Our first crafts show in the summertime

Whether it's for a wedding, birthday, anniversary, or just for you, a locally-made craft is the perfect gift. On Saturday, July 20 and Sunday, July 21 talented artisans will present their handmade crafts at Brandywine River Museum.

For many, the museum's annual Harvest Market and Holiday Market is the place to go for gift buying. Now, shoppers can get a jump on finding unique gifts at the museum's first  summer craft show. The Crafts in the Courtyard Show features unique wares from independent American artists in a variety of media.  This two-day event showcases exceptional works from thirteen juried members of the Chester County Craft Guild, a chapter of the Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen.

• Jewelers include Pat Halsey, Claire Lamberth (colorful fused glass) and Susan Schulz (fossilized coral, palm wood and unusual gemstones).

• Cagla Inselbag and Lisa Sabol make functional bowls, plates and vases of kiln-formed glass and fused glass.

• Anne Johnson is a calligrapher and watercolor artist who will feature her hand-made journals and family tree kits. Anne will also demonstrate calligraphy techniques.

• Rag rugs, place mats, table runners and handbags made from recycled materials will be offered by weaver Dolores Little, who will demonstrate rug hooking.

• It will be Christmas in July at Debby O'Keefe's booth. Debby's soft sculpture Santas are handcrafted using recycled wool, beards made from sheep fleece and individually-drawn faces.

• MARZBAGZ is an ever changing collection of fun, one-of-kind handbags designed by Marlene Sontchi. Marlene designs and creates each handbag using fine fabrics, creative embellishments and unique textures.

• Virginia Gathings makes jewelry and three-dimensional wall art handcrafted in glass, while Sam Moyer  makes "workable art" brooms in multiple colors, which can be used to sweep or hang on the wall for decoration.

• Deb and Rick Reis sell Nantucket-style baskets, jewelry and desk accessories made from natural wood and cut rock as well as unique picture frames.

Hours and Admission

Saturday, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and Sunday, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.  The

show is free for members and included in museum admission.

###

The Brandywine River Museum, located on U.S. Route 1 in Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania, is open daily (except Christmas Day) Admission is $12 for adults, $8 for seniors ages 65 and over, $6 for children ages 6 and older and free for children 5 and younger and Brandywine Conservancy members. Museum admission is free on Sunday mornings, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. through November 24. For more information, call 610-388-2700 or visit www.brandywinemuseum.org.