Atascadero’s Holiday Boutique was back for the 18th year
ATASCADERO — People from all over the North Country headed to the Atascadero Lake Park on Saturday, Nov. 4, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. to check out the 50-plus vendors at the 18th annual Holiday Boutique. Each and every one of the vendors had handmade items for sale.
“I’m primarily making polymer clay jewelry, but also just jewelry in general and some other goodies like wine stoppers,” said Kayla Morrow, owner of Kayla Mae Makes. “This is a great year. It’s been a beautiful day. I’ve seen a lot more foot traffic than last year. It’s a really good turnout, and everybody’s really engaged. It’s been a really fun crowd.”
Allison Kastenholz, owner of Paper Flower Chick, said it was her first time participating in the boutique after starting her business, where she makes paper flower bouquets. Paper Flower Chick started in 2020 after Kastenholz made centerpieces for her parent’s 50th wedding anniversary, and she had so much fun that she decided to keep making them.
“I have actually sold quite a few [flower bouquets],” added Kastenholz. “A lot of interest, a lot of people were asking if I do custom orders and if they can order online and stuff.”
The boutique was a fun way for the community to start off their holiday shopping by buying from local artisans and making sure that this year’s gift would be unique and one of a kind. There was everything from food to knitted items, paintings, plants, and everything in between.
Nomad Amy Languell, who owns Nomadic Cat Studios, is currently living in San Luis Obispo and returned to the Holiday Boutique after she participated last year.
“I’ve kind of been in and out of the area in the past year and really like it, so I wanted to come back and spend the winter,” said Languell. “My cat Charles Barkley and I, we travel the world together, and she has been to nine different countries with me so far. She has her European pet passport, so she’s a little cultured kitty. She likes to help me make cat earrings and other earrings out of polymer clay.”
She started making clay for herself and realized she loved being able to be creative with it. The business is her side gig and a way to be able to pick the next spot she goes on her travels.
“Sometimes I just look for markets in cool areas, and I just go and meet the people and connect. It’s very fun,” Languell concluded.
The 19th Annual Holiday Boutique will return next November.
Feature Image: Amy Languell is shown at her Nomadic Cat Studios booth at the 18th Annual Holiday Boutique at Atascadero Lake Park. Photo by Christianna Marks
