Yesterday I visited a craft fair in San Francisco. I wasn’t there as “zombie,” or looking for something political to blog about — I was just looking to shop for craft-y arts and accessories.

Luckily, I followed my new rule: Never leave home without a camera.

Because even here, in the most unlikely of places, the Obama Meme cropped up again. It seems there’s no way to avoid it. Amongst the handmade earrings and stuffed animals and trendy silkscreened t-shirts were images of our culture’s new folk icon, Barack Obama.

Unfortunately, I was more than halfway through the fair before I recognized the pattern of Obama imagery around me, so I didn’t photograph many of them. But I did catch a few snapshots of Obama idolatry as I strolled through the remaining booths.

Keep in mind that the craft fair was in no way political, and needless to say I didn’t see any other candidates mentioned or depicted. It’s just that iconic pictures of Obama have already become a standard feature in the fashion world. Is Obama the new Che?

Here’s a handmade greeting card featuring Obama as a Pez dispenser — or, in his case, “Prez” dispenser.

Here’s a hand-printed poster showing Stern Obama, making us feel guilty for our extravagances.

This blurry picture (sorry) shows a poster which optimistically refers to him already as “President Obama.”

Later, apropos of nothing, after I left the fair I noticed this “Commie” disguise in a novelty shop above a sign that said “Ready. Set. Hope.”

Right above it was an “Obama Rama” air freshener. (Note to company that makes this product: Wouldn’t “Obamaroma” have been a much better name?)

Any time I encounter further examples of the emerging “Obama Meme,” I’ll post them here.

UPDATE: The “Chicagoist” site posted this excellent collection of Obama folk designs several months ago. I didn’t realize that Obama meme-spotting was already a well-established sport!
(Thanks to reader Linda L. for finding the link.)

UPDATE #2: The “magpie and cake” crafting blog has another gallery of Obama-themed crafts from earlier this year.
(Thanks to reader Ringo the Gringo for the link.)