Why Handmade: The Boston Handmade Getaway

by Lynn Mohney of Prunella’s Workshop

Sometimes we need to get away from the humdrum of everyday life. We spend so much of our time dreaming our work, creating it, and marketing it, and we have other obligations as well to families, significant others, and friends, we never stop and take time for ourselves. While technically we came to Salisbury for the Vintage Bazaar last weekend to sell our wares, it was also a time to rest, relax, and enjoy time away.

Tent mates (photos by Jessica Burko)

Day One:

Friday night. We arrived at the site. It is a lovely farm with green houses abounding filled with flowers and plant life. Setting up our tents was an adventure for some. Personally, it was the first time I had set mine up without my partner. I discovered quickly there was a broken bar, but nothing a little duct tape couldn’t handle. In truth, duct tape seemed to be my best friend during quite a bit of my set up. There was a situation where one of our spots may have been double booked, but in the end it was resolved swiftly. A darling gentleman from another booth came over to inform us, with a twinkle in his eye, we were having too much fun. In fact, he was correct.

We came back to a lovely beach home where we broke bread. Everyone shared the food they brought. We clinked glasses of wine, and some of us relished in having a kid free weekend for the first time in a while. Everyone was relaxed, though tired. We retired to our cool comfortable beds, breathing in the smells of the fresh salty air of the ocean. We pleasantly learned who snored, who suffered insomnia, and who couldn’t stay up past their bedtimes.

Where's Waldo

Day Two:

The day of a show can be very stressful. Fortunately, our tents exhibited little to no change from when we had left the night before, and remaining set-up moved along without a hitch. We experienced pleasant sunny weather, and customers who were in good spirits. Live music set the mood from folk sounds to contemporary country to classic rock. Boston Handmade balloons popped periodically, despite being a special balloon capable of withstanding most weather conditions. When they popped, they made unusual shapes, not typical to a popped balloon, providing the crew with unexpected entertainment. At the end of the day. Pettengill Farms was kind to put on a small informal cocktail party for all of the vendors, which ended our first day at the Vintage Bazaar on a positive note.

Relaxing at the Beach (photo by Jessica Burko)

Following the event, we convened back at the beach house, and headed towards the actual beach to dip our toes in the ocean. Some were converted into beach lovers, while others were long time fans. We laughed, as the sand tried to suck us deeper into the high tide coldwater. I was going to go in all the way in my clothes, until I discovered quite the drop off! Full from the cocktail party, some sought out the ice cream man, while others walked for handmade fresh ice cream at Willie’s. BHers appreciated alone time to read a book, or chit chat with their fellow members, or head to bed for another long day.

Day Three:

I woke to the smell of the ocean breeze yet again. It was a nice change from the usual attack of a toddler. I rose and packed my bags for my car. It felt bittersweet to prepare to go home after a relaxing weekend away. I missed my family, but I didn’t miss the chaos. We reflected on our ability to live together, six women, two bathrooms, for two days with little to no issue. 

Crafting at the Craft Show

The bazaar was quieter on Sunday, but I noticed the crowd was more intent on making purchases, Perhaps the knowledge we would all be gone at the end of the day increased their willingness to make final decisions. We were greeted with more live music, some of it quite amusing, while others were very emotionally moving. Break down of our site had none of the adventures of set-up, and we were on our way to our respective homes.

I arrived home, feeling battered, tired, and my head was pounding. I walked in the door and I was greeted by a barrage of hugs and kisses from my two little ones. Other good news awaited, too. All was well in my world.