Leather Smithing Demos

Pakatakan Farmers’ Market
at the Historic Round Barn • Saturdays, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Mid-May through Columbus Day
5 miles north of Arkville/Margaretville on Route 30 • Free Admission • (845) 586-3326
Attn: Entertainment or Features Editor
For immediate use — Thank you. June 2009

Leather Smithing Demos Saturday at Market

Halcottsville — Liza Belle Burke of the “Lost Art of Living” in Margaretville will demonstrate custom leather smithing on Saturday, July 4 from 10 a.m.-noon at the Pakatakan Farmers’ Market at the Round Barn in Halcottsville.

The custom crafted sandals and accessories of Liza Belle Leather appeal to both the functional needs of the Catskill locals and the fashion sense of the shopper from the big city.

“Sandals and leather attire date back earlier than any other manmade item,” says Liza Belle, “but there has been a recent resurgence of interest in the beauty and elegance of neo-classical designs.” The weak economy has actually fueled demand, as budget conscious shoppers are willing to pay more for custom footwear that lasts longer. “Imported sandals may be cheaper, but they don’t fit as well or hold up as long. My hand-cobbled sandals are also easier to maintain,” according to the Margaretville-based leather smith.

Although sandals are the main offering at Liza Belle Leather, the same primitive aesthetic and robust functionality are shared by the artist’s belts, bracelets, necklaces and bags. Liza Belle’s work can be found at the Pakatakan Farmers’ Market or at her shop, the Lost Art of Living on Main St. in Margaretville as well as at Brooklyn Adorned in Williamsburg.

The Lost Art of Living is open weekends or by appointment, call 845-586-4006 for more information.

This week’s demonstrations are part of a weekly event from 10 a.m.-noon at the Pakatakan Farmers’ Market, sponsored by the Catskill Artisans’ Guild. For a complete event schedule, visit: www.pfmarket.org.

The Pakatakan Farmers’ Market is held rain or shine. The market is located at the historic Round Barn on Route 30 near the Delaware County hamlet of Halcottsville, in the central Catskill Mountains. The market is five miles north of Margaretville / Arkville and eight miles south of Roxbury. The location is 50 miles west of Kingston on Route 28 (turn right at Arkville cutoff road); 45 miles southeast of Oneonta on Route 30; 35 miles south of Middleburgh on Route 30; and 40 miles north of the Route 17 exit at Roscoe. Information: (845) 586-3326.

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