Spring Maker’s Market makes its mark

Atlanta Local Spring Maker’s Market made its mark once again downtown, with folks flocking from all over east Texas and surrounding states to check out lovely, unique wares of the most talented artisans within a 50-mile radius.

Overseen by the Atlanta Area Chamber of Commerce, Saturday’s March market denotes the first four Atlanta Local Maker’s Markets for the year. Held quarterly, there will be a summer market on June 10; an autumn market on October 7; and a winter bazaar on December 9.

Each one is slated to help showcase goods that are homemade, handmade or homegrown by people from in and around Atlanta.

Hands-on Chamber President Jill Crocker and, Kelsey Knox, event and communications assistant, could be seen whisking their way about on foot to assist vendors and attendees. The two briskly covered a whole lot of ground between Hiram, Main, Starkey and North East Streets where close to 100 vendors had their booths set for sales of their finest crafts, harvests, plants, art, jewelry, woodworking, metalworking, clothing, food, and much, much more.

The downtown area saw hundreds flow in and out between 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. where a sunny and festive atmosphere of artisans, virtuosos and masters of their elect crafts happily greeted customers and clientele.

Woods Park on Hiram St. saw cascades of flowers and plant varieties or herbs from vendors such as CJ’s Garden Heavenly Flowers–which was particularly busy. Owners Tina and Curt Woods had help from a few tech-savvy grandkids, as Kaison, Jayse, Rylan and Kami worked to help take electronic payments. Kurt and the kiddos also kept track of plants that had already been purchased and were being held for customers who wanted to peruse the rest of the market. Tina helped customers discover what plants were right for them and explained care instructions.

Tina said her kids and grandkids were a lot of the inspiration behind her work with plants, but that her mother-in-law taught her a lot about gardening.

“CJ’s Garden Heavenly Flowers is named for our grandson Christopher Jordan Woods,” Tina said. “He would be 15 years old in May. We still talk about him all the time.”

The Woods had everything from lavender to ferns, succulents, hibiscus and more–grown with a lot of love and care.

Husband and wife artisans Micah and Carol McKinney each had their own booth at the festival to sell their own very different products. Always cheering one another on, Michael brags on his wife’s eye for the eclectic and lovely handmade suede and leather goods she sells–including her trademark designed earrings. She also sells belt buckles.

“We are having a great time out here today,” Carol said, smiling. “We love participating in the maker’s market and are looking forward to Wildflower Trails, too.”

Her husband Micah, who does chainsaw and wood art, had tons of handcrafted wood decor on display–his favorite being an owl, pelican and a certain bear.

“I dont know why really, I just think those are my favorites, I like the looks of them,” said Micah, who does, not only lawn ornaments, but bench bar tables, custom carvings and stump carvings.

You can find Micah McKinney Chainsaw and Wood Art on Instagram under Micah_m20 or contact him via email at mckinneyav@gmail.com. Carol McKinney’s Hippie Chic Eclectic Boutique can be contacted through email at hippiechiceb@ gmail.com .

Local multi-talented artistic prodigy Chanlee Kathleen Long had a table of colorful, beautiful homemade crocheted animals, which would make a great shower gift for a friend or relative’s baby. Much time, thought and resources go into her work, but her items were priced fairly and the work was intricate.

“I loved making the sea turtle, mostly because of all the detail and colors,” Chanlee said. She can make custom items and those interested in checking out her work can visit her website at ChanleeKathleen.com or to inquire abouta custom made order shoot her an email at ChanleeLong15@gmail.com. She also paints and has so many more artistic abilities, it would be hard to list them all.

Next to Chanlee, her mom Mandy Long was set up with her hubby helping the ladies sell their homemade wares. Mandy had an ecclectic collection of beautiful bling–she quite literally had a little something for anyone who might happen upon her booth.

One piece of many that stood out was a Pheonician/Egyption styled necklace, with an arrangement of elegant, squared off stone pieces and a fantastical array of colors on each stone block–greens, browns, salmons, and blues.

“This is one of my favorite pieces, too,” Mandy said. Closer to the railroad tracks and chamber was Todd Kight, with TKcompany out of Atlanta. Kight had an awe inspiring display of handcrafted rustic and western home decor, such as Texas and American flags crafted so as to look as though they are waving, some with different logos over the stars of the American Flags such as “We the people” or military insignia.

Nadia, with NadiaZart (on Etsy) or NadiaZ.art on Facebook, was set up on Hiram with an amazing display of oil and acrylic paintings, with landscapes, portraits and some abstracts as well, such as one that appears as though the observer is looking through an arrangement of white trees toward a pool of water– or whatever someone else might see. That’s the fun of the abstract.

“I’m trying to get away from the realism and more toward the abstract,” Nadia said.

She has prints for sale on Etsy that are advertised on her facebook and definitely worth checking out. Many have probably seen some of her art in the gallery with 903 Artisans and she had done many paintings featuring horses.

Also out selling wares was “Clay & Crochet Handmade with Love” (find them on facebook), Chase 3D toy and decor printouts, local food trucks, Estella Ramage Art and so many more highly talented artisans who have perfected their chosen crafts.

“Wow ya’ll, that was one for the books,” Crocker said. “We want to thank all of the amazing vendors who absolutely brought their best today, our Chamber Members who help support this community event, our presenting sponsor Genesis PrimeCare, our volunteers, and all of the folks who stopped by to shop and enjoy this beautiful day.”

“Until next time, keep supporting the Atlanta Area and our local businesses,” she added.

Stay tuned for the Summer Maker’s Market, slated for June.