Crafters brought a splash of color and ingenuity to Mill Street this past Saturday, launching the Marietta Square Artisan Market for the year 2025. Despite the chilly drizzle, shoppers came out in droves to discover handmade treasures and support local artists.
From embroidered sweatshirts to quirky pet accessories, the event celebrated the city’s vibrant creative community with over a dozen vendor booths offering unique and handcrafted items.
Handcrafted Finds Amid the Drizzle
The weather may have been dreary, but spirits were high as customers explored the eclectic mix of goods on display. Vendors set up their stalls with a variety of products, each brimming with personality and charm.
- Baylor’s Bow Ties: A hotspot for pet lovers, this tent featured custom bandannas, bow ties, collars, and leashes tailored for furry companions.
- Whimsy Blind Books: A haven for book enthusiasts, customers were invited to go on a “blind date with a book,” with each mystery read wrapped in brown paper and accompanied by tea bags, bookmarks, and stickers.
“People enjoy the surprise and the thoughtfulness of these packages,” said one shopper, as they browsed through the blind books section.
First-Timers and Familiar Faces
For many vendors, the Artisan Market was a welcome opportunity to reconnect with patrons after the holiday season. For Ben Thompson, owner of ATL Custom Lids, it was a fresh chance to meet his customers face-to-face.
Thompson’s venture began as a hobby in January 2024, focusing on designing and selling custom patches on platforms like Etsy. At Saturday’s event, he showcased an impressive collection of trucker and baseball caps adorned with his handcrafted patches.
“I’ve always loved hats,” Thompson shared. “I used to buy them on Etsy and eBay, and eventually thought, ‘Why not try making them myself?’”
Many of his patches draw inspiration from state silhouettes and vintage national park designs, but Thompson adds a twist—some feature the names of planets from the Star Wars universe.
After a successful first outing, Thompson expressed enthusiasm for participating in more in-person markets. “It’s been a great learning experience. Meeting other vendors and seeing how they approach these events has been invaluable,” he said.
Turning Hobbies Into Art
Another highlight of the market was Alex Galvan, the creative mind behind Xela Threads. Galvan showcased her embroidered sweatshirt and T-shirt designs, including a standout piece featuring a vibrant purple and orange planet surrounded by shadows and clouds.
Galvan’s journey into embroidery began two years ago when she was searching for a creative outlet after graduating college. Her designs, inspired by bold colors and celestial themes, caught the attention of shoppers looking for something unique.
“Embroidery started as a hobby, but it’s grown into something so much more,” Galvan explained. “Events like these allow me to connect with people who appreciate the time and detail that goes into each piece.”
The Community Spirit Lives On
The Marietta Square Artisan Market isn’t just about selling goods—it’s about building community. Vendors and shoppers alike remarked on the friendly atmosphere and the opportunity to support local talent.
As the event wrapped up, many vendors, including Thompson and Galvan, expressed excitement about returning for future markets. With its blend of creativity, camaraderie, and commerce, the Artisan Market promises to remain a staple of Marietta’s cultural scene.
