Sponsor Shout-Out: Chronogram…More than just “some” joy!

Editor Brian Mahoney describes artist Giselle Potter’s illustration on the cover of this month’s Chronogram as “winsome,” going on to break down the etymology of the word (“Old English: wynsum, from wyn ‘joy’ + some”).  He explains that this more literal translation better suits the work than the modern definition of the word (“something lightweight, or lacking seriousness”). Funny how that interpretation so perfectly applies to Chronogram as well!

Arguably, Chronogram IS lightweight (it’s easy to carry!), and is in spots, lacking seriousness (or its just seriously funny)—however, it’s also anything but fluff and triviality…In fact, we find it the perfect mix of entertainment and insight. The website and printed magazine are both chock-full of great photos, and their articles on local businesses, people, places, events, issues, and general goings-on keep us informed and in-the-know. They’ve done numerous stories on local artists, craftspeople, and designers and the local makers’ movement and have been the voice of the Hudson Valley since before other places were talking about us!

Photo credit: Tom Smith. Photo source: https://www.facebook.com/Chronogram.

Have you signed up for their 8-Day Week newsletter yet? Because you should: http://www.chronogram.com/hudsonvalley/8DWSignUp/Page. It’ll keep you in the loop about great events (like ours, and ones the Chronogram throws, like their super fun Block Party!). And be sure to check the website (www.chronogram.com) regularly for new content and calendar listings (and VERY accurate horoscopes). They also host a web show Hudson Valley Art Scene Web TV—check it out and meet some makers!

Still love the feel of a good old-fashioned magazine in your hands? We sure do! Pick up a copy of Chronogram at your favorite local establishment (or at Hullabaloo!). With covers featuring “winsome” art and gorgeous photos, you’ll have a hard time recycling them. But no need—they’re useful as directories, too, listing all the businesses you should know about.

We’ve got more than a little joy about the Chronogram’s continued support of Hullabaloo! Thanks, Chronogram, for being part of the party!

Vendor Features: Eco Skin Essentials, PKBrown Woodworking, Hawk Dance Farm, and ehstern!

What do these four makers have in common? Not only are they all returning Hullabaloo vendors, they also share a commitment to sustainability, eco-conscious products and practices, and responsibly sourced materials! What an awesome bunch…

Eco Skin Essentials, Phoenicia, NY

After becoming disillusioned with big corporations after working for years in the food industry, Theresa of Eco Skin Essentials started doing some research—and what alarmed her about what was in our food got her thinking about what’s in the products we put on our skin…we’ll spare you the gory details, but it’s pretty scary stuff! Lucky for you, we know where you can get handmade, all-natural, vegan soaps and skin care products, in eco-friendly packaging! There’s a bar soap scent for every nose—like the zesty lemon poppy seed, the soothing lavender vanilla, and the invigorating peppermint rosemary—and even unscented options too! In addition to these fantastic soaps, Theresa makes sprays, body butters, lip balms, and other miracle products (have you tried the Chapped Skin Stick for your winter skin needs? OMG, there should be one in every stocking!). She also has new products to make your baths more pampering. We’re so happy Eco Skin Essentials is back for their third Hullabaloo! 

PKBrown Woodworking, Tivoli, NY

We’re so excited to have PK Brown Woodworking back for their second Hullabaloo! In his studio in Tivoli, which is powered by a photovoltaic system, Kaj creates his pepper grinders, salt and pepper mills, salt and pepper shakers, coffee grinders, jewelry boxes, and French rolling pins (which are new this year!), all from sustainable local wood.  “Each tree writes its own story,” he says…and his mission is to carefully reveal the grains of the woods to let the stories show through. He’s recently developed a new method of laminating the wood to give the finished item a unique look and make the grain of the wood stand out. Eco-conscious and beautifully-crafted, Kaj’s products are fantastically functional gifts for anyone who appreciates fine craftsmanship! 

Hawk Dance Farm, Hillsdale, NY

Hawk Dance Farm is returning to Hullabaloo for their second year, bringing their 100% beeswax candles, nature crafts, and handmade digeridoo instruments (look for their heirloom veggies, herbs, and flowers at local farmers’ markets)! Their charming candles are perfect for the holidays—like, hot cocoa in front of the fire in your Catskills log cabin perfect! And it gets better—they’re donating a portion of their profits from the sale of their beeswax candles to organizations that raise awareness about the declining bee population, and that educate the public about the important role of pollinating insects in sustaining our food growing system! How awesome is that!?!? So pick up some awesome candles (we’re partial to the Christmas trees and the pine cones, but you can’t go wrong with a high-quality taper either!) for the bee-lover, hostess, co-worker, friend, or other special person on your list!

ehstern, Kingston, NY

Emilia is back for her second Hullabaloo! Using silk that is repurposed, remnant, or purchased from Peace Silk (a sustainable, fair trade supplier that allows the silkworms to complete their lifecycle), Emilia dyes the material a variety of beautiful colors, cuts it into cords, and designs her unique hand-crafted silk jewelry. She often adds elements of metal, wood, glass, and organic materials—also obtained from sustainable, fair trade source—to lend texture and variety to her work. The results are one-of-a-kind, soft, light, comfortable pieces of jewelry that are easy to wear and sure to get attention! This year, Emilia has been experimenting with different dyes and color combinations, sourcing new beads and findings, and designing new styles, like tassels and a new version of her fringe necklace on a brass chain. She offers unique jewelry designs in a wide range of price points, so her pieces make great gifts for anyone who would appreciate a pop of color and texture!

Sponsor Shout-Out: Kingston Land Trust—One of Kingston’s Many Assets

How lucky are we? We live in an area rich in history, culture, beautiful vistas, and natural resources…And we have great organizations like Kingston Land Trust who are committed to preserving them!

Kingston Land Trust is a non-profit organization that works for the protection and preservation of open spaces, historic sites, wetlands, scenic areas, and forests in Kingston and the surrounding areas.  And the Trust does much more than acquire and manage properties for conservation—they also develop educational and outreach programs and organize events to bolster appreciation for our area’s assets and increase interest in conservation. Finally, they help form and support community groups that preserve parkland, plant gardens, preserve cultural history, and promote recycling, as well as develop and implement other projects in line with their mission.

One of their major projects is the Kingston Greenline, a vision for a network of non-motorized urban trails, bikeways, water-trails, and walkable sidewalks that promotes “a healthy, fun, and sustainable way to connect with the City’s rich cultural, historical, commercial, and recreational resources.” Many segments are complete and many more are in the works—perhaps you can even take one to Hullabaloo, and we encourage you to check www.kingstonlandtrust.org to plan your route! The Greenline serves as a hub for the growing system of rail trails in the Hudson Valley and Catskills.

You may have heard about the Trust’s Sunday Hikes, which take place on the third Sunday of May through October, converging at Kingston Wine Co. (another Hullabaloo sponsor!).  Join them!

Not one for walking? There are lots of ways that you can get involved and show your support for all different types of programs and projects—check the website or like them on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/KingstonLandTrust?fref=ts to learn about more upcoming events, meetings, and initiatives, and consider making a donation.

We just love being part of a community that values these things as much as we do, and we’re grateful for all the work that Kingston Land Trust does to conserve and preserve all our natural and cultural assets. We’re thankful for their support and glad to help the Trust spread the word about their efforts. Thanks, Kingston Land Trust!