Byers' Choice to Host Craft Fair

Joyce Byers got her start showing her handcrafted doll-like figures at local craft shows.

So it's only fitting that the creative force behind what is now a nationally recognized brand helps give a boost to other cottage entrepreneurs.

That's what Byers' Choice is doing this weekend, as it launches what it hopes may become a Mother's Day weekend tradition.

The company is hosting a craft show at its Bucks County headquarters Saturday and Sunday. Showcasing the wares of 70 artisans and craft vendors from across the region, the event will be held indoors at the Byer's Choice workshop on County Line Road.

"Our company takes tremendous pride in sharing the significance and beauty of the quality, handcrafted items that will be featured throughout the Craft Show weekend," Joyce Byers, founder, designer and mom of Byers’ Choice, said in a statement. "It is the perfect way to enjoy Mother’s Day weekend, taking in the love that goes into each of these one-of-a-kind items."

A spokeswoman said the event will feature "some of the most talented craftsmen around, spotlighting a variety of handmade and unique items from small businesses and family-run companies."

Food vendors also will be available, and activies have been planned for children, too, including face painting, beading/bracelet making and make-a-carnation.

Some of the vendors for this first show include:

Leonard B. Marschark – A maker of 18^th century clocks, Marschark strives to maintain the craftsmanship and endurance of the standard of style present during that time. Marschark completely hand-crafts all of his clocks in his one-man shop using individually selected woods. He believes his clocks should not just communicate the time, but communicate a link to the past and the future.

Susan Daul Folk Art – A New Jersey native now living in North Carolina, Daul has been drawing and painting since her early childhood. Her artwork, called Fraktur, is often inspired by the magnificent works painted by the early settlers of America. Her creations have been recognized in Early American Life Magazine's “Directory of Craftsmen” for eight consecutive years, and she was awarded "Best of Show" honors in the first Mount Vernon Crafts Fair.

Eric Fausnacht – Fausnacht’s acrylic and oil paintings explore the realms of texture, color and strength in the portraiture of domestic fowl. His paintings of roosters and chickens show a photo-realistic style, brought together with an ornate baroque background to illuminate the regal portraiture of the subject matter. Fausnacht’s works are in private collections throughout the United States, Europe, Canada and Asia, and have been sold in art auctions for several charitable institutions.

The show will run Saturday, May 12, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, May 13, from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Admission is $5 at the door or $4 in advance. Children 12 and under are free. For more information, visit www.byerschoicecraftshow.com.