by Noella Noelophile®
If you’d been in Santa Ana on Sunday, you would have seen one sure sign that summer’s on the way.
Santa Ana’s edition of the Spring 2015 Patchwork Show was a lot of fun. This is the second one of three (with the third coming up in Long Beach in two weeks). They had a great turnout, and we found lots of new favorites among their 150-plus vendors! 
We couldn’t resist the handcrafted Crimson Rose soap created by sisters Charlene Corn and Debbie Churchill, of Ceecee and Bee.
These are natural and organic products especially designed for sensitive skin. Charlene and Debbie grow some of the ingredients for their soaps themselves, in their own herb garden, according to their Etsy store information. Charlene said she also crocheted the washcloths she was offering for sale, at their booth!
Melinda Boyce creates vibrant, colorful graphics through her art print and paper goods company, Cactus Club Paper. I’m honestly disappointed in my camera exposure here, as it doesn’t come close to doing justice to the blues and greens on her whale print. Her cards, art prints and phone cases are available on Etsy–and don’t miss seeing “Llamarama”, which is one of the most fun among her designs. (Her rainbow-tinged “Space Bear”, complete with stars, is another favorite!)
As usual, the Patchwork Show was a foodie’s paradise. Besides the food trucks, there were vendors offering macarons, s’mores, artisan popsicles and various other forms of culinary creativity…
…Can we say “coolness” here?
In the area of food, we’re very proud of ourselves for somehow managing to resist The Kandy Jar’s homemade fudge and peanut brittle (THIS time!). Artists and candymakers Kat Hinckley and Randy Mason told us there were NO substitutes, of any kind, in their products. “These were my grandmother’s recipes,” added Randy. (If I hadn’t given up chocolate for the summer, Randy and Kat, I know I’d have indulged, hours ago!) 
There was an eclectic mix of handmade (our favorites) and vintage items for sale. And the Max Love Project booth provided some really good news!
In a 2013 interview, Justin Wilford shared his story.
Justin and his wife Audra created the nonprofit Max Love Project as their their four-year-old son, Max, fought brain cancer. Max Love provides resources and teaches families whole-body wellness strategies to fight childhood cancers.
Well–one of the staffers at the booth told us Max is now eight years old, and doing well!
Right next to the Max Love Project booth was another new favorite.
InFORaCAUSE founder Nick Ventura created his socially-conscious retail store in 2013. All the products he offers are brands benefiting different causes. These include: education, peace in the Congo, and ending hunger. In addition, InFORaCAUSE donates 5 percent of their net profit to community nonprofit organizations, according to their website.
Next, we met Anthe Wosczyna, of Little Muse Designs. She completely wowed us.
At first glance, her intricately-patterned mandala earrings and necklaces look embroidered. Closeup, though, you’ll see that they’re actually woven–with solid materials! Anthe said she creates her unique pieces with Japanese glass beads and Swarovski crystals.
In addition to all the talented exhibitors and DIY crafts stations, there were bands to add to the festive atmosphere. Here, Gal Musette rocks the OCCCA stage.
Is it any wonder that Santa Ana loves Patchwork? In a sense, this is a “welcome home” anniversary celebration for the festival, which creators Nicole Stevenson and Delilah Snell first started in a Santa Ana parking lot in 2008.
And if you couldn’t make it to Santa Ana this weekend, for whatever reason? Not to worry. The next Patchwork Show Modern Makers Festival is set for Sunday, June 7th, in Long Beach!
The third Spring 2015 Patchwork Show Modern Makers Festival happens Sunday, June 7th, 11 am to 5 pm, at Long Beach’s Marine Stadium, Appian Way at Bayshore, and admission is free.