by Bea Peterson
Sometimes it takes a long while for a dream to come to fruition. Mina Zaffarano has dreamed of having a shop of her own to display crafts for 30 years. In December 2009, after two years of planning, she finally opened her dream store on Route 7 in Hoosick. A beautiful array of hand crafted items is slowly filling the 4,000 square foot building behind the barn and next to Tammy’s Candy Kettle that formerly housed sporting goods.
Items in the shop include exquisite chip carved boxes and plates by Barbara and Dennis Wilson, original and fascinating nature photographs by Emily DeBolt of Viridescent Journeys, colorful Manna Art pieces by Kevin and Claire Moffatt, crocheted pieces, including a Christening outfit, by Kathy Pagano, colorful and comfortable bamboo sling swings by Melanie Tabakin, laser engraved pieces, including night lights and personalized items by Dorothy Edwards and Myron Benware and hand crafted sterling silver jewelry with gorgeous gemstones by Endless Rainbow Gems.
“Lots of people do beautiful things, and they need a place to show them,” said Zaffarano. Potter Art Mitchell has the cutest little moose heads that are egg separators. Another crafter takes reclaimed wood and turns it into clever wall shelves and small display units. There are several creative wreaths on the walls and quilted potholders and baby quilts. Zaffarano has a limited selection of hand dyed wool items, including a gorgeous hand knit sweater and scarf and a hand spun, hand woven alpaca scarf. She has hand dipped candles, and the jewelry display has a lot to offer.
Vines and Branches Gallery is open Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm and Friday from 10 am to 7 pm. Zaffarano is always looking for new crafters. Call 518-205-5118 for more information.
