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Holiday Crafters Make Shopping A Pleasure

photo by provided Vermont Designer Deb Tier.

photo by provided Grace Mobbs.

Tuesday November 22, 2016

By Cookie Steponaitis

There was a time in America’s past when handmade gifts were not only the norm but tradition. Crafted into each stitch, nail or angle was the talent and efforts of the crafter and the plan to create a one of a kind masterpiece. Fast forward to 2016 and the world of electronic shopping and it would seem that Made in Vermont or handmade would be hard to find. Not so in the Champlain Valley. At the Mount Abraham Craft Fair and dozens of others across the state this month local artists and craftspeople bring back a joy to shopping and new meaning to the beauty and quality of Made in Vermont.
    Vermont designer Deb Tier started making purses for her vtpurseonality business seven years ago. “I always made clothing for my daughter Ajah,” shared Tier. “When she was no longer of an age to sew for I started looking for ways to repurpose vintage clothing and fabric and the idea sort of grew.” With a love for styles that include vintage, modern and one of a kind, Tier’s purses range from showstoppers to utilitarian bags and each is a one of a kind. Tier firmly believes in making new from old and does custom orders as well starting with second hand shops and trunks of vintage fabric for her inspirations and ideas. People interested in her products can reach her at [email protected] or vtpurseonality on Facebook.
    Creating unique and custom clothing for dolls is the newest in the lineup of Grace Mobbs career of creativity and artistry. Mobbs has been a cake decorator and artist for over thirty years and turned to making and designing for dolls about ten years ago when her hands would no longer allow her the hours required for each cake. “The American Dolls are some of the most popular to make outfits for,” explained Mobbs. “Today porcelain and collectible dolls are not for everyone, but those who still love them are devoted to it.”  Standing up for people to view in her booth were dolls dressed for fashion, fun and recreations of several iconic outfits from movies and stage.
    As the holidays approach and the gift lists come out, please consider checking out the local craft fairs. While there is an app for almost everything on phones to find you the best bargain, the ingredients present at the gatherings of Vermont artists and artisans are creativity, quality, personality and unique perspectives on the age-old idea of giving. Buy local!

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