By Jo Wolfe
Christmas shopping for friends and family was a challenge for me. I was seeking to find the perfect gift instead of finding presents representative of what I value: nature, artistic beauty and my community. The Pennsylvania Wilds Marketplace is now my “go-to” holiday shopping destination.
Rich Valley Apiary
Rich Valley Apiary sells the most luxurious honey beeswax lotion, fabulous scented soaps as well as Beeman’s Beeswax Furniture Polish which makes natural wood come alive. These products are practical as well as handcrafted.
Artwork by Julie Mader
Julie Mader’s silk scarf designs, inspired by nature, are gorgeous pieces of wearable art which coordinate with any fashion style.
Jabebo Earrings
For a touch of whimsy, check out ornaments made by Jabebo Studio, such as Four Calling Birds, or their numerous styles of earrings. These creations are made from recycled cereal boxes, a true eco-friendly gift.
Horner's Pens
Horner’s Pens make writing utensils from exotic and domestic woods as well as unique materials like pinecones and alligator jawbone. These exquisite pens support my love of letter writing and beautiful penmanship. Perhaps my gift recipients will be inspired to write a letter or their first novel.
Find more items at the PA Wilds Marketplace
Try shopping via the Pennsylvania Wilds Marketplace to make your holiday shopping rewarding by supporting local artisans as well as finding unique gifts. Check out the entire PA Wilds Marketplace here!
About the author, Jo Wolfe:
In June 2016, Jo retired after 37 years as an elementary educator for the Kane Area School District. Her next venture was spending summers at the Chautauqua Institution working at The Presbyterian House, where she discovered her passion for helping people extended beyond little children. Then an opportunity opened to be part of the PA Wilds Team at the Kinzua Bridge State Park's Conservation Gift Shop. In Jo's role as a Community Connector at the Conservation Shop, her mission is to truly make someone's day by promoting the PA Wilds region (and her hometown of Kane), finding customers the perfect gift for their grandchildren, listening to their stories of "back-in-the-day", or just offering someone a smile--or even a song. Jo's community service includes being an active member of The Presbyterian Church of Kane, singing in the church choir, being a McKean County (Court Appointed Special Advocate for children) volunteer, as well as serving as President of the Board of Trustees for the Kane Area Children's Museum. When she is not working or doing community service, Jo enjoys playing the piano, swimming laps at the Bradford Family YMCA, or walking Beau-Beau, her family's dog, with her husband. Amtrak trains are her favorite mode of transportation to visit their two children, in Seattle and the Berkshires of Massachusetts, or her brother in Texas.
