On Saturday, the Chapel Hill Farmers' Market was alive with shoppers for the Valentine's Craft Market. At the craft market, three local vendors sold a variety of handcrafted goods, including love-themed items such as candles, artwork and jewelry.
The event, a seasonal addition to the market, not only provides a space for local craft vendors to showcase their work, but brings more awareness to the market itself, Kate Underhill, the market's manager, said.
“Some people don't know that we're here year-round,” she said. “So, this gives us an excuse to get the word out that here we are, and we've got all the wonderful local foods and produce and value-added items. And then on top of that, you can come get gifts for your loved ones for Valentine's.”
This Valentine's Day-themed market featured artisans like Kristen Eggerman, owner of Cake Camp, who has been selling at farmers markets for nearly a decade. Eggerman's market stall started with cakes, scones and cookies from her bakery business Big Bundts, but now she has transitioned away from baked goods to selling her artwork: handcrafted cards, prints and pins.
As a long-time seller, Eggerman has built a community that she still sees today. Many of her past bakery customers still recognize her, she said.
“I have seen the little kids growing up,” Eggerman said. “I've had loyal customers. They remember coming to the bakery and buying scones. ... It's really nice seeing familiar faces, of course. So they've been kind of growing with my different businesses.”
Alicia Frei is a Chapel Hill resident who attended the market with her son on Saturday. She said she comes to the market regularly, especially in the spring and summer, but also came to the market on Saturday specifically for the Valentine's Craft Market.
“There's an artist over there who does watercolors of cupcakes and things that we love,” she said, referencing Cake Camp. “We came especially for her.”
Among the other craft vendors was Sarah Roberts, owner of Flying Goat Studios, who sells hand-crafted jewelry and objects inspired by nature. Fitting for the Valentine's Craft Market, her business card describes her products as being “made with love.”
