While the holiday season is a about eight months away, the District-based Heurich House Museum has decided that, as COVID-19 continues to spread, the DMV region could use a little holiday cheer this spring. That’s why the centuries-old museum has planned Christkindlmarkt in April, a weeklong, German-style Christmas market featuring products from 26 local makers. The best part? You can browse through it all while in your pajamas.
Of the 26 currently confirmed vendors taking part in the virtual market, five hail from Northern Virginia, giving you the chance to support local creatives who make our region so special. Whether you’re searching for art to add to your new home-office space or a well-crafted journal to hold your thoughts, these artisans have something for you.
Cindy Liebel Jewelry
From her home studio in Fredericksburg, jeweler Cindy Liebel bends, molds and designs metal into contemporary statement pieces like necklaces, earrings and bracelets. This spring, she’s added several new pieces—made of solid gold and ethically sourced gemstones—to her geometric-inspired Axiom collection, all of which will be for sale at the upcoming market. In addition to this month’s market, Liebel has been very active virtually during the coronavirus, answering questions, showcasing sale items and even selling sample designs that did not make it into her new collections, mostly through Instagram.
Marni Manning
As a self-described folk artist, Sterling-based Marni Manning has an eye for the unique. Using travel, nature and folktales as inspiration, she watercolors murals, signs, paintings, wall art and more. As a result of the pandemic, Manning has created Quarantine Coloring Pages for aspiring artists to doodle in the lines, as well as Instagram live demos for kids and adults to take part in. As part of the virtual market, Manning will be selling watercolor kits, as well as original prints featuring spring flowers, children’s cartoon characters and so much more.
Moonlight Bindery
Katie Wagner is a book conservator at the Smithsonian Institute by day, and an experienced bookbinder by night. From her home studio in Alexandria, Wagner is able to transform her affinity for books to a talent, creating unique, handbound books from upcycled materials. In the past, she has created a floral-printed recipe journal, a pocket-sized travel journal, a children’s diary made of Legos and so much more.
Old Town Suds
Alexandria-based Old Town Suds started with the founder’s desire to create eco-friendly detergent, free of dangerous chemicals. That was in 2011. Today, the company’s specialty is homemade soap bars, consisting of ingredients like chocolate, beer and even wine, which are typically sold at farmers markets throughout the region. In addition to soap, products include a hydrating chocolate face mask, lip balm and yoga mat cleaner.
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Seyyah Jewelry
Owned and operated by mother-daughter duo Neslihan and Ezgi Kaya, Seyyah is a jewelry company inspired by global travels and Turkish roots. Ezgi designs and creates each bold statement necklace or pair of earrings in Alexandria, while her mother lives in Turkey, operating a small studio across the world. As part of the Christkindmarkt, Ezgi will be debuting the third edition of Kamuran, one of the company’s bestselling items, as well as new seasonal earrings.
The online affair will begin Saturday, April 18, continuing through Sunday, April 26. To receive the link into the market as soon as it opens, input your email here.
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