Crafters Brighten The Winter At Lexington

By Kendra Bobowick

Miniature skirts and blouses hung on display in the Villages at Lexington Gardens, their hems trimmed with lace and all made by hand. Behind Ava Holmes who perused the mini attire for her own dolls stood crafter Monica Weber, whose careful fingers arranged every ruffle and pleat in the doll clothing.

Across the isle was Marcelo Miranda’s swift stitching that created seams in shoulder bags and purses on display in his booth. Jewelry, picture frames, wool clothing designed from recycled sweaters, and silver that wrapped and twisted to form rings, necklaces, and bracelets were among the hundreds of handmade sale items at the weekend’s Escape The Winter Craft Show & Sale during its second of three weekends. Saturday and Sunday, February 13 and 14.

Organizing the show is local crafter Stacey Olszewski, who explained, “In the winter there is not a lot for vendors.” Holding a show at the local garden center is “good for us and good for them,” she said. This weekend’s show will present another assortment of vendors, with a focus on specialty foods; last weekend featured crafters of handmade items. Ms Olszewski said Saturday, “I am trying to support local business and keep the money with us!”

Keeping an eye on her booth was Ms Olszewski’s daughter Megan, who was selling flower pens that bloomed like bright yellow daylilies in a bouquet waiting for purchase. Enjoying her crafts, she sad, “I like seeing the creative things, meeting new people.” Ms Olszewski’s specialty, according to her website, is turning found objects into decorative conversation pieces. She enjoys creating pieces from a variety of recyclables such as furniture, benches, wood bowls, bottles, and driftwood.

Displaying his handbags, Mr Miranda was enjoying his day as he explained, “I am a fashion designer, I changed careers to food, then went back to designing. It’s what I like.” His day has been “fair,” and offers a brighter moment during winter’s cold, snowy days. “People come here to escape winter,” he said.

Seated just inside the entrance was MaryLynn Boisvert, who worked with tufts of felt that, 20 minutes later through her needle felting technique, took shape as a rabbit. With a bubble of felt in her grip, she poked it rhythmically with a needle, reshaping it into different animals. Her sweaters, shawls, and bags on sale were made from discarded wool sweaters. “If people are tired of them, or there are holes, it’s a great way to rescue a sweater and turn it into other things.”

Laura Brothers sat in the lobby with her jewelry displayed in the booth around her. Jewelry “speaks to me,” she said, explaining that she began designing the rings, bracelets, etc “completely by accident, and now I can’t imagine doing anything else.”

Also bent over miniature strands of materials that he shaped into hearts and other designs was Basil Hanna, creating custom quilled keepsakes, invitations, frames, and ornaments.

He and dozens of vendors had filled the main hall in Lexington Gardens for the weekend.

Another show with specialty food vendors will take place at Lexington Gardens on February 20 and 21. Call 203-270-9461 for times.