On a beautiful, steamy August morning, I set out to visit the new Makers’ Market on Ocracoke. Located on the Wahab House lawn, this farmers’ market/craft fair is a wonderful display of local talent, artistry, and culinary expertise.
Kim Meacham and the community group Open Source Ocracoke began this grass-roots movement to highlight local businesses, crafters, chefs, musicians, and non-profits in one location. The market is sponsored by Open Source Ocracoke, Coastal Farmers’ Cooperative, and Blackbeard's Lodge.
Not being very crafty myself, I am always in awe of those who can create beautiful artwork and jewelry. So I set out to discover who the “Makers” are of this week’s Makers’ Market. At first glance, I was drawn to a lovely lady knitting ferociously, but smiling all-the-while. (She reminded me of my mom, who I am almost certain, is currently knitting as I write this sentence). Brenda Buciorelli is originally from New Mexico, but now lives in Hatteras. Brenda works with textiles, but she also brought along her variety of preserves (fig, strawberry, blueberry, elderberry to name a few).
“All of the fruit I use is picked on Hatteras,” Brenda explains. She also features honey from a local beekeeper in Rodanthe whose bees “feast mainly on figs.” (What a great combination that would be for someone entering the fig cake bake-off!) Brenda shares a booth with Amanda Dancks. Amanda commented, “(Brenda) has the van and I have the muscles.” So they make a great team. Amanda makes lovely, intricate jewelry out of beads. I especially loved her bracelets made for adults and children. She is originally from upstate New York, but currently resides in Frisco. Like Brenda, Amanda was also working on her craft as we spoke. It was inspiring to see someone so dedicated and devoted (especially in this heat).
Next I visited Manda Holden’s booth. Manda moved to Ocracoke in January. Originally from England, she has lived in North Carolina for 21-years, visiting Ocracoke often. Like so many of us, she decided to make the sandbar her home. Manda sells her intricate ink and watercolor paintings, complete with frames. “I source my frames from the thrift store, so I paint the pictures to fit.” Each painting is an original and each is beautifully unique. (I fell in love with the paintings and want them all.)
Most of her artwork features renderings of Ocracoke’s landscape. Manda’s paintings may be purchased at Bella Fiore Pottery on the Back Road. Many of you may also know Manda as one of the co-owners of the new store, Stuff, located in the Community Square, along with her business partner Alison Stephens. Stuff is a fair trade store that sells socially-responsible imported goods, as well as handmade items. Manda also works at Dajio. Just like everyone on Ocracoke, Manda is wearing many hats. I am grateful that she is sharing her talents with us and I can’t wait to purchase one of her paintings!
Continuing my journey down artist row, I met Faye Hesketh, owner of Kenzie’s Keepers. Faye has always enjoyed working with macramé. She has now combined that with her devotion to collecting sea glass. We spoke for a long time about the secrets of finding sea glass (I promised that I would not divulge any information here). Needless to say, Faye’s jewelry illustrates that she is a master at her craft and her hobby. The sea glass pieces are exquisite. She showed me a double-wrap bracelet that was adorable. Faye currently lives in Frisco after having lived in the north. “I don’t care if I ever shovel snow again in my life,” she exclaimed. I hope she doesn’t ever have to either!
Following Faye, I met Vicky Lowe, a truly savvy and talented designer. Vicky worked in New York City for 13-years in the textile industry designing dinnerware for well-known companies such as William Sonoma. Originally from England, Vicky moved to Hatteras five years agoVicky transforms her original artwork into gorgeous household items such as pillows, table runners, wall art, placemats, aprons, and much more. The colors she uses are fresh and vibrant. The artwork itself is delightful, eye-catching, and fun. According to her website (www.agoodcatch.us), Vicky uses “locally sourced high quality digital printing.” She certainly is adding a spark to North Carolina’s textile industry. I felt humbled in her presence and I foresee many of my teaching dollars going to her products.
Winding my way around to the other side of the tents, I met up with Kim Meacham, who was graciously handing out soap samples. Her beloved Ocracoke soap company is called Milk Street Soap (www.milkstreetsoap.com), which she and her husband, Roger, started. They have 20 soaps in their line, all of which are made using essential oils. The soaps are also completely organic, and created using fair trade practices. Kim states that you can get 60 showers per bar. I adore these soaps and love watching people decide which their favorite flavor is. Today, I think I enjoyed the Sunshine scent best of all. Although you can purchase Kim’s soaps in many stores throughout Ocracoke (her website says she has showered 80% of Ocracoke. I think it might be closer to 90% by now), it was a special treat hearing Kim talk about her soaps with her customers. I’ve decided to try all 20 before I settle on just one.
Another new island resident manned the next booth. Kathleen Triolo moved to the island last November from Denver. She came to the island to finish writing her mystery novel, but she ended up opening the island’s newest gathering place, Island Vibe: A Beach Café (www.islandvibecafe.com). At both her booth at Makers’ Market and in her store, Kathleen offers homemade yogurt, homemade granola, and clothing from Thailand I tasted the yogurt and it was super smooth and delicious. She encourages special orders and she can make your yogurt sweet or savory. The clothing from Thailand is cute and very affordable. Kathleen has a connection to Thailand, having lived there and having a Thai step-mother. Her booth, like her store, was an eclectic mix of items that bring something special and different to our island home.
Finally, the last two ladies I met were from Raleigh. Lou Horton’s business is called Cherished Personal Adornments (www.LouHortonScultpure.com). She takes vintage dishes, breaks them, and turns them into gorgeous jewelry. The necklaces were especially lovely and I found myself coveting all of them. Lou has been doing this full-time since October. Along with her jewelry, Lou also specializes in twisted metal sculptures, which would look great in gardens around Ocracoke. Lou said that she loves doing markets and meeting so many amazing people. I thought she was pretty amazing herself! Her traveling partner, Jet Schmidt, is a ceramic artist whose studio is called Catbird Pottery (facebook.com/catbirdpottery). She fell in love with pottery after taking an art class. She has increased the number of shows she has been doing; however, she is also a full-time 3rd grade teacher. She is one busy lady! Jet commented, “I am drawn to things that are too complicated. Sometimes I work six hours at the wheel, or I’ll stay up all night.” Her love of her art shows as her pieces were beautiful and useful. I loved her ceramic cups adorned with roses. I’m putting those on my wish list.
My first trip to Makers’ Market was so much fun. The market is not just about the gorgeous hand-crafted art of all varieties on display, but it’s also about the artists who put so much of themselves in everything they do. In true Ocracoke fashion, Makers’ Market is an artisans’ treasure chest bursting with local talent. It’s definitely worth a visit.
The Ocracoke Makers' Market will continue on Wednesday, 17th and 24th, 9am–1pm, and host a special Holiday Market on Saturday, September 3rd, 9am–1pm.Local and regional artisan & craft persons interested in participating in this exciting, new, grass-root economics, Island Pop-Up market please check out Makers Market on Silver Lake FB page or email Kim @ milkstreetsoap@gmail.com