For the first time EVER, we have taken a booth at a farmer’s market, in Weymouth at the Tufts Library, 46 Broad Street, near Weymouth Landing. It wasn’t much money to rent the booth for the season, so we figured it would give us a chance to meet a new group of people that probably never heard of us, nor knew what we make and sell. Like most of you, I’ve been to a number of these markets, some really good, some tired and boring. This is a nice one.
I was a bit surprised when Ben, a co-owner at Barney & Carey suggested it, and was willing to man the booth; but why not give it a try. After I saw the market, with its nice group of vendors – including Captain Gardens Seafood – I suspected their superb lobster rolls might have been another enticement for him! It is working well for us, having the opportunity to meet people in person, in a laid-back atmosphere. Some folks who stop by are familiar with us but have no idea of the hand-crafted items we produce. Yes, we build exquisite kitchens and libraries for Chestnut Hill mansions, and Manhattan storefronts; however, we also sell rare and unusual woods for charcuterie, cutting, and game boards.
In addition to selling the components, we also craft the finished products and have some at this market. We have a good inventory of what are called “cookies” or slabs cut as cross-sections of live (natural) edge logs, usually two inches thick, hardwood. I bought a bunch of them cut from Teak logs, that have unusual shapes, so I made an end table out of one of them. End grain Teak is kind of dull looking when unfinished, but when I applied a semi-gloss polyurethane, it brought out the gorgeous color and grain patterns. We have some of these at the market, as well.
Every now and then I go to a farmer’s market in Rangeley, Maine (WAY up north). A woman who has a good-sized farm in a neighboring town used to market her vegetables and eggs there. I noticed that she was also selling some homemade chocolate cherry candies, that seemed to be unreasonably expensive. When I asked her about the steep price, she told me with a wink, “Oh, but these are very special candies that I make, and I assure you they are worth it!” This was many years before her main ingredient was legal in Maine, but no one ever bothered her. And yes, they were special!
So, if you happen to be around Weymouth on August 6 or 20, or September 3 or 17, please stop in and check out some of the artsy-craftsy creations brought to you by our outrageously talented craftsmen. Or, you can chat with Ben about that Walnut wall unit you’ve been wanting for so long, and enjoy the rest of the market as well!
Here are a few things you can find at our booth!
