variety of booths, and delicious food you're guaranteed a great time. You never know what treasures you'll find at the Cleveland Flea!
Here are this year's dates:
Check out some other events I've attended or places I've been by clicking on the links below:
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