JJ's Woodcrafts

Vendor Spotlight: JJ’s Woodcrafts

Jack Jones always loved woodworking and gardening. After retiring in 2000, he realized how many small wood scraps were left behind from various woodworking projects. That was when “JJ’s Woodcrafts” began making birdhouses from recycled materials.

Jack creates and builds birdhouses and feeders from repurposed barn wood from the 1800’s. Each house is unique and decorated with old hardware found in barns being dismantled.

Jack spends hours researching birds to learn about their living habits. Each house is built with care and creativity. As most wood is 50-200 years old it has been naturally weathered and distressed with variations in grains, knots and wear. Each house is as unique as the wood used to make it.

Come see JJ’s Woodcrafts on June 14 from 10AM – 4PM at McConkey’s Market in Washington Crossing Historic Park (PA)

joeyfivecents

Some people look at old packaging and books as junk. Film editor turned jewelry designer Susan Forker sees treasure. Her business – joeyfivecents – transforms vintage paper from old novels, dictionaries and manuals into everyday, wearable jewelry.  

“I never scan or duplicate, which I consider very important as it preserves the integrity of the image,” says Susan, who works in a Civil War-era barn in Doylestown. “One of my favorite steps is when I hunt for new imagery … I am very particular and thrive on scouring flea markets, thrift stores and the like for my latest collection. joeyfivecents allows me to present these fantastic images in a modern way.”

Susan’s jewelry pieces – she calls them “Joeys” – gives new life to images which might otherwise be forgotten. Her most recent line was inspired by the textures and colors of the Bucks County landscape. Working with epoxy clay, rich-colored pigments and custom molds, these pieces evoke an organic, earthy vibe that celebrates nature's beauty and imperfections through botanical imagery.

See Joeyfivecents at McConkey’s Market on June 14 form 10-4 in Washington Crossing Historic Park.

Forging Ahead Designs

Vendor Spotlight: Forging Ahead Designs

Jesse Stratowski handcrafts high-quality blades, but his business veered in a second, unintended direction.

“I started blacksmithing and bladesmithing for myself, but when friends and family began asking me to make some for them, I started selling blades online and at small markets,” he says.

Since blades must be stored, Jesse began making leather sheaths. He describes this part of his business as “a happy accident.”

“The same skills used to make a nice sheath have a great deal of overlap with the skills for making wallets, belts, bags, and other traditional leather goods,” he says. “The combination of my own curiosity and queries from folks looking for leatherwork led me to expand my offerings.”

“Everything that I present is made by my own two hands; forged, shaped, and hand-sewn,” he continues. “Forging Ahead Designs represents the intersection of the driving philosophies in my life: reducing my global impact, sourcing sustainable materials, creating goods carefully one at a time that will last a lifetime, and community support.”

Come see Forging Ahead Designs on June 14 from 10AM – 4PM at McConkey’s Market in Washington Crossing Historic Park (PA).

Spirit Glassworks

Vendor Spotlight: Spirit Glassworks

After working many years in the restaurant industry, Melissa Joy set out to pursue a life that was more aligned with the things that made her feel inspired and happy.

“I took a job assembling glass jewelry for a local artist. The pay wasn’t much and I honestly thought it was just layover until I found something else but something very unexpected happened. I really enjoyed doing it and I was good at it.” 

She worked at the studio for a few years and eventually was set up to work from home which allowed her the creative freedom to start my own designs. “Soon I was selling my own work at craft shows and officially formed my own business.”

“In 2010, I started playing around with post consumer glass bottles. With the skills and equipment I had acquired over the years l, it just seemed natural for me to try and utilize the beautiful glass that is discarded daily by the buckets full.”

“Each bottle I use goes through a multi step process. It is cleaned and cut, broken down and separated into tops, bottoms and middle parts. It then goes through one or multiple kiln firings. I use each part for different applications in my work.”

“ I really love being able to take all this glass that may otherwise end up in a landfill and reuse it. I am proud to say that my work is Recycled, Sustainable and a true transformation from trash to treasure!”

Come see Spirit Glassworks on June 14 from 10AM – 4PM at McConkey’s Market in Washington Crossing Historic Park (PA)