Vendor Spotlight: Creatively Obsessed
Selena Braunstein likes to say she makes “wearable history.” She currently works with antique and vintage buttons, transforming these tiny, everyday objects into modern jewelry.
Read MoreBang It Out Designs
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Vendor Spotlight: Bang It Out Designs
Kathleen Calello was designing products in her head years before she produced anything. That’s because she needed the right material to bring her vision to light.
“Somewhere in my travels I must have come across someone who created hand-stamped products and I was intrigued by the process,” she says. “That’s what led me to start hand stamping metal.”
Each of Kathleen’s products is one of a kind. She uses various metals, including aluminum, copper, brass and stainless steel, as well as vintage sterling silverware. The result is products that are both useful and creative.
“I find joy in finding beautiful pieces of vintage silverware in my travels, whether it be the local thrift shop, flea market, or gifted to me,” she says. “I often take mom’s or grandma’s silverware that isn’t being used and make something from it for sentimental purposes – earrings, necklaces, bracelets, bud vases, ornaments…you name it.”
“Everything I make is done by hand, one character at a time. I enjoy making peoples’ visions come true!”
Come see Bang it Out Design on September 13 from 10AM – 4PM at McConkey’s Market in Washington Crossing Historic Park (PA).
Gigi Singh
/Vendor Spotlight: Gigi Singh
So I am the age I am and I am still a dreamer, a hopeless romantic, and someone who is still making wishes on the first star they see at night!
When I was growing up in Philadelphia I saw a lot of creativity all around me from wall murals to street artists to amazing music from street musicians , everywhere was colorful and interesting! Now living in West Chester, PA with my beautiful family. I see a whole new colorful world with scenic beauty everywhere, how can I not be inspired to keep this passion of mine going!
Come see Gigi Singh on September 13 from 10AM – 4PM at McConkey’s Market in Washington Crossing Historic Park (PA)
Forging Ahead Designs
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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 September 13 from 10AM – 4PM at McConkey’s Market in Washington Crossing Historic Park (PA).
Spirit Glassworks
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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 September 13 from 10AM – 4PM at McConkey’s Market in Washington Crossing Historic Park (PA)
