Where to Find Makers-on-Hudson This Weekend

Castles, Vineyards and Parks

Field of Poppies Wearable Art Nuno Felted Shawl by HuzzahHandmade

That's where you'll find our makers this weekend. Our venues are as diverse as our products, and you'll have great opportunities to explore and discover them all if you plan accordingly.  The weekend starts on Friday evening with Kathryn of Huzzah Unique Handmade Wearables. She will be among the artists at the Canvas & Cocktails Show from 6 - 8PM at the Castle Hotel and Spa, Tarrytown, N.Y. The show is a collaboration between the Castle and RiverArts.

Essential Oil Handcrafted Soap by Beyond the Picket Fence

Saturday, travel just over the border from Orange County to Milton, N.Y. and you'll be delighted to find several of our members at Nostrano Vineyards for the Mid Hudson Marketplace Fall Festival . It's the perfect time of year to enjoy this beautiful part of our area. The vineyard is perched in the hills above the river. You'll find vendors in their beautiful, large barn as well as in the field surrounding it. Wander around and find Gwen from Beyond the Picket Fence, Hester of Hester's Studio, and Sarah from SO Handmade.

Bowl in Teal and White with Tree by Hester's Studio

Owl Embroidery Hoop Art by SOHandmade

Saturday will also find a member of our Makers' "pack," JoAnn from LollyPups Designer Petwear, in New Jersey enjoying the weather and the furry company for a good cause, the Bark in the Park . Stop by to support Liberty Humane and pick up the perfect accessory for your pooch. A chill is in the air, so it's definitely time for some new, snugly duds.

Winter Mittens Wool Plaid Harness Vest by Lollypups Designer Petwear

Where To Find Makers-On-Hudson This Weekend

Gone Rustic

 

Cafe Sour Beer Soap by Beyond the Picket Fence

 Two of our busy makers will be featured at events this weekend. On Saturday, Gwen from Beyond The Picket Fence, will be back at the Middletown BID Farmers' Market with her selection of hand crafted, natural and sustainable bath and body products for women and men. Why not try one of her unique soaps crafted from some of the best local beers?

Modern Hippie Bath and Body Oil by Beyond the Picket Fence

 This Sunday Hester, of Hester's Studio , will return to Sullivan County and The Harvest Festival at Bethel Woods, with more of her collection of hand-built ceramics. This Sunday's Festival theme is Rustic for the Home. Hester, from Ulster County, creates figurative ceramics and home decor. 

Pocket Jar with Bird by Hester's Studio

Baquette Board by Hester's Studio

Here is a bit of insight into her world: "Nature surrounds me in the Hudson Valley and has heavily influenced my work. I draw inspiration from the shapes, colors, and textures inherent to the landscape, and strive to create simple pieces for everyday use with the desire to express the beauty with utility. Each piece is handbuilt with slab construction, using a strong white stoneware clay. I give much attention to the layering of textures, creating asymmetrical compositions. My functional pieces utilize images inspired by different elements of daily life; landscapes, textiles, foliage, food, flora and fauna. " 

  

Where to Find Makers-On-Hudson This Weekend

Late Summer Fairs and Fests

 

 

This weekend, you can enjoy the glorious summer weather and meet several of our members at a variety of events. The weather may be cooling down, but our schedules are heating up. 

Purple and Black Halloween Masquerade Mask by DaraGallery

On Saturday, Dara, of Dara Gallery, will bring her beautiful masks and accessories to the Hudson Valley Apple Festival in Germantown, N.Y., Columbia County.

On Saturday as well, JoAnn, of LollyPups Designer Pet Wear, will be in the lower Hudson Valley at The Paws Crossed Grand Opening , a perfect venue for her exclusive, handmade designs for your best friends. Cute, sassy or sharp, you'll just fall in love with her pet wear.

Mr. Trixster Costume for the Male Dog Who Hates Halloween by LollyPups Designer Petwear

On Saturday and Sunday, if you'd like a nice day trip, then set your GPS for Sharon Springs, N.Y. to visit Sarah, of SO Handmade. The whole town becomes one big celebration of Fall, and Etsy Makers even have their own designated "street" at The Sharon Springs Harvest Festival

Train Play Mat by SO Handmade

Visit the Warwick Valley and the Village of Warwick on Sunday to meet Patti, of Get Glassy, at the Warwick Makers' Market . Right on Railroad Green in the center of the village, the Market features locally handmade products and artists.

Copper, Silver and Glass Earrings by Getglassy

It promises to be a weekend of lovely weather and great events, so make your plans soon.

 

In My Studio: Sight and Sound

Sewing a big pile of play mats while watching the Great British Sewing Bee

Since schools have gone back its been all systems go in my studio. I have been knuckling down to some hard work to getting stocked up before the fall and holiday craft fairs.

In this blog post I would like to share some of the things that have been keeping me entertained, inspired and sane while I have been working:

The Merriweather Council Podcast: The host Danielle Spurge is a craft business consultant with many years selling her embroidery on Etsy. She is a fountain of knowledge and with her new podcast shares some great tips to help other small handmade businesses thrive. This podcast was only launched a few weeks ago but she has already covered so much in her concise and 'no nonsense' manner. Episodes have included topics such as: shipping, pricing, blogging, inventory, feedback, creativity and photographing your products.

I highly recommend listening to this podcast for some great ideas and inspiration.

Available on the Merriweather Council website and Itunes.

Mid Hudson Library System Digital Downloads: If you reside in the Mid-Hudson Valley and are a member of a local library you can use your membership number to access audio books (and ebooks) from their website. Using the Overdrive app (available in the app store) you can download and listen to these audio books on the device of your choosing.

I download them onto my ipad and listen to audio books while I work. It's a great (and free) way of listening to some really good books. You are entitled to borrow up to 10 titles at a time and can also put holds on titles that are currently checked out.

I recently listened to the thrilling third installment of the Comoran Strike books by Robert Galbraith 'Career of Evil' which I highly recommend.

Streaming TV Shows: Sometimes if I am on the sewing machine for a long period of time I also like to watch TV shows, especially 'crafty' ones (photo at the top). My favorites include Project Runway which is about to start a new season and The Great British Sewing Bee (available on you tube).


I would love to hear what inspires you while you work....

Good luck getting ready for the busy season and good listening! 

Sarah
So Handmade

Where To Find Makers-on-Hudson This Weekend

What's Your Favorite Camelid? 

(Betcha It's An Alpaca)

 

Hand crocheted  Alpaca rug, by HuzzahHandmade

Huh? If you're curious about what Camelids are, and you'd like to get up close and personal with one, then you're in luck this Sunday. The Rosehaven Alpaca Festival at Bethel Woods will be overflowing with these lovely, long-necked South American natives. They produce the "fiber of the gods," soft and hypoallergenic, so anyone can wear it. 

Kathryn, of Huzzah! Unique Handmade Wearables, feels right at home at this event. She'll be featuring a wide selection of her hand knit accessories, using only the finest fibers, including alpaca. 

Hand knit capelet/cowl in Alpaca blend with Faux fur by HuzzahHandmade

Autumn is knocking on the door, so it's time to treat yourself to some soft, cushy, hand made accessories. Please don't forget to visit the charming alpacas and touch their incredibly soft noses. Love at first pet!

 

In My Studio: Happy September!

Pencil Case by H&J Star Creations

Here are some lovely back to school and September goodies from the Makers on Hudson team:

A Wonderful Collection of Blank Cards from Sweet Spot Card Shop

Lovely 'One Thing At A Time' notepad from Cynla

Beautiful September Ornament by DiGilio Designs

Beautiful Pen Set by Franklin Woodworks

Sarah
So Handmade