Holiday Events

by Ken Greene

There are tons of seedy holiday events happening between now and late December. In fact, there are so many we can't be at them all! We post most of the happenings on our EVENTS page. The main event this month where we will be, live and in person, is CRAFTED.

craftedpostcard

This weekend (November 20th) there will be a farmy craft sale at Hollengold Farm which is just around the corner from us. This farm is the home of Wendy who drew the illustration for our Basil Bouquet Art Pack. Wendy will have a crate of our Art Packs for sale along with other local goods.

Simon speedily packing seeds. Simon speedily packing seeds.

The following weekend (November 27th and 28th) is CRAFTED: Handmade in the Hudson Valley. This is a group show with many of the amazing folks that are part of our micro-biz support group. The group meets two times per month to talk about the challenges of running a micro-business. CRAFTED was an idea that came out of the group. We also have a Facebook page for CRAFTED where you can see more photos of the artists involved and some cool behind the scenes shots of how our wares are made.

Behind the glowing stained glass of a historic church-turned-studio, a collection of unique artists and designers have created a vibrant gift buying experience. The weekend of November 27th and 28th, potter Ayumi Horie’s Cottekill studio will be transformed into a cozy shop. With the wood stove glowing and kettles of tea flowing, shoppers can come and select from a collection of the Hudson Valley’s finest handmade gifts. There will be a diversity of local wares, a range of prices, and ongoing demonstrations so that gift givers can find treasures for loved ones, gesture gifts for acquaintances, and enjoy a uniquely local experience.

The Artisans:
This holiday sale brings together a group of local artisans who are dedicated to their crafts. Collectively these conscientious craftspeople with artful eyes have been featured in the New York Times, Ceramics Monthly, Martha Stewart Living, American Craft, Treehugger, Huffington Post, DailyCandy, Better Homes and Gardens, A Way to Garden, Chronogram, New York Magazine, Country Living, and more.

Ayumi drawing on pots. Ayumi drawing on pots.

Ayumi Horie— Functional, handmade pottery with quirky animal drawings for use in homes, offices, and cars everywhere.
Hudson Valley Seed Library— Heirloom seeds packaged in frameable contemporary art packs, each one designed by a different artist.
Bluestocking Bonbons— Organic, fair-trade handmade artisanal chocolates.
Treeo Design—  Eco friendly gift wrap and gift boxes. We've taken some of the guilt out of gift-giving... or, at least, gift wrapping.
Whimsy Designs— Handmade lighting and home accessories.
Dirty Girls Design—Holiday wreaths crafted with Catskill greens & distinctive wild ornament.  No glitter, no gilt- just green.
Hodge Podge Farm—A collection of one-off home-grown pieces including handmade women's clothing and crocheted accessories.
Rustic Stu—Finely crafted cutting boards made from local and exotic salvaged woods.
Jenny Lee Fowler— Fashions custom silhouette portraits the old-fashioned way.
High Falls Mercantile—Eclectic, fun and sophisticated mix of fine home furnishings with an eye toward quality and timeless design.
Gray Works Design—Furniture and housewares, and Footed Plattes with a rustico-moderno sensibility from locally and sustainably harvested hardwoods.
Christine Fromm Designs— High quality wool, cashmere and mohair sweaters refashioned into hats, dresses, skirts and other winter clothing for adults and children.

The Experience:
More than a sale, this is an event worthy of an afternoon outing. Sit on the couch sipping tea, warm up by the fire, meet friends, and get to know each craftsperson. Assemble gift baskets with your own customized collection from the sale and leave with them all eco-wrapped and ready to go.

Jenny cutting paper with very sharp scissors. Jenny cutting paper with very sharp scissors.

Live paper cutting portraits with Jenny Lee Fowler and a pair of very sharp scissors. (Saturday)
Seed saving demo with Ken Greene of the Hudson Valley Seed Library. (Saturday/Sunday)
Ceramics Studio Tour with Ayumi Horie. (Saturday/Sunday)
Garden advice with Kate Prescott and Shannon of Dirty Girls Design. (Saturday/Sunday)
Spinning Wheel demo with Cal Patch. (Saturday/Sunday)