Category Archive Vendors

Tell us about your business

Amana Woolen Mill, built in 1857, is the oldest business in the Colony and the only remaining Woolen Mill in the state of Iowa. Our textiles express the heritage, value and essence of the originating Amana community with timeless quality design and craftsmanship. We weave beautiful wool, cotton and recycled yarn products on our Sulzer looms in an array of widths ranging from crib-sized baby blankets to king-sized bed blankets. The weaving mill produces cloth for Amana Woolen Mill’s accessory department, where our talented seamstresses develop and hand-sew elegant home goods including table runners, placemats, napkins and pillows. Our line of personal items, consisting of large and small totes, cosmetic bags, wine totes and aprons, have received rave reviews for their beauty and quality craftsmanship.

What inspired you to get involved as a vendor at Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2017?

Christkindlmarket Des Moines would be a perfect fit for Amana Woolen Mill’s textiles. German culture and heritage is woven into everything we do. Our community was founded in 1855 by a small group of German immigrants seeking religious freedom. Its members lived simply, without vanity, and dedicated themselves to living sustainably. Through dedication to hard work, progress, and innovation, our businesses have operated continuously for more than 160 years. It may be a struggle to adapt our historic buildings in order to work efficiently, but we believe it’s the right thing to do. We’re constantly working to preserve the methods, talents and ideals passed down by our German forefathers and continue to produce a wide variety of heritage inspired, hand-crafted goods. We are thankful for the opportunity and excited to share these products with you.

What products will you be selling at Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2017 and why did you choose them?

The Amana Woolen Mill will be bringing a variety of wool and cotton blankets a long with an array of accessories perfect for holiday gift giving.

Our Wool Tartans, Houndstooth, Civil War Stripe and Alpine Blanket collections are classic patterns that fit and flow with the atmosphere of Christkindlmarket Des Moines. The Herringbone and Lily cotton throws are some of our most sought-after weaves. We plan on bringing our top selling colors to share.

From the Accessories Department, the ever popular Doliver tote, made from recycled cotton and yarn with stunning leather handles and superb durability. Our small cosmetic/utility bags are always a hit. With a zipper closure to store smaller items and beautiful assortment of colors and weaves, these cute little bags won’t last long.

We’ll be bringing a variety of 4-pack coaster sets (they make perfect stocking stuffers) and wine totes that pair perfectly with a couple bottles of vino and make a thoughtful gift for the host and hostess at holiday gatherings.

Our cotton chef aprons are large enough to shield your holiday apparel from harm, yet stylish enough that you may not want to take it off before the festivities begin! With a generous front pocket and sturdy hand-sewn construction, these aprons make the perfect gift for anyone who loves to cook.

Amana scarves are a practical and thoughtful gift for both men and women. Our line features a stunning assortment of colors and patterns sure to please even your most particular loved one. The scarves are weaved on our looms in both Merino wool and cotton yarns, then hand finished by our talented seamstresses.

We have hand-selected beautiful wood cutting boards in a variety of species and shapes, classic rolling pins, and our ever-popular noodle cutters from The Amana Furniture Shop to round out our Christkindlemarket Des Moines collection. These products are well known for their superior quality and finish. Amana Furniture Craftsmen are both designers and builders, and put experience, passion and know-how into every piece they create.

Des Moines European Heritage Association connects Iowans with European traditions, language education and cultural experiences; and it provides resources and tools to other cultural heritage organizations.

With the production of Christkindlmarket Des Moines, we hope to show attendees how the items they purchase are made. To that end, we have five vendors who will also be demonstrating their craft. We hope you’re inspired!

Andy Klindt – Chainsaw Carvings, Des Moines, IA | DEMONSTRATION

Andy Klindt is an Iowa artisan specializing in chainsaw sculpture and metal design. Fanciful, functional, or a fusion of each…watching Andy craft original pieces is sure to delight people of all ages!

Offering: Chainsaw carvings, hand-forged metal items, and mixed metal and wood items

Price Range: $20 – $2000

Times:

Friday, December 1: 11:30am, 2:30pm, 4:30pm, 7:30pm

Saturday, December 2: 11:30am, 2:30pm, 4:30pm, 7:30pm

Sunday, December 3: 11:30am, 1:30pm, 3:30pm

Indianola Glass Creations, Indianola, IA | DEMONSTRATION

Come in and enjoy the world of glass. Indianola Glass Creations designs and creates colorful Stained and Fused Glass ornaments, suncatchers, jewelry and home decor. They will be demonstrating blown glass ornaments.

Offering: Stained Glass, Fused Glass & Blown Glass ornaments and suncatchers. Fused glass and china jewelry. Fused & Stained Glass clocks and home decor art pieces. Wine bottle tealights.

Price Range: $12 – $150

Times:

Friday, December 1: 3:30pm, 6pm

Saturday, December 2: 11:45am, 3pm, 6pm

Sunday, December 3: 12:30pm, 3:30pm, 4:15pm

Dakota Tinworks, Estelline, SD | DEMONSTRATION

Dakota Tinworks is a family-owned business dedicated to making and selling traditional tinwares and ornaments, hand-made exclusively by tinsmith Karl-Josef Schmidt, using primarily antique, 19th century tinsmith’s tools.

Offering: Handmade tinware of all kinds: tin Christmas ornaments, tin tree tinsel, tin tree toppers, tin cookie cutters, tin biscuit cutters, tin candle holders, tin candle sconces, tin cups, and tin candle lanterns.

Price Range: $5 – $150

Times:

Friday, December 1: 12:30pm (Making tinsel), 1:45pm (Making tin ornaments), 3pm (Making a small candle holder), 4:15pm (Making tinsel), 5:30pm (Making tin ornaments), 6:45pm (Making a small candle holder), 8pm (Making tinsel)

Saturday, December 2: 12pm (Making tinsel), 1:15pm (Making tin ornaments), 2:30pm (Making a small candle holder), 3:45pm (Making tinsel), 5pm (Making tin ornaments), 6:15pm (Making a small candle holder), 7:30pm (Making tinsel)

Sunday, December 3: 12pm (Making tinsel), 1pm (Making tin ornaments), 2pm (Making a small candle holder), 3pm (Making tinsel), 4pm (Making tin ornaments)

Quilted Gardens & Nursery, Des Moines, IA | DEMONSTRATION

Quilted Gardens & Nursery is an independent nursery specializing in unusual and collector perennials, hostas, trees, shrubs and conifers.

Offering: Hand made wreaths, swags, kissing balls and wood, straw and glass ornaments, table top trees, garland holiday optical glasses.

Price Range: $5 – $150

Times:

Friday, December 1: 1pm, 6:15pm

Saturday, December 2: 1pm, 4pm

Sunday, December 3: 1pm

Wild Cherry Spoon Co, Rock Island, IL | DEMONSTRATION

Wild Cherry Spoon Co. handcarves unique, one of a kind, pieces of wooden kitchenware along the banks of the Mississippi, in Rock Island, IL.

Offering: Handcarved wooden: spoons, spatulas, kitchen utensils, rice paddles, chopsticks, cutting/cheese boards, baby spoons, cheese spreaders, pizza paddles and pizza cutters, coffee and ice cream scoops.

Price Range: $5 – $75

Times: To Be Determined

Tell us about your business

Hello from Pickle Creek Herbs! We are a small family farm in Pleasant Plain. We grow herbs, fruits, and vegetables that we then use to create artisan infused olive oils and vinegars, jams, soaps, salves, and balms. We take the process from seed to store and make everything ourselves using our own original recipes. We want to show how amazing herbs can be when they’re grown by passionate farmers who love their plants, their community, and their Iowa soil.

What inspired you to get involved as a vendor at Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2017?

We do fairs and shows all around southeast Iowa, and we got involved with Christkindlmarket last year because the uniqueness of the market jumped out — we hadn’t seen anything quite like it in Iowa before. And we had such a great time with the visitors, volunteers, and vendors at the 2016 Christkindlmarket, we couldn’t wait to come back!

What products will you be selling at Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2017 and why did you choose them?

To stay in the spirit of Christkindlmarket as much as possible, we’ll be selling only our handmade artisanal products that we create using our own herbs and recipes. We’ll especially be featuring festive holiday gift boxes, baskets, and bags.

Anything else you’d like to share?

Christkindlmarket Des Moines is not just shopping and eating—it’s an experience unlike anything else in Iowa. It’s especially charming when the lights start to shine, a cup of Glühwein warms the fingers (and your heart), and the cheer in the air evokes the Christmas magic you loved as a child.

Des Moines European Heritage Association connects Iowans with European traditions, language education and cultural experiences; and it provides resources and tools to other cultural heritage organizations.

Tell us about your business

Andy Klindt is an Iowa artisan specializing in chainsaw sculpture and metal design.

What inspired you to get involved as a vendor at Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2017?

Someone mentioned a European style Christmas Market was premiering downtown 2016. We love Christmas, we love winter, we love markets…it seemed like a wonderful opportunity to enjoy all these things we love wrapped up into one! Last year was so fantastic that we couldn’t miss Christkindlmarket 2017!

What products will you be selling at Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2017 and why did you choose them?

We may have any combination of wood and metal, fanciful or functional! Each piece is hand crafted and one of a kind, all will make wonderful gifts…to anyone, including yourself!

Anything else you’d like to share?

Des Moines European Heritage Association connects Iowans with European traditions, language education and cultural experiences; and it provides resources and tools to other cultural heritage organizations.

Tell us about your business

Worldly Goods celebrated our 30th anniversary this year! As a non-profit, Fair Trade store, part of our mission is to inspire sustainable livelihoods for our artisans from over 50 countries. We provide these artisans a marketplace for their products, where they are paid upfront for their work, earn a living wage within their country, have safe working conditions, and no child or forced labor is used.

What inspired you to get involved as a vendor at Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2017?

Worldly Goods was a vendor the inaugural year and loved the atmosphere and mission of Christkindlmarket Des Moines! It is so much fun to share our mission and Fair Trade products from diverse cultures.

What products will you be selling at Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2017 and why did you choose
them?

We have Christmas and holiday themed items from around the world. You can find that special nativity or ornament that will make your season bright. There will be hats, scarves, and gloves to keep you warm on those cold wintry days. Stop by our hut and be surprised by all the fun and unique gifts that are handmade just for you!

Des Moines European Heritage Association connects Iowans with European traditions, language education and cultural experiences; and it provides resources and tools to other cultural heritage organizations.

Des Moines European Heritage Association connects Iowans with European traditions, language education and cultural experiences; and it provides resources and tools to other cultural heritage organizations.

Tell us about your business

TeaGschwendner offers over 250 premium loose leaf teas sourced directly from tea gardens around the world. Our products are sugar free, natural, pure, organic and pesticide free.

What inspired you to get involved as a vendor at Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2017?

We enjoy reaching out to customers outside Chicago as well as meeting online customers in person. We had a great time last year in Des Moines and happy to come back again.

What products will you be selling at Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2017 and why did you choose them?

Our Christmas collection offer over 10 teas that are only available during the holidays. The teas are spicy, warm and smooth – perfect for Christmas time. One of the top sellers is Christmas tea-black tea with vanilla, cloves and orange peels that really smells like Christmas. Others are Snowman tea, White Christmas, Rooibush Eggnog, Winter magic and more. Our collection will also include all tea accessories: teapots, mugs, infusers and tins.

Anything else you’d like to share?

Since 2008 we have been rewarded for the best quality tea in the world, as well as voted/named the Best Tea Shop in Chicago.

Des Moines European Heritage Association connects Iowans with European traditions, language education and cultural experiences; and it provides resources and tools to other cultural heritage organizations.

Tell us about your business

We are a small family owned and operated business based out of Ames, Iowa, that makes hand-twisted soft pretzels. We are not just pretzels though; our food truck provides a variety of foods that include local sausages, meats, breakfast sandwich, fried foods, and we even have vegan options!

What inspired you to get involved as a vendor at Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2017?

This is our second year attending the market as a vendor. The first Christkindlmarket was a huge success and we believe this one will be even bigger! We came across this event last year and decided to reach out to see if we could provide some of our classic German foods and European style cuisine. The market hosts said yes, and the rest is history.

What products will you be selling at Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2017 and why did you choose them?

We will have both our classic American and German style pretzels, a wide variety of sausages, European breads, cookies, European sides, and some European desserts.

Anything else you’d like to share?

We look forward to seeing you at the market. This year will be a great one and we are happy we have the opportunity to be a vendor for another year!

Des Moines European Heritage Association connects Iowans with European traditions, language education and cultural experiences; and it provides resources and tools to other cultural heritage organizations.

Tell us about your business.

Letterpress printing is the first mechanized form of printing from 14th Century Europe. Printed pieces from The Permanent Collection Letterpress + Design Studio celebrates this historical tradition with a vintage nod and modern design. Each item is hand-printed on a vintage printing press on elegant paper, making each item an original and truly distinctive.

The Permanent Collection is owned and operated by Sarah McCoy and located in the vibrant downtown East Village in Des Moines, Iowa. Sarah’s studio is full of wood and metal type as well as, vintage presses- models including a Heidelberg Windmill Red Ball, two Chandler and Price models, a Vandercook SP-15, and two small proof presses. She designs and prints work for clients both big and small such as PaperSource, Madsen Cycles and several music festivals such as Hinterland and 80/35.

What inspired you to get involved as a vendor at Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2017?

The historical aspect of printing originated with Johann Gutenberg in Germany and several designs celebrate the european heritage. My classic products fit well with the audience and overall feel of an outdoor holiday market.

What products will you be selling at Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2017 and why did you choose them?

I will be selling art prints, cards, and other letterpress printed products. There will be a wide variety of holiday cards and note cards. I received wonderful feedback on the classic designs that have a wide appeal to many customers.

Anything else you’d like to share?

I’m looking forward to the market and the small little wooden houses that we will be selling our products out of…

Des Moines European Heritage Association connects Iowans with European traditions, language education and cultural experiences; and it provides resources and tools to other cultural heritage organizations.

Several people were the first to view Christkindlmarket Des Moines’ 2017 Glühwein mug design at Jasper Winery on Tuesday, April 18 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

They sipped the signature drink (warm mulled wine) while shopping a mini market featuring foods and handcrafted items from Christkindlmarket Des Moines 2017 vendors. The first 25 attendees to donate $25 (or more) to guarantee their 2017 mug received a goody bag.

Participating vendors included:

• Andy Klindt – Demonstrating forged metal winestoppers
• Worldly Goods
• Three Smooth Stones
• The Permanent Collection Letterpress
• Indianola Glass Creations – Demonstrating cutting wine bottles for making wine bottle tealights outdoors)
• Jett and Monkey’s
• Chocolaterie Stam
• Sugarplums (Lebkuchen!)
• Mucky Duck

Des Moines European Heritage Association connects Iowans with European traditions, language education and cultural experiences; and it provides resources and tools to other cultural heritage organizations.