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

My First Visit to Cross Roads Farm & Craft Market Westfield, NY (part 1)

In 2012, the last time I did a "Craft Show", I accepted an invitation only set-up to the Cross Roads Farm and Craft Market in Westfield, NY.  It was the 1st annual, Invitation Only Craft Show. I had know about the market for years and it is in my area, yet I had never even stopped to take a look at it.  Wow! My bad! I knew I had driven past it before but I couldn't remember where it was. I had one of their flyers with a small map on it. It was a life saver.  I found my way to Sherman, NY and from there followed the blue information signs along Chautauqua County road 21 (Westfield-Sherman Road). About 5 miles down the road the 3 large buildings appeared just over a small knoll. I blew right past the driveway!  Thank goodness the powers that be at Cross Roads had the foresight to put in a second driveway at the other end of the large parking lot. Did you know you could park a fleet of tour buses in the parking lot and still have room? I was nervous. I thought the people would be uppity and un-friendly. Boy was I wrong!  Mrs. Gerry Vacanti owner of Peaceful Designs, was the woman in charge.


She set me up just outside the door to building 2 on the edge of the paved blacktop walkway. I was very impressed by what I saw. The view was beautiful. The grounds were immaculate. The breeze was present, as always. A beautiful day. 3 buildings full of shopping. When Cross Roads first opened in 1997 all vendors were not able to sell retail. Everything they were selling was handmade. Wow. Lots of neat stuff.

Throughout the day I wandered through all the buildings, my daughter stayed with our booth. This the first time I tried Merritt Estates Winery's XTC wine. I am not a wine drinker but this stuff was good. I bought 2 bottles. As I wandered though building 3 I found jams, jellies, cheese & olives. Every kind and flavor you could want.  Here is also where I found Peaceful Designs. Mrs. Vacanti was a wealth of knowledge about Cross Roads. She told me about rent fees and what was included. The difference between an occasional vendor and a permanent vendor. About the need for a NY tax ID number and liability insurance.

I was in love. If I became a vendor I would no longer have to load up my vehicle on Thursday or Friday night, get up with the chickens on Friday or Saturday and find my way to this weeks craft show location. I wouldn't have to find a place to park while I found the person in charge. I wouldn't have to look for my space, hope I could drive up to unload, unload, set-up, move my vehicle. I wouldn't have to make sure that I had the sides to my tent in case of rain. I wouldn't need to make sure I was dressed for the weather. My daughter would be graduating in a few years and I would no longer have her constant help at the craft shows. She did a lot of  fetching and toting for me. Cross Roads Farm & Craft Market seemed like a dream come true.

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!

Welcome To Cross Roads Farm & Craft Market in Westfield, NY

Historic Spot

Overlooking two valleys:

The first settlement in what is now Chautauqua County, New York, was the "Cross Roads" along the portage trail between Lakes Chautauqua and Erie. We're atop a steep escarpment that divides two watersheds and offers breathtaking views. What was just a fallow hilltop field in 1995 has become a thriving shopping community. Cross Roads Farm & Craft Market is a Co-op of over twenty five member-owned shops.

Featuring over 22,000 square feet of entertaining sights and smells only found here. At Cross Roads, discover exceptional values in a unique market ambiance and support local farmers, craftsman and artisans.

Never go hungry! Enjoy fresh bakery goods, mouthwatering breakfasts, lunches and dinners, organic and seasonal local produce. Peruse our variety of bulk candy, sensational spices, coffees, cheeses and maple products. Relax over a wine tasting at one of our wineries, or get the supplies to make your own beer at home.

We feature collectibles, miniatures, Amish-made furniture, and hand-built pottery. Looking for unique jewelry, cutlery, tole, or hand-sewn pieces? We've got you covered!

Cross Roads - the jewel of Chautauqua County. Come and see why.