The Byers’ Choice Caroler® figurines are widely collected throughout the world and have been a great collectible within the Vaillancourt Retail Gallery. For the Christkindlesmarkt & Artisan Show, a Byers’ family member will be on-site showcasing a surprise Byers’ Choice Caroler® alongside Mueller pyramids and candle arches, with maybe a stray nutcracker or smoker mixed in—imported directly from the Mueller studios in Germany.

Michele Hollick has been stenciling for more than 30 years. What started as a simple “kitchen table” hobby, blossomed into a full time business for her. She started making floorcloths when she became interested in Colonial-era furnishings and accessories. Michele has the distinction of being a Certified Stenciler through the International Group Stencil Artisans League, Inc. Less than 100 people world-wide have passes this difficult test. Some of her best classes have been at the annual Stencil Artisans League Convention, the Stencil Decorative Artists Guild Convention, Sanborn Mills Farm, the League of NH Sandwich Gallery, as well as various shops throughout the Northeast.

As a fourth generation member of the renowned Moses family, painting is a natural tradition for Will, who began painting when he was four years old. Encouraged by his grandfather, a well-known folk painter in his own right, young Will was allowed to experiment freely with paints. Forrest K. Moses was totally committed to self-expression and passed this freedom of spirit along to his young grandson. Stimulated by his grandfather’s confident approach, Will developed his own unique style of Americana. Today, Will continues to carry on the family tradition. Although his style is reminiscent of that of his celebrated great-grandmother, it is more complex and sophisticated.

Pamela Dalton has been perfecting the craft of Scherenschnitte ever since discovering the craft in Europe many years ago. What began as a hobby eventually evolved into a full time career. Now, decades later, collectors world wide enjoy her intricate paper creations. In addition, her work has illustrated numerous children’s books. This includes “Brother Sun, Sister Moon” chosen by the New York Times as one of the ten most beautifully illustrated children’s books of 2011.

Cut from a single piece of paper , her compositions incorporate traditional themes from the early 19th century . Nautical and patriotic images, scenes from rural life, as well as Biblical passages are favorites.

As seen in the tradition of papercuts from the Pennsylvania German region, many pieces are illuminated with color. Others remain unpainted, although they are “antiqued” to replicate the look of 19th century paper.

Her work can be found in numerous galleries and museum shops and is available at select artisan events.
Pamela has lived in the village of Harlemville, New York, for nearly 40 years, a “town with more cows than people.”She operates a studio near her home, accompanied by two butterscotch tomcats.

We’re pleased to have Old Sturbridge Village join us in selling their village-made products!

Redware

Bring a piece of Old Sturbridge Village into your home by purchasing a piece of Village-made redware including mugs, ruffled dishes, covered bean pots, platters and pitchers. Have a cup of coffee in a handmade, one-of-a-kind mug, serve lemonade in a beautifully sculpted pitcher, or provide contrast to a green salad by serving it on a redware platter.

Tin

Crafted by tradesmen in our tin shop, a tin-ware purchase is sure to be both a practical and beautiful addition to your home, whether you get a beautifully patterned lantern or simple small mug. Choose from a variety of tin mugs, nutmeg graters, sconces, lanterns, apple corers, watering cans, cookie cutters, platters, colanders and pitchers.

Iron

Handmade iron items, forged in our own blacksmith shop, are available for purchase. Add some rustic charm to your house with iron hooks, candle snuffers, andiron sets, candle dishes, and mulling irons.

Dad’s Follies is the oldest and largest antique dealer specializing in antique metal chocolate moulds in the world. For over 45 years Dad’s Follies has been specializing in buying and selling antique metal chocolate and pewter ice cream moulds and are a family owned company that is currently in its second generation of Mould Experts. They currently exhibit at private shows and offer their moulds online.

Heidi Howard, Maker & Painter, creates contemporary interpretations of 18th and 19th century objects of material culture. Her work in the past has taken the form of tavern and trade signs, fireboards, and original paintings. For the Vaillancourt Christkindlesmarkt & Artisan Show, Heidi will be offering hand-stitched folk art animals and a variety of sewn accessories and objects for the home.

Feel the magic of the season the way they do at the traditional Christmas markets in Europe. This outdoor bar will ensure you’re warm with the piping hot glühwein—imported directly from Nurgneberg Germany and served in collectors mugs. In addition, a fine selection of Christmas beer and wine is sold alongside hot chocolate and bottled water. Stay outdoor and enjoy the scents filling the air just as they do in Germany.

Fraulein’s Bakery will be returning with authentic German baked goods and organic European pastries, cookies, and cakes—including Apfelstrudel, Peffernuesse, Baumkuchen, Spekulatius, Hazelnut Corners, and Schupfnudeln.

A made-from-scratch cupcakery known for their cupcakes, cakes, cookies & more. During the market, they will be featuring their Gingerbread cookies among other cookie and small desserts.

Artisan bakeshop known for their rotating selection of naturally leavened & rustic breads, will be selling pretzels and more to help bring the spirit of the European market to life.

The only farm in Massachusetts featuring a state of the art poultry abattoir and red meat processing/butchering facility—controlling the process from start to finish, raising and processing their meats on their farmsteads in the most sustainable and local way.

Enjoy an indoor cash bar serving a fine selection of Christmas beer and wine. Looking to stay warm? Enjoy piping hot glühwein or hot chocolate inside the Artisan Hall.