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Scarborough Faire is great fun. But it is also a great place to find one-of-a-kind handmade items and artwork AND watch them being made! There are over 200 village shoppes with daily demonstrations of glassblowing, metalworking, wood turning, soap making, candlemaking, pottery throwing and more.
You would think that all the prices would be outlandish since everything is handmade, but the prices are quite fair and the quality of the items cannot be surpassed. Besides being beautifully carved, the candles at one shop are less expensive and burn 25 hours longer than Yankee Candles' large jar.
I have friends who come back every year just to stock up on their favorite soaps, replenish their pottery dinnerware and add to their collection of chimes. The Stradivarius of Wind Chimes found at Music of the Spheres has gorgeous sounding bells called Nana and chimes that range from very small to very large with incredibly beautiful tone. The Rings Blacksmith is always working his bellows, and creates unique iron wine bottle holders among other things.
Leather clothing of course is available, but other artwork in leather done by Grichel's is a delight to see and so imaginative. The artist names each one of her works.
At Lady MacArthur's Fiery Faire one can try out every flavor of her salsa's and jellies with just a little kick and they are quite yummy. I am such a fan of the jalapeno mustard jelly that I have been named an official Pepper Pusher.
Sunstrider Sandals, which also are unique and handmade out of rope, are perfect for the beach.
The Andres & Chapman Glassblowers have been creating beautiful works of glass art for over thirty years. Their motto is a William Faulkner quote: “The aim of every artist is to arrest motion, which is life, by artificial means and hold it fixed so that a hundred years later, when a stranger looks at it, it moves again since it is life.” Look at this glass and tell me it’s not moving!
The Italian tapestries used by Gypsy Wings Travelbags, feature the colors, texture, composition and artistry of an industry that has flourished for centuries. They make each travelbag, purse and accessory with the highest quality materials. This insures a strong, comfortable, durable and entirely washable product (I have several).
Wondrous Works in Wood is well known for the wooden drinking vessels that you will encounter at many faires & festivals throughout the United States. They have been copied many times, but none can match their quality and they are based right here in Arlington!
Oh I know I am leaving out so many, like the fabulous bronze sculpture fountains or beautiful stained glass creations, but you just need to go see for yourself.
Scarborough is a great place to take the kids or just go be a kid yourself. The music is great, the food is great, the entertainment is great. But the best part of all is getting to watch the Artisans at work.
And Fort Worth, Texas magazine is giving you a chance to win 6 tickets to Scarborough every week up until Memorial Day when it shuts down. Just CLICK HERE to enter to win at no obligation! Good Luck!
