40 fabulous artisans – 1,001 beautiful things

Heather Zondervan of Metallie Evolution with a whimsical seasonal planter.

A colourful and bustling marketplace of internationally renowned artisans from Ontario and Quebec unfolded this weekend at the Community Centre in Picton.

The Maker’s Hand Festival of Fine Craft opened Friday, offering unique holiday gifts and original creations in a variety of styles and mediums.

Show chair Lori Robinson, left, with Melissa Hurley, a Rural Women’s Support Network and Housing Co-ordinator with Alternatives for Women. Tickets for the Stress Relief Basket valued at $250 are available at the door.

“We had a great opening this morning and were greeted with a line up at the door,” said Lori Robinson, chair of the show. “I would say it was the best opening day we have ever had.”

The 11th annual show features a wide selection of innovative merchandise such as funky hand-made hats, fine jewellery, beadwork, exotic pottery, blown and sculpted glass, intricate wearable art and creative metal works.

Browsers and buyers will meet 40 artisans who dream, design and make their art by hand – including nine from Prince Edward County.

New to the show this year is Emerson Pringle Carpentry.

“I was thrilled to be invited to join the show this year,” he said. “I’m really happy to have the chance to show my work to such an appreciative audience. I’ve been crafting wooden cheese boards and butcher blocks in my shop in Waupoos for three years now. I love turning my passion for working with wood into a meaningful keepsake that others can pass on and cherish.”

Elizabeth Crombie, the show’s main sponsor, is reminding visitors to get their Christmas in the County 2015 House Tour Dec. 6. Tickets are available at her Royal LePage office, 104 Main St., Picton.

Carol King, of CK Woolies and Chris Hall, of Cake Tin Hats, help Almut, of Picton, choose from a wide variety of styles.

Monika Aebischer, of The Olive Sparrow, with a selection of her natural cloth dolls.

Visitors admiring hand-thrown, hand-painted stoneware and porcelain by Isabella Duchemim, left, of The Windmill of Provence Pottery.

Handmade leather and suede booties by Manon DeGagne, of Shoe Babou.

Doreen and Diedre, of Ottawa, were thrilled to meet up again with County photographer Peggy deWitt.

Queen recycler Laura Levitt showing a skirt made from a sweater, and other recycled textiles.

Mark Armstrong, of Armstrong Glassworks, is one of nine County participants at this year’s show.