Birdsong, flowering trees, peepers in the creek… what’s not to love? The resiliency of nature is so inspiring in light of what we’ve been through collectively and what is happening now in other parts of the world as I write this. What can we do except continue to form strong community bonds and support our neighbors everywhere. Be grateful, helpful, and pray. That’s what I’m going for.

Wishing everyone peace and prosperity (whatever your version of that may be) in 2022! Thanks for your support as we evolve.

I observed my first 17-year cicada invasion (is that the right word for it?) in 1986 in Northern Virginia. It’s an unforgettable experience, for those who haven’t been lucky enough to encounter a barrage of the little critters. I was especially fascinated by the exoskeletons stuck to trees everywhere and drew them several times. Still have a containerful of my favorite specimens.

Brood X didn’t come as far south as we are this summer, and I was a bit envious. Not that I wanted to taste any of the cicada dishes that folks were touting, but I sort of felt like we were missing out on something special. Who knows, our Brood might be showing more sooner than later. And we do have glorious fireflies… Happy summer, everyone!

Greetings, All. As we begin to breathe a little easier, our hearts go out to those who have been negatively impacted by the pandemic. So welcome, Spring, and all the positive, hopeful feelings that you represent!

We are making some changes here and actively looking for new local products. We are aiming to keep the excellent quality of the items we sell and offer products from a wide range of community makers and producers. As a result, we may temporarily have low inventory on some goods. Thanks, always, for your support!

Just the word stirs up all kinds of emotions. Maybe that’s why so much poetry is written about it.

We wish you warmth this season – inside and out – and inspiration, of course!

All the best to old friends, new friends, and friends yet-to-come this beautiful Fall season and beyond! We hope you find time to relax and enjoy the bounty. We have so much to be grateful for as we recognize that there are so many who could use some help and comfort. Remembering them now and always.

…pretty great! Those long days followed by warm summer nights, outdoor concerts, beach trips, fresh fruits and veggies, mosquitoes, humidity, vacation road traffic… Okay, it can’t all be great – life’s not like that. Here’s to being grateful for the good stuff and patience to tolerate the rest. See you at the Farmers Market!

Our weather this past week has been beautiful, and I overheard a man on Sunday morning ask if the Farmers Market was open downtown. It made me think about the changing weather and change in general. I’m pretty sure that optimistic person was looking ahead to Spring. He unwittingly inspired me to consider the inevitable, undeniable, and uncontrollable changes this life brings and to look ahead with hope. Spring IS on the way!

Imagine peace, find forgiveness, and celebrate with love and joy! – your friends at BLH

…well, HOT! But as I write, the rain is coming down, and it’s sure to cool things off.

We are enjoying the bounty of summer in this scenic shire of Virginia and hope you are, too. The fruits and veggies, art and crafts, local music, cicadas and fireflies… the list goes on. Cheers to a wonderful rest-of-the-season!

…for art shows, farmers markets, and garden weeks. It’s also the perfect time to plan for fall, too. How about trying something new? Buy Local Hands can help your organization raise the funds they need AND offer your members beautiful, finely-crafted local goods. Get in touch now and we can design a unique ornament or craft a special blend of coffee (and more!) for your fall fundraiser needs. Happy Spring!

With the variation in temperatures we’ve had in the Fredericksburg area lately, it’s hard to tell. But days like today make it seem like Spring is just around the corner. Even if it’s not, I appreciate the gifts of sunshine and short-sleeve temps.

We at Buy Local Hands are looking forward to opportunities to help raise funds for local school groups and other non-profits. Is there something you think we should offer? Let us know! We’d love to hear from you here or on Facebook or Twitter. Thanks!

Buy Local Hands is excited about our latest Fall fundraiser for the Emerald Sound & Guard, Riverbend High School’s talented Marching Band! We wish them success and are grateful for the opportunity to help them raise funds for their organization!

We’re excited to be helping our friends at Calvary Christian School in Triangle, Virginia, raise funds for projects there. Not only will their supporters be able to purchase a limited-edition ornament designed especially for the school, but they can also purchase paintings by the school founder, Gayla Wallace. We wish you great success!

We’re so excited to have the privilege of raising money for Unity of Fredericksburg’s youth! It’s kinda like Christmas in August for the church and their supporters, as we’ll be offering a beautiful, limited edition ceramic ornament designed and created by Scarlett Suhy-Pons of the Ponshop. Thanks in advance to our vendors and Unity of Fredericksburg!

As a teacher and a part-time Research Assistant for the Central Rappahannock Regional Library, I am constantly reminded of the spirit of giving and real sense of sharing – ideas as well as resources – in our community. I look forward to opportunities this year for Buy Local Hands to be a part of that force.

Cheers to a terrific 2016!

We can’t be more thrilled about our first school-related fundraiser for Freedom Middle School’s literary magazine, Eye of the Tigers!!! The ordering period begins on Monday, November 2, and runs through Sunday, November 15.  Select “FMS” at check-out, and 35% of your purchase will help support this worthy group!  Go Tigers!!

Here’s your opportunity to buy Cabin Creek’s first CD in our first-ever sale!  If you’re not familiar with their music, now’s the time to get acquainted with David, Travis, Blayne, and Eric…”just plain, simple, good ol’ music.”

Great news! We’re open for business and not just to non-profits. We’re excited to have a nice variety of local goods for our initial offerings. More will be added as we grow!

Shop now and you’ll be a part of Buy Local Hands’ very first sale event. Not only will you be the proud owner of a wonderful product made right here in our community, but your purchase will help support a worthy cause.  A portion of every sale will be donated to a local charity; pick one from the list at check-out…and then congratulate yourself.

Thanks. We’re grateful for your business!

Welcome, 2015, and the opportunities that come with a new year.  Many thanks to the wonderful artists of all media – ceramics, photography, food items, and fine art and craft – that are joining me on this journey.  Examples are coming soon…really, they are!

With Fall around the corner, we’re busily putting our first crop of product offerings together.  So far, we have a nice variety of items in a wide range of prices…so, something for everyone!  It’s exciting to be in this “evolutionary” phase right now.  Please check back with us often to see how Buy Local Hands is growing within the Fredericksburg, Virginia, community.  Thanks!

Stay tuned for more exciting news about wonderful new fundraising ideas.