GLOVERSVILLE - The old copper bullet casings, brass washers and fishing blades looked like junk to Leslie Sittner's husband, but to her, they were treasure.
For about two years, Sittner has been handcrafting necklaces, bracelets, earrings and anklets out of fishing blades, lures, bullet casings, brass washers and all sorts of other trinkets found at hardware stores or tackle shops.
"I just saw all of my husband's fishing gear and liked the way it looked," she said. "I made him save all of his bullet casings and wouldn't let him throw anything out."
Sittner, of Edinburg, retired about five years ago after moving upstate from New York City in the early 1990s.
She had worked as a clothing designer, and though she was retired, needed to keep her "creative juices flowing," she said Saturday at her table at the Downtown Gloversville Art Fair & Sale.
Beads, Bullets & Bait is the name of her handmade jewelry business, which has "real Adirondack iconography in mind," according to her business card. She also crafts jewelry out of precious stones and artisan glass, with a majority of her materials coming from local thrift stores and antique shops.
"I like to use things locally and repurpose," Sittner said.
At another table under the Art Fair tent, Madelyn Connelie eyed crocheted sets of ponchos, hats, purses and boots that can be fitted to any 20-inch doll, including American Girl dolls.
"That's my favorite thing here," she said.
Madelyn came to the event with her father, Paul Connelie and brother, Grant Connelie, from Johnstown.
Paul said it was the first time he brought his family to the Art Fair.
"We were in town and just thought we'd stop by and look around," he said.
Dorothea A. Froese, who crocheted the poncho sets, said they're been a popular item, especially during the holiday season. She and her husband, Raymond F. Froese, are retired and live in East Rockaway, on Long Island, but they have a summer home in Edinburg.
The couple bought space at the Fair for the first time this year to display the poncho sets and Raymond's hand-painted jewelry boxes, napkin holders and photo cubes.
Raymond paints local landmarks such as the Copeland Bridge in Edinburg, on his collectibles.
"It's just something to keep us busy," Raymond said. "There's no real money in it, but it's nice to make some people happy."
Organizer Linda Hinkle, of the Sacandaga Valley Arts Network, which co-sponsored the show with the Gloversville Business Improvement District, said the event drew about 25 vendors this year. Last year, 14 people signed up.
The event coincided with the weekly farmers market at the Elm Street pavilion, which turned downtown Gloversville into a place where people could buy fresh produce or baked goods, listen to live music and buy paintings, photographs, Adirondack-inspired furniture and many other items.
"It's nice that we're sharing an event," she said. "Some people come to this who never knew about the farmers market."
She said the event also highlights local talent.
"A lot of these people travel and go elsewhere to do shows, and we just think, 'Why shouldn't they have something right here?'" she said.
Representing the Gloversville Business Improvement District, Wally Hart sat in a chair outside the main tent using a counter to try to keep track of how many people showed up. By 1 p.m., he was up to 600 people.
"I'm more concerned about whether or not the artists sell," he said. "But we're very, very happy. What's been great is watching people come through carrying bags of jewelry, pottery, photographs and paintings."
The event featured a professional storyteller, Fran Berger, who was new to the event this year.
Berger, an Oklahoma native, has lived in California and Colorado, working as a storyteller for radio and live performances for the past 23 years.
She writes many of her own stories, such as the tale she told Saturday about the origin of the tornado.
Berger lives in Castleton-on-Hudson and is a member of the Story Circle of the Capital District.
"I'd love to come back next year, if they'll have me," she said.
The artist/vendor fee for the event was $20 for SVAN members and $30 for non-members.
Amanda Whistle can be reached at montco@leaderherald.com.
