Blue Fox Studio

Vendor Spotlight: Blue Fox Studio

Many of the items sold at McConkey’s Market are one of a kind. That includes the work of Sue Fox Mitrano, of Blue Fox Studio. 

“A friend introduced me to the art form of Shibori, an ancient Japanese hand-dyeing technique using indigo,” she says. “I was hooked after my first dye session.”

Sue creates hand-dyed Shibori accessories and home goods. The technique involves natural fiber fabric that is folded, bound, twisted, or stitched and then submerged in a dye vat multiple times. Variations are a natural result, making each piece distinctive. 

“I’m inspired by the unique combination of control and surprise in Shibori dyeing,” Sue says. “With careful practice, I can repeatedly create the same patterns in the cloth, but there are always little surprises – and sometimes big ones – and that is part of the appeal.”    

“It really is a magical process watching the color change,” she adds. “Unwrapping the fabric to see the resulting pattern never fails to delight me!”

Come see Blue Fox Studio on September 30 from 10AM – 4PM at McConkey’s Market in Washington Crossing Historic Park (PA).

Phillip Marc Sons of Liberty

Vendor Spotlight: Philip Marc Sons of Liberty

Considering its location, there may be no more appropriate McConkey’s Market vendor than Philip Marc Sons of Liberty. Philip constructs hand painted signs that recreate iconic symbols from around the time of the American Revolution.

“We were at my brother’s house, and I was sitting across from a tavern sign my sister-in-law had just purchased at Colonial Williamsburg,” Philip says. “As someone who has always loved American history, I decided in that moment to create art inspired by that time period. I went home that night and sketched my first signboard – Ben Franklin’s ‘Join or Die’ political cartoon.”

Philip uses seven-inch tongue and groove southern Georgia heart pine floorboards as the base for his pieces, each of which is distressed to simulate age. Some have worm holes, ax markings, dents, cracked paint, and even simulated musket ball holes. 

Philip says there are many historic images that appeared around the time of the Revolutionary War that have been lost. He believes Americans should know the meaning behind these images, some of which helped to spark America’s birth. 

“My objective is to reintroduce some of these meaningful symbols as a way to educate and celebrate our national freedom,” he says.  

Come see Philip Marc Sons of Liberty on September 30 from 10AM – 4PM at McConkey’s Market in Washington Crossing Historic Park (PA). 

littlebags by Anna

Some entrepreneurs work around their day jobs while they build their businesses. Anna Welsh must work around school and homework. Just 17 years old, Anna is CEO of a thriving company that combines fashion, recycling and philanthropy.  

“I handmake bags from recycled materials, and I donate 15% of proceeds to Tree House Books, which provides free books to kids in Philadelphia,” says Anna, a graduate of the Young Entrepreneurs Academy, a national program that helps young adults find their passion and create businesses.   

Anna has been sewing since age six, but her business idea wasn’t born until 2016 when she made three clutch bags for her mom. Soon, strangers were asking where her mom got the bags. They were astounded when they heard the answer.

Today, Anna’s company, Littlebags by Anna, is churning out eye-catching clutches, mini-clutches, sunglass cases and more from fabric that would otherwise be thrown out. In just two years, she has recycled over 1,000 pounds of fabric and donated enough money to purchase 1,000 books for children in need.     

Come see Anna on June 18 from 10AM – 4PM at McConkey’s Market in Washington Crossing Historic Park (PA).

Naturally Yours

Susan Nonn has been hooked on gourds for nearly 20 years – ever since she attended the Ohio Gourd Society’s festival in 1999. She bought five gourds and a gourd crafting book that day and a passion was born.

 “It was through the American Gourd Society’s website that I found local gourd growers and tips about crafting gourds,” Susan says. “My earliest creations were simple birdhouses and bowls with embellished rims. As my skills improved, so did my appreciation of the natural gourd. I always try to enhance the gourd without hiding its natural shape and beauty.”

 Many of Susan’s designs are inspired by nature and are embellished with natural materials such as stone beads, pods and feathers. For color, she uses dyes or inks that penetrate the gourd surface but also enhance the fundamental gourd patterns. Her products range from functional items to whimsical seasonal creations.  

“I am fortunate to have discovered a craft for which I have a personal passion,” she says.

Come see Naturally Yours on September 9 from 10AM – 4PM at McConkey’s Market in Washington Crossing Historic Park (PA).