Artisans Guild Fair Returns to Ocean City July 18

Many craft items are produced overseas and imported through wholesalers, but that’s not the case with Jersey Shore Artisans Guild fine art and handcraft fair on Saturday, July 18, according to Artisans Guild Director and Show Producer JoAnne Schaut.

Not only must the items be handmade in America but they must be sold by the artisan who created them and can answer questions about every piece,” Schaut said in a release from the City this week.

Ginny Waldheim of Northport, Florida will present a floral vase that magically turns into a wide brim hat with the press of a finger, known as a ya-ya hat. The same honeycomb material is used in race car and aircraft construction. Her colorful hats pack flat for travel but pop open to shield the face and lower the wearer’s head temperature by 10 degrees.

Lori Curtis, of Barnegat, creates matching outfits for girls and their dolls so that the child and her doll can dress exactly alike.

“Mothers and daughters love them, and they will be available in all sizes,” Curtis said.

Sisters Martha Becker and Julianne Mackey of The Elephant’s Ear in Danville, Vermont offer traditional rug hooked items as well as handspun dog and cat treats.

Richard Aldorasi’s returns with his silk scarf-making display. It was such a hit last summer that a number of attendees hired him for birthday parties. Guests will design their own scarves by floating colors over the submerged silk. Aldorasi hails from Morton, Pennsylvania.

Sue Brown does oil paintings on feathers. Karla Clark has hand made natural soap and body products. Tinamarie Feldi offers her stained glass creations. Robin Gower does bead weaving and embroidery jewelry.

The festival takes place at the Tabernacle, at 550 Wesley Avenue between 5th and 6th streets from Wesley-to-Central-to-Asbury. It runs from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and admission is $3. Parking is free.

Jersey Shore Artisans Guild Events have raised $317, 451 for the Ocean City Food Cupboard, Atlantic City Rescue Mission, Gilda’s Club South Jersey and The Wounded Warrior Project, according to Ocean City Public Relations Director Mark Soifer.

For information, call 609-365-2239.

The attached image was provided by Ocean City Public Relations Director Mark Soifer: After designing many of the fabrics and creating the patterns, Lori Curtis sews every dress in child size and then in doll size. In the book of American crafting MADS HERE BABY, author Bruce Wolk recognizes the foremost American crafters and Lori high on the list.