A drive down the Green River Road in mid-November has become a tradition for many area folks. The reason is the annual Holiday Studio Sale at Carol Schnabel's weaving studio.
This year the event will take place on Friday, Nov. 16, from 3 to 8 p.m., and on Saturday, Nov. 17, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 410 Green River Road in Guilford.
Schnabel's studio is transformed into a retail space, and an assortment of area artisans will join her to sell their wares. The Holiday Sale is a opportunity to mingle with friends and neighbors and start the holiday shopping season, buying local products directly from their creators.
Returning this year are Josh and Marta Bernbaum, glass artists who live in West Brattleboro and who have a new studio that they built at their home. They produce a varied line of blown and torched glass items. At this sale the Bernbaums will be selling blown glass ornaments, which make great gifts.
Another participant is the Franklin Farm, a certified organic diversified family farm in Guilford whose owners are member/owners of the Organic Valley Cooperative. They milk 59 cows as well as produce delicious wood-fired Vermont Maple Syrup. “Zesty Blend” salad dressing along with an array of maple products will be for sale. For more information go to www.franklinfarmstore.com.
Lois Pancake is another resident of the Green River Road in Guilford. She is a photographer whose work mainly features the local fauna and flora. She will have photo cards and calendars and gift cards available.
Carol Schnabel has been weaving for more than 35 years. This year she will have a selection of her signature chenille scarves and shawls, as well as tencel scarves, cotton shawls, cotton placemats and braided baskets for sale. New this year are gift items woven from recycled newspapers.
Walter Slowinski of Orchard Street Pottery is new to the group this year. He has been making pots for 40 years, and built his wood-fired kiln in West Brattleboro 14 years ago. Most of his pots have no glaze on the outside surface before they are fired. The fire does the glazing, depositing ash, which lands on the pot and melts into an organic, rich and varied surface. He also creates some glazed pieces and recently has been painting quirky birds on vases. He will be selling teapots, jars , bowls, pitchers, mugs, and vases.
Judy Sopenski has been farming in Guilford for about 10 years. She raises chickens, ducks, and lamb the old-fashioned way. She will be featuring merino yarn from her sheep along with knitting patterns and kits to make scarves, hats, and vests. Judy has added a line of felted wool products, which include potholders and hot-water bottle covers. She will also have information available about purchasing meat from her business, Not Your Ordinary Farm.
For information and directions, call 802-257-1894.