Another NEW Vendor - Attention Rockhounds the Rock Dude is here

Come meet the Rock Dude

Lee Parker

Lee is just one of our new vendors this season.  I met Lee in a group on Facebook when I put out the word that we were always looking for new products and people for Cross Roads. He was very receptive to renting a booth until he read our rules. Rule 27 which states you must wear shirt and shoes.  This rule wouldn't bother most people but Lee hasn't worn shoes in many years.  I directed him to the market manager and everything was a go!  I didn't even know Lee was coming. On Saturday, October 4, 2014, I was walking through building 1 and there he was.  I have always loved rocks and Lee has a wonderful variety, most of them are in their natural states.

 In the words of Lee "I Like rocks.  I like looking at them, touching them, smashing them with hammers, slicing them with diamond bladed saws, grinding them to dust on diamond studded wheels (and incidentally forming cabochons).  I like buying some and selling some.  I like talking and writing about them.  But, I still don’t know much about them.Each day with them i s a learning experience."

 

Lee features: Brazilian Agates, both natural and dyed, fossils & coral. He can tell you where they come from and how they were formed. The children seem fascinated by the fossils. They also love to dig through the bins of polished stone looking for that perfect addition to their special collection of rocks. You can also find geodes Lee has sliced in half or a selection of break your own geodes. They would make awesome stocking stuffers.

As you can see in some of the above pictures he also has semi-precious gemstones such as raw garnet, lapis & several types of quartz.

He also has a beautiful selection of quartz clusters.  Here you can see some of the amethyst & citrine clusters Lee has on display. They are the perfect gift for your rockhound.

Lee's wife helps him stretch his product line and participates in his addiction to stone by handcrafting sterling silver jewelry with some of Lee's smaller cabochons.  She also uses natural stone and other natural materials to create beautiful jewelry. 

You can also visit Lee's Certified Rockhound page, for more information.

"If you are looking for natural perfection, keep browsing!" - Lee Parker

Peaceful Designs - Hand building with clay is the most ancient form of pottery

"When you create something with your own hands, the emotion flows into the piece."

And that's what Gerry Vacanti of Peaceful Designs does each time she builds a new piece of pottery.

"Hand building with clay is the most ancient form of pottery," Gerry says, and she honors this tradition in her own art. Creating pieces that comfort the soul while they soothe the eyes, this artist pours her passion into her work.

Featuring gorgeous hand-built bowls, comfort crosses that fit perfectly into the palm of your hand, and clay coins with peaceful reminders on them, Peaceful Designs features the artist's own personal work. The pieces are all unique, and of a quality that begs to be used as gifts, even though it's almost impossible not to choose one for yourself!

Each visit to Cross Roads is a perfect time to visit Peaceful Designs, as Gerry adds new items regularly. Grape leaf bowls mimic nature and hearken to the Chautauqua County area's wine trail. Ornate clay faces make lovely wall hangings, and the exquisite detailing must be seen to fully appreciate. Looking for wind chimes? Gerry makes those, as well, and their soft sounds are soothing in the breeze.

Coach Purses

That's right -Genuine Coach Purses are available at Gerry's booth. Their quality and workmanship are legendary, and Peaceful Designs has them in stock 15% - 30% off msr. The perfect gift for the Coach aficionado on your holiday list.

Stop over to see the selection and add to your collection

I did it! You can too!

So here we are, my first season at Cross Roads only has 7 market days left. We close for the season on December 20, 2014 and re-open May 2, 2015. Wow! It has gone so fast. 

It was a great experience right from the beginning. Henry - Henri's Gallery of Prints was one of the first people I met. He took the time to talk to me and my husband.  I was looking for a 10'x10' space and he talked my husband into a 10'x15' space. I am glad he did.  It really made a difference. His daughter Wendy - Fudge N' Stuff, was so kind to me. She made me feel very welcome and accepted right off the bat.  She offered to help me paint and cart things in and design my booth. I probably drove her nuts, every time I did anything I would ask for her opinion. She was great about it.  Kris - Spice Harbor & Spice Harbor,Too, is the type of person who will tell you what she thinks, if she feels your receptive. It was great. I would come in to find things moved and if she saw I put them back she would come over and explain to me why she moved it.  They both had great ideas. They were always there to ask question of.  It is a wonderful feeling to have people so willing to help you succeed in what you are doing.  Most of the vendors, in any of the buildings, will give you feedback if you ask for it.  If you are happy and succeed so do they.

I was instantly accepted! I am a person who just assumes that most people don't like me or that what I do doesn't really matter to most. Most places I have worked I have felt invisible and an outsider but I never felt like that at Cross Roads. They all work together, unlike craft shows where you are only in the same place for a few days, you make friends but you don't usually work as a team.  Cross Roads is so different from that.  You are expected to put the word out and do personal advertising on your social media sites, but that is something you would have to do if you had your own brick and mortar store front. They ask that you contribute to finding/planning activities that would appeal to a wide range of visitors, just another way to get people to come visit. They want you to succeed. They will do what they can but you must put forth the effort to make your business thrive also.  Always remember it is your shop you are only housed in Cross Roads.

I have not become a millionaire but I wasn't looking for that. I am happy to make my rent, pay for my materials and have repeat customers. It is so great to talk to people and find out where they are from and how they heard of Cross Roads. The best part is when someone is instantly drawn to something in your shop and you can see the joy and appreciation in their eyes and the smile on their hearts. Those are the moments I live for. It's not all about money for me, it's about making friends and lasting customer relationships. Word of mouth is the best advertising, so give them something good to talk about.

If you ever have any questions about becoming a vendor or you just want to come visit feel free to comment or give us a call.  By the way we now have an E-Newsletter. If you would like to sign up email us your email address or click here.  



Part 1- My first visit to Cross Roads
Part 2- Opening a shop at Cross Roads, is it really possible?
Part 3- Putting together my shop
Part 4- I did it! You can too!