By, Tammy Showalter, Freelance Journalist
Sea Glass and Beach Crafts were on display on Independence Day at Annmarie Sculpture Garden and Arts Center as it hosted the Maker’s Market with safety in mind.
Masks were required along the artists circle where over 30 vendors were featured. A favorite to the event is local artist, Mary Lou Troutman, and Cold Stone Creamery was on site to provide pretty of choice to cool down with.
“This is our first show all year,” Troutman said, “It’s hard to know what the year will bring, but we’re glad to be out and talking with everyone.”
1Tree Yoga, managed by Teresa Crofoot was displayed with colorful yoga mat bags, ZAFU cushions and malas.
Crofoot had a clever idea to hang a hard plastic barrier between herself and those that entered her booth.
“I had to think of something to make people feel more comfortable.” She said.
Billie Lookingbill, who manages ‘Broken into Beautiful’ Wild Caught Glass Creations. She had a prime location, in the shade near the entrance. The artist can be found on Facebook at @wildcaughtglass.
“Today was the first event we have been able to do this year because of COVID,” Lookingbill said. “My husband Ron and I began making our pieces a few years ago, and 2019 saw the official launch of our broken glass art business, Wild Caught Glass Creations. Along with so many other small businesses in the country, our business has had a hard hit financially from the pandemic,
“We sold most of the pieces we brought and are so thankful for that and are even more thankful to see people happily connect to certain pieces.”
Jacquelin Bell and Tiffany Jones started, a mother team formed the company, Necklace Ladies.
Jones said, “I had a blast at today’s show. Even though it was hot outside, everyone was so nice, vendors and participants alike, and it was just a great way to get out during such a trying time. Many of the participants were so excited to be there and even if they didn’t purchase a necklace, it was nice just to have socially distant small talk.”
Jones said she looks forward to participating in upcoming shows.
Bell took up the hobby and showed Jones repeatedly until she mastered certain stitches enabling her to make blankets, baby booties and necklaces.
“Now we sit together, make necklaces, talk and just have ‘our time’,” Bell said. “We have turned this into a family event because my husband, Richard [Jones] helps book shows so that my mom and I can focus on making necklaces. It has really become so much fun.”
Lusby resident, Susan E. Laird and her company Fire Paws displayed her signature fire paws as well as coasters. Jewelry By Mary participated and displayed Unique and Custom Vintage re-designed Jewelry. For more information write, hyatts@md.metrocast.net.