Gypsy Farm Market celebrates local artisans

A seller describes her wares at the Gypsy Farm Market. (CU Independent/Stephanie Riesco)

This weekend, classic trucks and booths filled with handmade earrings, clothing, and vintage finds lined The Commons at Boulder Junction for Boulder’s first Gypsy Farm Market.

The Gypsy Farm Market is a collaboration of Firefly Handmade and over 80 artisans and vendors. It was created as a seasonal farmers market that boasts hand-crafted specialties from around Boulder. The market is a caravan of indie artisans who came together in ’50s style trailers and booths constructed from reusable wood, cloth, and other materials.

Allison Bozeman, proprietress of Birddog Press and one of the founders of Firefly Handmade, is excited about the ideas and stories the market can bring to the community.

“It’s really about the stories,” Bozeman said. “You can find out about the person who made the things you’re buying from.”

With artisan markets becoming a trend in cities across the country, Firefly Handmade decided to bring the next level of seasonal markets to Boulder.

“Our original vision was to have a caravan of all different goods giving the appearance that it plopped here and will be gone as quick as it came,” Bozeman said.

The vendors participating in the market are local, and all the proceeds go back into their companies and the community.

“We’re trying to support the community, and a benefit of the market is you’re buying local and helping out the community,” Bozeman said.

Specializing in the makings of handmade creations, vendors lined the walls of The Commons on 3390 Valmont Road. Selling products ranging from letterpress style stationary and antique-inspired jewelry, to the vintage findings of a collector, and the enchanting garden aromas of bath and body products.

For students like Kitty Winograd, a junior English major, the market offered a variety of unique items.

“I really love the stamp jewelry and the originality of the artwork,” Winograd said.

The market isn’t the typical straight-from-the garden fresh fruit and vegetable sale one may find in downtown Boulder each week.

Cameron Hunt, a junior biology major, said he enjoyed the fresh approach of the Gypsy Farm Market.

“This is out of the ordinary, it’s a chance to experience something different,” Hunt said. “Everything is handmade.”

This year the market is partnering with the Center for ReSource Conservation to help promote the reuse of materials in art. Doug Yetman, development director for the Center for ReSource Conservation said he wanted the center to be involved in the farm market because of its initiative.

“Many people in our community are finding ways to reuse materials, and Firefly is trying to find people who do just that, which fits right in line with our mission,” Yetman said.

The market incorporated musical guests Ryan Spearman and Hot Club de Rue Pearl and offered refreshments from Tee & Cakes, Crust Mobile and Comida.

“We really wanted to take the artisan market idea to the next level,” Bozeman said. “With the market you get the whole feel of everyone coming together in their trailers and little booths, it really makes your heart sing.”

Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Crystal Anderson at [email protected].