For over 25 years Cultus Bay held a Holiday Open House / Craft Market. Well, as we are all aware times changed radically in March of this year, making us adapt and change so we can stay safe. With that in mind I thought we’d all like to be able to still access the artists and craftspeople we’ve come to follow as well as some new ones I found this year!!
I’m very excited to say we are launching an online shopping page on the www.cultusbaygardens.com web site. With 7 new artists joining us this year I’m sure you’ll find some delightful surprises. I encourage you to place your orders and come pick up safely in the potting shed. It will be decorated and hot spiced cider available for sipping ( outside of course with mask removed!) when you arrive. Days and hours are on the shopping page. I can also ship most items if that’s best for you – with the exception of some sculpture which is too heavy.
The famous fruitcake in one pound loaves – each soaked in 1/4 c brandy! Converts those that think they don’t like fruitcake in most cases. Great hostess gifts as well as stashing in your frig for Santa.
Karra Wise, from Seattle, is one of our new artists. I love her work – it feels great to use. Small little footed bowls ( great for salt or herbs ) a couple mugs and clean wall hangings are all on the website. These little shot glassses are good for anything from wheat grass to tequilla…. you decide.
Another new artist this year, Erica Hanson of EH Works makes beautifully crafted aprons for both kids and adults – from linen in great colors to heavy cottons in various weaves. Towel loops, pockets, cross ties to wrap around front to tie if desired. Truely the best apron design ever and so durable.
Nancy Pascoe, of Haiku Quilts, is back this year for the second time thank goodness! Her craftsmenship is perfection using classic Japanese fabrics to contruct these useful zipper bags which can be used for so many things.
Finger Puppets by Alison Kaplan of Kata Golda ( another new artist )- fun for kids and adults who love kids.
Allison of Port Townsend , is one of the more prolific artists, making a wide range of products and selling throughout the US. Each little puppet is handembroidered and stitched together.
Many other options are listed on her website.
Necklaces ( and earings ) also by Alison Kaplan of Kata Golda are available in 5 different styles with handcrocheted adjustable cords.
Moontea Artworks creator Kristen Loganbill, has been creatling block prints for 30 years. Her work is beautifully done and brings the natural world inside the home. Much to my delight, Kristen is offering printed napkins and placemats in two designs for us for the first time this year.
A wide selecion of dresses and tops by Maemae Sew ( that’s me ) – all one of a kind might be just the special present for a woman in your life, or for yourself. Custom made tops and dresses are an option if you don’t find something just right,
This dress has a Japanese tenugui down the back of the dress with patch pocket on the front with pale yellow running stitch around the neck and pockets – more photos of this on the shopping page.
Marcy Johnson continues to weave these very popular, durable and absorbant dish towels with various colored stripes. They have sold well each year so we are glad she’s still willing to weave for us.
Portrait of Chenrezig, Bodhisattva of Compassion by Leah Nguyen of PlanetPaintPeople
Leah’s gorgeous portrait of compassion has been made into cards of 5 in a package. Who wouldn’t love to recieve this card with the beautiful message on the back. Using the same special technique she doesn for an individuals Soul Pattern Portrait, Leah was commissioned to paint this for a client.
Our youngest new artist is Elsa Layman who has a way with beads and has made many necklaces using a wide variety of beads from tourquoise, to horn, antique african beads and vintage beads from the US.
And yet another new artist – Kimberly Johnson, has brought us 3 of her garden inspired sculptures made from parts of railroads. Kimberly is an avid gardener and takes inspiration friom the plants she works with.
The always popular Laura Hudson – primarily a painter – does fun block prints on napkins and totes for us this year. A stately stag to ring in the holiday season.
For the people who love good food Mauny Kaseburg has provided a real treat – the famous French espellette pepper in a handsome grinder to really enhance your meals – a refil package of organically grown pepper comes with each meal along with a story of Mauny’s introduction years ago. Mauny has been on the food scene in Seattle for decades.
The talented woodworker Tom Fisher is with us again this year offering cutting boards and one of a kind spoons. From figured maple and western yew – each wood is very special. And do read his bio on the artist page – shows his humor and concise way of approaching things.
In addtion to the items being sold in our market, Leah Nguyen will take commissions for indoor or outdoor collaboration with spirit paintings – either temporary ( like the slip painted one above ) to permenant ones for clients. Information for contacting her as well as other examples are on our market page.
I’m back at my favorite ornament making – ramilletta medalions inspired by an old hispanic tradition and taken in a totally different direction. Lots of options on the market page and when they sell I can add more!
Brita Fisher will have some of wonderful fresh wreaths available for purchase when you come to pick up your order. These are not listed on the market page but huge outside by the potting shed so you can pick out what speaks to you!
I hope this new approach to keeping our old tradition alive will appeal to you! I look forward to seeing many of you who decide to come pick up work.
Dates and hours for pick up are listed on the website Winter Arts & Crafts Market page.
Pleases stay safe and have as good a holiday as possible.
Mary Fisher
Cultus Bay Gardens
Whidbey Island
Clinton WA