Fun and Creativity Shine at Columbia’s Midlands Artisans Market

Fun and Creativity Flourish at the Midlands Artisans Market in Columbia, S.C.

Columbia, S.C. was buzzing with excitement this past weekend as the Midlands Artisans Market opened its doors, inviting locals and visitors alike to explore a treasure trove of handmade crafts and artisanal goods. The atmosphere at Sesquicentennial State Park was nothing short of electric, with smiles all around and a plethora of unique items just waiting to be discovered.

Vendor Spotlight: Craftsmanship at Its Finest

One of the standout vendors was Cross and Nail Leathers, a charming business run by the husband-and-wife duo, Paul and Susan Haynes. They specialize in crafting custom leather goods and have quickly gained a reputation for their quality. “The process is cutting these out, most of them are by hand,” Paul explained, sharing details about his craft. He emphasized the importance of using durable materials, especially where wallets typically wear down. “Some of them have dyes, and I use the heavy-duty stitching because that’s usually where a wallet’s gonna break down.”

After five years in the business, Paul remarked with excitement on the influx of Christmas orders. “We’re already getting orders for some wallets for gifts for Christmas already,” he mentioned, reminding shoppers to place their orders soon. Fans of their work can appreciate the time and effort that goes into creating such unique pieces, which are all hand-cut and hand-stitched.

New Faces and New Products

The market also welcomed a new vendor, Swank on Ya, owned by Valerie Traylor. Having moved to South Carolina just over a year ago, Valerie has jumped into the local scene with her self-care boutique. “I’m excited to showcase all my handmade products to encourage customers to care for themselves,” she shared. One of her standout offerings includes magnesium products made by hand, which she believes can significantly impact wellness.

Valerie’s enthusiasm for her craft was contagious, as she highlighted how her products aim to promote self-care and help people feel their best. It’s this passion that she hopes resonates with the shoppers on the hunt for something special.

The Joy of Supporting Local Artisans

Among the crowd was Nakia Roberson, a dedicated patron of the market. She expressed how meaningful it is to see local artisans thrive. “It’s usually really good to have that feeling because you know somebody’s gonna come and buy it,” Nakia said. “And most of the time, they come back and get it from you so it can be a Christmas gift.” She added that it’s a phenomenal feeling to know your work is appreciated and displayed in someone else’s home.

The connection between vendors and shoppers was palpable throughout the market. Everyone seemed to appreciate the hard work and dedication that went into each product. The market not only provided a platform for local artisans but also brought together the community to celebrate creativity, craftsmanship, and the joy of handmade goods.

Community Spirit Shines Bright

The Midlands Artisans Market is about more than just shopping; it’s a celebration of local talent and a testament to the supportive spirit of Columbia. With a diverse array of booths featuring everything from pottery and jewelry to skincare and home goods, shoppers left with new treasures and stories of the artisans behind them.

As the sun set on another successful day at Sesquicentennial State Park, vendors packed up their unique creations, inspired by the enthusiasm and appreciation from the community. For both shoppers and artisans, it was clear that events like these not only foster local economic growth but also strengthen the bonds within the community.

So, if you missed this event, don’t worry! Keep your eye on future artisan markets; they’re a fantastic way to support local businesses, discover unique treasures, and enjoy a day filled with fun.