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

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

Spirit Glassworks

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 14 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 14 at McConkey’s Market in Washington Crossing Historic Park (PA).

Terraintextures

Vendor Spotlight: Terraintextures

Alyssa Cuesta has been creating handmade jewelry, paintings, and other forms of functional art containing real dried foliage and mushrooms foraged in PA since her creation of Terraintextures in 2017.

“When I find a desirable mushroom, I stop, crouch down, and scan the entire area at almost ground level to be sure I didn’t miss any other mushrooms… Especially for tiny mushrooms, once I find one I keep a really close eye on the area I found that mushroom in; kind of similar to searching for shark teeth. If there’s one there’s probably tons more. I also take advantage of my sense of smell. I can always find morels and oyster mushrooms just by smelling the air and directing myself to where the scent came from. It sounds crazy but when a scent is learned it’s easy to recognize! “

Each piece of work made by Alyssa is unique and thoughtfully designed to display a treasured, miniature environment as seen occurring naturally in nature.

Come see Terraintextures on September 14 from 10AM – 4PM at McConkey’s Market in Washington Crossing Historic Park (PA)