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| - I visited this location last night (thank God it was at NIGHT instead of hot DAY) to partake in their Arizona Craft Rave: Make-n-Take Marathon 2016, aside from checking out the local independent bookstore itself for the first time since their opening 2 years ago when they used to be Beefeaters restaurant (where I never ate at). Looks like they remodeled it nicely after the building languished for awhile after Beefeaters went out of business.
The make-n-take was creative. You got to choose which craft / table: paper crafting, embroidery, wood-burning, leather, mosaic. You can pick any/all table/s for $5 each. A bit confusing at first what the original $5 admission was for when I thought it included refreshments and dancing, according to their Facebook Event page. When I inquired at the entry table, they didn't know what I meant by refreshments and finally figured it's at a bar next to the event room; yet, it was not free. So, I didn't eat/drink. There was also no music or dancing. So, I didn't dance. There were also not enough signs or directions where to pay the $5 entry and also another $5 for the make-n-take (there was one sign of instructions situated too low away from the entry table, which made it less noticeable). It's polite to position everything at the entry area where we could read and know where to go and spare us from asking too many questions that run the risk of making us feel/look like newbies. And, they admitted too many people in a small-ish space, which made it hard to move around. Fire code alert? Ding, ding, ding. Sigh, this is the common issues I encounter frequently with Arizonans in various events: you need to communicate more and better and work on your manners please! Anyway, I chose artist Emmy Widener's table because she specialized in my favorite craft i.e. rubber stamping & paper crafting. Her project was a bit limited and pre-made when all you had to do was add more embellies after she selected the materials. I prefer to make from scratch. I guess I'm too experienced for her/their ideals- kind of felt too simple and for beginners. But, at least, it's the real thing and you can utilize. I am not much for make-n-takes but just like to support the crafting industry, especially locally. She and her assistant were nice though. I got to bring home my semi-finished project for free. In concluding, it was an okay experience, as I was there to support the craft fancy as well as meeting some local artisans. However, I will not partake in this event again because of those dings. I feel they were run by inexperienced people who only knew how to process the payments and nothing more, even while the table settings were nice. I prefer experienced crafters all-around. If they have this event again, and if you still want to go, I highly-recommend that you bring a like friend with you (to make it more fun & tolerable), and heed my review! Hopefully, they read the review and improve in the future. Sorry, but I am big on manners and complete communication. My time spent is very valuable!
Next, another reason for my visit is this store, of course. I like the downtown city feel of the building, with its exposed duct pipes in the ceiling and the bookstore-coffee-bar-eatery-clatch feel, especially since it's close to the real downtown. I especially like they're dog-friendly (there were no dogs present, boo!) ;) The store staff was polite and personable and acted like they enjoy working at a bookstore. One of them even asked if I need assistance, and when another let me know the store was closing at 10, she exuded a professional tone. And, I love books, too ;) To support a local business, I went ahead and purchased a David Bowie coloring book for adults (yes, the current trend) and a "Melissa & Doug" wood-mounted ABCabc rubber stamp set. I can't wait to play with 'em ;) I may be back to this store again only when I am in the neighborhood. Hopefully, they get more renowned authors visiting. The more famous ones seem to visit the older Tempe location in a dumpy neighborhood way south in the middle of nowhere. Thanks for being so kind AND thanks for permitting dogs (I may bring mine and hope to see others', too). See you!
(BTW, the store gives a discount for teachers and also offers a little Book Readers' Club bonus card free where you get 10 squares stamped in from your purchases and get $10 off next purchase :)
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