I cannot believe it's over already! I look forward to Bewitching Peddlers of Halloween in Marshall, MI every year and it's gone in a blink of an eye. Truly, I think this one was the best ever.
This was my 5th trip to the show (4th for Bewitching and once for Ghoultide Greetings.) There were 52 vendors this year and 6 new artists. Bewitching Peddlers never disappoints. Jennie Hepler Takens of My Dearest Witch runs the show and has a booth. I don't know where she finds the time.
This year Eastend Studio & Gallery in Marshall had an exhibit of some of the artists' works and was open for a meet and greet event the night before the show. It was really great to be able to talk to artists and collectors because during the show it's rather hectic and not as easy to catch-up. Marshall is just the perfect setting. The town is friendly and adorable! This is my 3rd year of staying in an awesome Airbnb downtown- and yes, I've already been penciled in for next year there.
I have a few collages of photos just to give you an idea of the atmosphere of the show and weekend. My husband and I drove 12 hours straight from Connecticut and arrived just in time to get my ticket (Thursday evening) for standing in line for the early buy on Saturday morning. We got numbers 114 and 115- higher than usual for me! Several people in town asked me why you would need a number to stand in line. Well, collectors wants to be in quickly because some booths will sell out in 15 to 20 minutes. No joke. You have to have a plan and then you have to run. Fortunately, I did have a plan and was able to get to the The Goode Wife booth (Stacey Walsh) and pick up one of her Butter Witches she has been showing on social media. I would have been sad if I didn't get one. Stacey's booth sells out very quickly. I'm proud to say I didn't even gently guide (push) anyone out of the way.
Right now, pull out your calendar and put a giant X on September 28, 2024 . I'll see you there!
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Thursday and Friday in Marshall before the show.
Upper right are the fabulous check-in folks for the show and lower right is me with Kristen Stafford of the Halloween Art & Travel podcast. Our Airbnb host drew a sweet message on our bed. The gallery meet and greet is lower left.
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| The show is at the Calhoun County Fair Grounds and when you arrive it's very dark and a giant glowing pumpkin greats you. I arrived by 7am for the 8am show. I love finding out where others in line are from and if it's their first time at the show. Upper left is a pic of me, Kristen, and Stephanie Hodges (Holiday Pizzazz online shop.) |
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| These are just a few of the vendor booths at the show. They're all decorated beautifully. |
Here is what I purchased to add to my collection. I will say that I bought almost twice what I normally do and I had to leave so many other beautiful pieces behind because I ran out of money. My credit card only stopped me once to inquire if perhaps my card had been stolen. Nope, just little old me on a shopping spree- a very fast shopping spree.
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| Butter Witch from The Goode Wife (Stacey Walsh) |
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| Witch Brooch from Marguerite Noschese |
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| Pumpkin Ornament from Acorn Cottage Collectibles (David Bruce) |
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| Cat Rattle from Acorn Cottage Collectibles (David Bruce) |
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| Cat and Pumpkin at a Fence from Iva Wilcox |
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| Bat Bucket from Alycia Matthews |
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| Witch Candy Container from Vandolls (Rachel Garrison) |
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| Agatha Cat Witch from Tattered Moon (Lurena Williamson) |
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| Beloved Pumpkin Couple from Mementos Art (Stacey Bear) |
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| Ghost Under the Bed from Mementos Art (Stacey Bear) |
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| Miniature Coffin Room Box from Silke Sordyl |
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| Pumpkin Cart from My Dearest Witch (Jennie Hepler Takens) |
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| Day of the Dead Stage from Allen Cunningham |
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| Witch Hat from The Victorian Witch Hat (Karen Steinkraus) |
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| Grim Kitty Banner from The Pickled Punks Show (Isaac Bidwell) |
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| Sadsquatch Banner from The Pickled Punks Show (Isaac Bidwell) |
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| 2023 Autumn Brilliance Magazine (a must have) & Bewitching Peddlers Banner (My Dearest Witch) |
Every trip to Marshall includes a stop at The Plaid Herb in downtown Marshall. Shop owner, Jody Mankerian, makes adorable primitive Halloween figures.
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| Halloween Witches and Cat from The Plaid Herb (Jody Mankerian) |
I think that's everything! Maybe I should check the trunk one more time.
