Last Thursday I had the opportunity to attend a media preview of the Lowertown Pop at the Union Depot in St. Paul. I haven’t been to the Union Depot since 2006 and much has changed about this beautifully historic building centered in the heart of St. Paul. My husband and I actually had our wedding reception at the Union Depot back in the day (okay it wasn’t that long ago, we’re talking 2005). So what exactly is Lowertown Pop? Their website can do a far better job than I can explaining it:

Lowertown Pop – A Minnesota Maker market featuring local artisans and craftspeople including brewers, bakers, distillers, artists and musicians. The annual market will be held on Saturday, April 15th, 2017 in the Waiting Room at Union Depot and will benefit River’s Edge Academy, a non-profit organization challenging students to discover their greatness by learning through experience in a small, supportive community. Lowertown Pop is a crowdfunding market, meaning 50 percent of ticket sales will be donated to River’s Edge Academy and 50 percent will be given to one lucky Minnesota Maker.

Lowertown Pop Demonstration Schedule
11:00 Moxie Malas – What different gem stones mean and how to use the aromatherapy stones.
11:30 Fast Mary’s – How to make a bloody mary and how to use it in cooking dishes.
12:00 Anywhere Apparel – How their clothing works for travel and how to use the men’s coat as a backpack.
12:30 Essence One – Different ways to use their aromatherapy products.
1:00 Isyoma Designs – Different ways to use their multi-functional clothing.
1:30 Angies Hats – How to make hats and fascinators for Easter and Kentucky Derby.
2:00 Beth Homa Style – How to harvest and make birch bark products.
2:30 Tonja’s Table – Making recipes from her book.
3:00 BET Vodka – How to make 3 spring and summer cocktails.
3:30 Hagen and Oats – The sisters and their tools makin’ something cute.

When I was at the preview I had an opportunity to meet some of the artisans and craftspeople and let me tell you: They are stellar! You’ll find everything from fun bath products (check out The Bird Bath, my girls have been OBSESSED with her Bubble Bars) to aromatherapy jewelry (must see Moxie Malas who is not only presenting at this year’s event but also has these beautiful essential oil bracelets that are so discreet).

I personally loved the upcycled leather accessories from Desdamona Doolittle’s Trash to Treasure Leather. The artisan behind the upcycled adjustable choker necklaces, cuffs, and keyrings, basically raids salvage yards for leather that’s been tossed out. I have been thinking about that baby blue star choker since last Thursday, buyer’s-not-purchased-remorse is what I’m experiencing.

Moxie Malas’ oil diffuser bracelet with Lava Stone is also another one of my must-see vendors. I use essential oils and I love the idea of being able to wear a piece of jewelry so I can benefit from the aromatherapy essential oils have, however, many of the pieces I’ve seen are bulky. Not Moxie Malas; she uses Lava Stone which is porous and can naturally diffuse the oil. Below is my oil diffuser bracelet that was given to me at the preview night; given the time of year it is and how stressful and kind of hopeless I’ve felt I put Young Living’s Joy on my bracelet.

Do you want to go to Lowertown Pop next Saturday? Well, I’ve got two pairs of tickets for you and a guest! All you need to do is complete the giveaway form using the tool below and you’ll be entered in the drawing. Again the annual shopping event is Saturday, April 15th, 2017 in the Waiting Room at Union Depot in St. Paul. The admission price goes to benefit River’s Edge Academy, a non-profit organization challenging students to discover their greatness by learning through experience in a small, supportive community.