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 14 from 10AM – 4PM at McConkey’s Market in Washington Crossing Historic Park (PA).

Nick Martier Woodworker

Nick Martier Woodworker

Nick Martier is a woodworker who specializes in custom furniture design. He seamlessly blends traditional joinery with raw artisan sculpting that creates a human element that could never be recreated by a machine. His heirloom quality furniture consists of rocking chairs, tables, occasional/dining chairs, bookshelves, settee benches and more.  Nick currently works by himself out of a studio in historical Bristol borough, Pennsylvania where he splits his time taking commissions, designing original pieces and teaching continuing education woodworking courses. Nick is a self-taught woodworker that spent the last few years honing a specific style of woodworking based off of Sam Maloof's sculptural techniques. He is recognized by the Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen as a master craftsman and chairs the outreach committee for the Bucks County Chapter.

Come see Nick Martier Woodworker on June 15 from 10AM – 4PM at McConkey’s Market in Washington Crossing Historic Park (PA).

Whimsical Garden

Vendor Spotlight: Krista Anthony, Whimsical Garden

After being a stay at home mom and raising three children I was ready to do something for myself. I like to call it my mid life awakening rather than crisis! It had been said to do what you love and I love all things gardening. I make birdbaths, fountains, bird feeders and garden decor from repurposed materials. I also grow, press and frame flowers. I dry and preserve flowers in resin, make dried and fresh flower arrangements. I can do custom work upon request.

Come see Whimsical Garden on June15 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).