Makers Market on May 9 offers gift options, more for the season

By Sherry Lucas

The May Makers Market returns to the brick streets of Olde Towne Clinton, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 9, just in time for graduation and wedding season and perfectly situated for summer preparations.

More than forty vendors will have booths chock full of handcrafted items that have passed muster with market organizers, ensuring quality and authenticity in keeping with the market’s celebration of creativity.

“The Application Review Team attempts to honor craftsmanship, skill and unique qualities of work produced by talented crafters when approving vendors for market,” Main Street Clinton Assistant Jackie Massey said. “There are established guidelines that help make the process more objective.”

“Crafters seem to appreciate the careful selection of vendors,” Massey said. “Shoppers come expecting to find well-made items that they are pleased to give others or use themselves.”

Bath and body products, candles, cottage foods, fiber arts, fine arts, jewelry, pottery and woodwork will be among the items for sale, and the makers of candles and bath and body products typically highlight lighter scents to reflect the season.

Kimi Jefferson’s Vicksburg-based Burnt House Pottery, a market vendor for several years in Clinton, will be on hand with seasonal gifts and fun, one-of-a-kind items. Pottery mugs, bowls and platters are just the start of a broad selection of wares.

“I also try to keep a wide variety of things at different price ranges, so I can offer something for everyone,” Jefferson said, with jewelry, magnets and small trays joining the mix.

Keep an eye out, too, for Sippsi Good Tea, a loose tea experience specializing in apothecary-style herbal blends and thoughtfully sourced teas.

“From caffeine-free herbal infusions to bold, comforting black teas, every blend is crafted with intention,” founder Christina Berry said.

Best sellers include the smooth, caffeine-free Peachy Southern (“summer in a cup”) and the rich black Berry Southern (inspired by her grandmother’s homemade blackberry pies). Tea gifts are also options for graduation gifts, wedding favors and more.

“Sippsi is about creating a moment — one cup at a time.”

The market in May also offers the chance to see young entrepreneurs dip their toes and talents into the business world, at the Children’s Business Fair, 9 a.m. to noon within the Makers Market.