Native West Batiks

Vendor Spotlight: Native West Batiks

Batik is an artform that has been around for centuries.  Carla French 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 October 10 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 June 13 at McConkey’s Market in Washington Crossing Historic Park (PA).

Bang It Out Designs

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

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