THE FARMERS MARKET SERIES

Think of this, the Edenton Farmer’s Market is one of the only markets open throughout the winter in the area. Think of the benefit that adds to the town for farmers market enthusiasts who have no where else to go...

Whether you take advantage of Edenton’s Farmers Market for fresh produce, baked goods, honey, ice cream, cheese and other dairy products, along with fresh fish and food truck breakfasts or just stroll to it as a Saturday morning browsing destination, it is one of the town’s greatest assets.  

With this in mind, weekly we will highlight market vendors. Each has an interesting story about how they became market vendors. 

Under the volunteer management direction of Mary Wolfe the market has grown exponentially over the past three years. The variety of vendors Wolfe has organized is impressive and surpasses most markets on this side of the Outer Banks. Aside from the high standards Wolfe and the market board set ,the quality of the vendors assures the highest standards. Many of the artists and farmers that frequent the front lawn of the market  are award winning in their fields.  

Wolfe and her team are the force behind the market’s success. The vendors also lend a healthy hand in keeping the market moving forward.   

The recent holiday markets offered residents a look into the worlds of over 30 vendors. Aside from the regular farmers and food vendors, Wolfe created a holiday fair atmosphere hosting vendors from across county and state lines.  

The events also attracted visitors and locals alike as parking was plentiful, but very full. Walkers took advantage of the weather and came in groups at times shoppers and browsers mingled shoulder to shoulder as neighbors and town folk greeted each other with holiday wishes.  

“It was a terrific holiday market. I believe everyone really enjoyed all of the vendors and the wonderful holiday atmosphere,” said Wolfe.

The manager has tis suggestion for the new Year.  

“Enhance your life by visiting the Edenton Farmers Market, we’re a non-profit organization empowering local farmers, artisans, and artists to showcase their passion. Inside the market there is a full selection of items made from all over North Carolina. Discover fresh produce, artisanal foods, eggs, cheese, honey, baked goods, soaps, and other unique items every Saturday, rain or shine,” said Wolfe.

Wolfe also presides as President of the market board along with members Tom Shields, Betsy King, Cheryl Orr, Patrick Rose, Teri Locke and Darryl Stallings 

The winter market is open every Saturday throughout January to March from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Wednesday market will begin again in April.  

We’ve all done one form of it or another, whether crinkling it, forming into a ball and tossing it or launching a double winged 8.5 x 11 sheet to space, we have all paper crafted. However, some have taken it to a more professional level. Area art councils feature artists and the medium regularly and just like those paper planes, popularity in the art is soaring.  

Carolyn Gilliam is a well known area paper crafter. Her artwork is on display regularly at the Edenton Farmer’s Market. While her artwork is featured on her wide selection of fabulous hand crafted cards and framable art, Gilliam is also known for her miniature wrapped package Christmas Trees. This artist loves paper.  

The history of card making dates back to the ancient Chinese sending New Year’s day cards. In earlier times the Egyptians sent greetings on scrolls. As paper and technology improved over the centuries, card making has become a popular art form.  

Expectedly there has been a decline in sending cards over the past decades with many people opting for digital communications. During the pandemic there was a surge in digital greeting cards.

All of this being said, there has been a noticeable increase in the sending of hand crafted artisan cards. Gilliam can attest to the fact. When Gilliam designs a card, she always thinks of the person the card is going to. She creates a wide variety of paper craft designs including 3-D projects, cards, bookmarks, Christmas trees and kissing balls. Her framed art designs are popular with market goers. 

“When designing a card, I try to incorporate favorite colors, hobbies, interests, whatever is important in their lives”, said Gilliam, “I probably design over 200 unique cards each year.”

Gilliam offers her cards individually or in gift sets. Her one of a kind designs are available inside the Farmers Market and she also attends many regional annual festivals.

“One of my most favorite projects is to make “thank you” cards as a wedding present. I have gotten the most precious thank you notes received from the recipient.” Gilliam explains.

Gilliam teaches numerous card crafting classes a month.  Some of he classes include her church group, senior centers, the YMCA, and retirement homes.   If your organization is interested in creating a class for your members you can reach Gilliam at chsmb2@gmail.com  

Robert ‘Roadkill’ Murray is a leather artisan, however, don’t let his middle name scare you, he steers away from such roadside critters.   

Murray and his artisan works are regularly on display at the Edenton’s Farmers Market. As market browsers know the RKLeather both is filled with belts, wallets, stylish key fobs, satchels  and purses. Murray's presence exudes a personality  formed through creativity and expertise. Murray’s commitment to his customers is the basis of the business. If you haven’t had the opportunity to meet him personally, get to know him by viewing one of his many ‘YouTube’ videos shot in his workshop. You’ll enjoy his wit while he takes a piece of leather and turns it into an amazing piece of wearable art.

“Our workshop hums with creativity and dedication. Whether it’s a rugged belt, a chic handbag, or a stylish key fob, each piece is infused with Roadkill’s heart and soul.” said Murray, “We don’t just make products; we craft wearable art that tells a story.”

When asked about what makes his business different than others, his enthusiasm overflows with his commitment to his customers. He enjoys collaborating on creating personal items that become’s one’s personal leather companion.  

“We listen, collaborate, and pour our expertise into every stitch and curve. “ explains Murray, “When you leave our shop, you’re not just taking home a product—you’re taking home a piece of our passion.”

You can reach Robert ‘Roadkill’ Murray periodically at the Edenton Farmers Market or though YouTube and his social media sites. Join in on the conversations.

One of the beauties of browsing the Edenton Farmers Market is the ability to step back in times through the modern day craftsman that take their calling from artists centuries ago.  

Mattie Wills is one of those artists.  

Wills is a paper quilling artist and the owner of Imperfectionz Art where she hones her talents creating quilling cards, and framed quill art. If that sounds interesting, Wills does offer classes in the ancient process. She also creates polymer clay objects including charms, jewelry and beads.  

Paper quilling is a decorative art form, dating back to 15th century Europe.  

French and Italian nuns and monks used quilling to decorate religious items including book covers for bible snd other religious writings. The craft waned in the 1600’s but became popular once again in England during the 1700sand it’s popularity immediately spread to America.Young women were taught the skill in English boarding schools and was considered an appropriate pastime for ladies. Artist applied paper quilling to many types of surfaces including game boards, purses, tea caddies and frames as art.  

The quill pen was the catalyst for talent. The art of quilling is believed to have its birthplace on a desk. Artists would wrap strips of paper around a quill pen to shape tightly wound coils into different artistic designs by glueing them to a flat background.  

Wills has been a professional artist for twelve years. While she is the primary creator, her husband Matt assists with marketing and paperwork, and refers to himself as ‘Head of Unpaid Labor’. Wills also conducts mobil group art classes that include all the supplies you need to create your personal art. You can view her Art and class information at www.Imperfectionzart.orgor directly at imperfectionzart@gmail.com  

The art work Lorri Glennon creates on her fabric postcards is impressive by any artistic standards. Her creativity incorporates a wide array of novelty fabric and intricate stitching depicting scenes and images creating one-of-a-kind pieces perfect for framing.  Glennon's creative ideas are endless and each piece is crafted to perfection using fabric from a treasure pile of cloth fragments. Her stylized stitching along the postcard’s edge and throughout the art is a tribute to her patience. Each of Glennon's images tell a story. Her bins are filled with work everyone can relate to and enjoy.  

Fabric Art cards and postcards originated from 1800’s in Europe with ‘textile trade-card’ used by large town drapers, mercers, haberdashers and tailors. They were considered one of the earliest business cards. As print and paper continued to be perfected, ‘textile trade-cards” were replaced by modern technology. The British Museum has an online collection of trade-cards dating back to the early 18th century.

What’s old is new again with Glennon's reinterpretation of this lost art. Glennon's creative combinations of mixing fabrics and stitching details brings card giving to a new level.

“The possibilities are endless by combining colors, patterns and textiles together to personalize your card for the receiver,” said Glennon

"Once you purchase them you can mail them, which is very easy , just address , write in your message and put back in the Clear envelope provided put on one first class postage and mail. Like a happy thought to a blessed friend or family member, and then they purchase a simple frame and enjoy their gift you mailed to them forever. Make great invitations, for weddings, birthdays a day out for coffee and more. The envelope is not to protect the card but to distinguish from the every day boring mail we get...", shared Glennon, adding, "Custom Orders are always welcome, I have earned the position of Fairy Godmother for creating peoples dreams and wishes when they want a special piece of art or jewelry for themselves or a loved one. " For more information go to

http://fairygodmotherarts.blogspot.com/2014/12/how-do-wishes-come-true