I recently checked out the Maker’s Market at Annmarie Garden, which takes place the first Saturday of each month from March through December from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. (except in December, when it’s open until 2.) If you are looking for handmade gifts for friends and family, Annmarie Garden Markers Market is a good place to go. You can find a variety of handcrafted items for everyone on your list (and yourself, of course).
Based on the vendors listed on Annmarie’s website, it seems likely that you’d find something different every month. I went the weekend before Mother’s Day, so there were a lot of Mom-friendly items, like scented soaps and lotions, jewelry, hair accessories, and handmade bags. But I also found items that appealed to a wide range of people (stained glass creations and photography prints), as well as gifts for children.
I walked away with two handmade purses for little girls (gifts for my nieces), two jars of wine jelly (great with cheese and crackers), and a container of body butter. But I stopped at nearly every booth to chitchat with the friendly vendors. Two of the booths featured handicrafts made by children – one had jewelry and the other had some beautiful items that you would never believe are made out of duct tape.
Maker’s Market is a great way to meet some creative folks who live in our area and perhaps find a product or two that you’ll really love. Parking and admission is free, but on the day I went, it didn’t take very long to visit all the booths to see which wares I wanted to buy. So, if you have yet to wander through the Annmarie Garden sculptures and gardens (or even if you have), I would recommend doing that while you’re there. It’s worth the price of admission.
http://www.annmariegarden.org/annmarie2/content/makers-market