Discover Unique Creations at the Midlands Artisans Market in Columbia, S.C.
Columbia, S.C. – If you found yourself in Columbia over the weekend and needed to do some shopping, then Sesquicentennial State Park was the place to be! It was bustling with activity as the Midlands Artisans Market brought together a vibrant community of local artisans eager to share their one-of-a-kind creations and captivating stories.
A Labor of Love
Among the various vendors, Paul and Susan Haynes, the dynamic duo behind Cross and Nail Leathers, were busy showcasing their handcrafted leather goods. Paul explained the intricate process behind their creations. “The process is cutting these out, most of them are by hand,” he said, showing off some stunning wallet designs. “Some of them have dyes, and I use the heavy-duty stitching because that’s usually where a wallet’s gonna break down.”
With five years under their belt, the Haynes have carved out a niche for themselves in the artisan world, offering everything from custom wallet designs to trendy air tag wallets. “We’re already getting orders for some wallets for gifts for Christmas,” Paul noted with a smile. And he added a friendly reminder, “If you gonna put in an order, the sooner, the better because you know it takes a while to do this – to cut it out, and hand stitch it.”
The Joy of Self-Care
Another exciting addition to the market was the local self-care boutique Swank on Ya, owned by Valerie Traylor. Fresh from her move to South Carolina just over a year ago, Valerie was thrilled to showcase her handmade products. “I started my business shortly after moving here, and I’m excited to encourage customers to care for themselves,” she remarked.
Valerie has been crafting unique self-care items, including magnesium products designed for topical use. “Magnesium using it topically is something that can help, and I make that product by hand,” she proudly stated, showcasing her love for self-care and wellness.
Community Spirit Shines Bright
The vibe at the market was absolutely electric, and the warmth of community support was palpable. Shoppers like Nakia Roberson echoed the sentiments of many, emphasizing just how important it is for local residents to support their community artisans. “It’s usually really good to have that feeling because you know somebody’s gonna come and buy it,” Nakia remarked. “Most of the time, they come back and get it from you so it can be a Christmas gift. It’s a phenomenal feeling to be able to have your stuff displayed in somebody else’s house.”
The Midlands Artisans Market clearly showcased the talent and passion of local creators while allowing shoppers to discover unique gifts just in time for the holiday season. Whether you were seeking handcrafted leather goods or self-care products, there was no shortage of originality and heart revealed in every vendor’s tent.
Mark Your Calendars!
For those who missed out this time, it might be wise to keep an eye out for the next market. Supporting local businesses not only keeps the spirit of community alive but also brings a tangible joy to the holiday shopping experience. So, why not be part of this budding scene? After all, every purchase tells a story, and isn’t that what the holidays are all about?
So next time you’re looking for something special, think of supporting local artisans. They’ll surely welcome you with open arms and unique products that go beyond just shopping – it’s about building connections and celebrating creativity!
