Storcks Design

Vendor Spotlight: Storcks Design

How many concrete artists do you know? We’ll wait. 

Husband and wife team Rich and Jennifer Storcks started their hand-cast concrete business in 2017 when Rich made the first Single Cigar Ashtray, a patented concrete cigar rest and ashtray combo that is their best seller.  

“A year later we added color to the design and began our signature marbling pour, combining multiple colors in one piece to create a natural stone effect,” Jennifer says. “Today we have seven different stock color combinations and over 20 designs. Our concrete line also includes coasters, other cigar ashtrays and rests, and a collection of cannabis accessories and home goods.” 

Rich and Jennifer work in their home garage shop alongside their miniature schnauzer, Randy. Their designs can be found in stores across 43 states and in backyards around the world.

“We’re always the booth men love because there’s never enough stuff for them at these shows and they flock to us!” Jennifer says. 

Come see Storcks Design on September 13 from 10AM – 4PM at McConkey’s Market in Washington Crossing Historic Park (PA)

DownCellarRagWorks

Jean Smalley likes to say she’s been making “old things new” since childhood. 

“I learned to sew watching my mom and then I made my own creations from her piles of scraps – that definitely influenced my continued love of creating new from old,” she says. 

Today, Jean loves gathering unique 100% reclaimed textiles and needlework, that have a bit of whimsy, nostalgia, or charm and turning them into items like jackets, skirts, tops, aprons, neckwear, cat doorstops, totes, and more. Each piece is repurposed with creativity, color, and function to create a truly one-of-a-kind item.   

“Finding a different use for leftover textiles has always been the fun, creative part of what I do and I’m glad it adds in a small way to reducing waste and encouraging a more sustainable lifestyle,” Jean says.

Come see DownCellarRagWorks on September 13 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 September 13 form 10-4 in Washington Crossing Historic Park.

Native West Batiks

Vendor Spotlight: Native West Batiks

Batik is an artform that has been around for centuries.  Carla West has been learning, designing, and working with batik processes for over 30 years.

“I was intrigued by the uniqueness of each batik piece and the almost primitive and organic nature of the dyes and fabrics.  Living in northern Arizona I loved combining the batik process with the pottery designs of long disappeared native tribes from the Southwest.”

Now Carla continues her craft by using batik to create fun images of pop culture, landscapes, creatures large and small, and pretty much anything that captures her design aesthetic. Carla creates batik designs on cotton clothing including tee shirts, hoodies, onesies, and more.

Come see Native West Batiks on September 13 from 10AM – 4PM at McConkey’s Market in Washington Crossing Historic Park (PA)

Partnership Crafts

Vendor Spotlight: Partnership Crafts

Joan Betzold grew up in a family of craftsmen/women and attributes much of her success to her “crafty” genes. Healthcare was another part of Joan’s family background; so loving both, she got her B.S. in Therapeutic Recreation so she could share her love of crafting/recreation with many special populations. Joan founded a healthcare consulting firm. After the sudden death of her husband, Joan decided life really was too short and began her second career as a basket weaver by turning a hobby into a full time passion.

Joan weaves very traditionally, using age old techniques with no molds, nails, glue, tape or staples. Each basket is “one of a kind, made one at a time. “ Joan restores chairs including, caning, splinting, and rushing. Another passion of Joan is repurposing. She combines these two interests in what are becoming her signature unique baskets incorporating vintage kitchen items, gardening and other tools.

Joan loves to do custom work and coming up with just the right thing for a customer.

Come see Joan Betzold of Partnership Crafts at McConkey’s Market on September 13 at McConkey’s Market in Washington Crossing Historic Park (PA).