The Empire Holiday Artisan Marketplace opens the Saturday after Thanksgiving, on Nov. 28 this year, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Empire Township Hall (10088 W. Front St., Empire, MI 49630). This one-day event features unique handcrafted items for sale by local artisans, as well as holiday snacks and beverages. Contact Linda Payment, Empire Area Community Center, at 231-835-1207 or llkcr@aol.com, for more information or if you’re interested in hosting an artisan booth.
Artisan Highlights
Only a few artisans and items are shown here — see more at the marketplace!
Barbie Pfeiffer makes colorful handmade kitchen items in her home sewing room: aprons, towels, dishcloths, microwave cozies, casserole carriers, pot holders and more. 
Darlene Lapham loves making art and jewelry out of antique silverware. She uses a heat sublimation process to create designs on various items. 
Karen Rubin soaks and shapes the handwoven compressed baskets she gets from Ghana, Africa. These sturdy baskets are made from river elephant grass with plant-based dyes and goat leather handles. 
Weldon Coffee is the place to go if you’ve been looking for a great cup of coffee. Stop by their booth to try a sample. Specialty bags of coffee and brewing equipment will be available. 
Mari Leach is a multi-talented artisan who makes jewelry from natural, semi-precious gems and Yooperlite stones. She also makes handmade dog collars and crocheted toy stuffies. 
Land of Milk & Honey is a family-based goat farm that makes all-natural products, including fresh-scented goat-milk soaps. They invite you to “come and goat it” at their holiday booth. 
Bohemian Lavender Farm offers many lavender products, including essential oils, hydrosols, hand-sewn crafts, candles, lotion sticks, culinary buds, jams, infused olive oils, and their special blend of Herbs de Provence. 
James Eye View Photography captures the beauty of the local area in seasonal calendars and prints on canvas, wood, and other materials. 
Tricia Denton of Raven Reflections is skilled in her native Anishinaabe beadwork and other crafts. She makes jewelry, wall hangings, sun catchers, essential oils, and more. 
Lindsey Friend is a contemporary fiber artist with a vintage flair. Most of her creations are crocheted, but she also does hand embroidery and punch needle work. 
Sungold Art is the visual work of Michigan singer-songwriter Lena Maude. Her nature-based art is inspired by northern Michigan imagery and dream mythology. 
Heidi Sharp, aka Hippie Twig, is a natural herbalist who shares her love for plants in her herbal self-care products. She uses botanicals sourced from small Michigan farms. 
Marilyn Wares has been quilting for over 50 years. Her homemade lap quilts are both functional and decorative with warm, colorful designs. 
Holly Lang designs her jewelry using natural gemstones and petrified wood with copper, silver and gold accents. She also uses Swarovski crystals in energy bracelets and convertible bead strands. 
Laura Sielaff creates jewelry and other art with a coastal vibe. She upcycles beach glass, found objects, and antique pieces of pottery and china. 
Dana Boomer manages Still Point Market in Empire with a focus on local farm products. Her holiday booth features Michigan maple syrup. 
Delores Berta’s late husband Jim was an accomplished woodworker known for his beautiful Shaker boxes. Delores is offering some of Jim’s boxes and other work for sale in her holiday booth.
