Amid holiday crafts show, family and artistry shine in Virginia Beach

OCEANFRONT — A family of crafters worked at their spot among the hundreds of artisans gathered at the Virginia Beach Convention Center late last month for the 34th Annual Virginia Beach Christmas Market. 

There were three generations of the Colonna-Starke clan, including Sandra Colonna of West Neck and her 11-year-old granddaughter, Lindsey Starke of Suffolk.

Colonna said the medium, employed by a number of people in the family, was Sculpey clay. It’s a brand of oven-bake clay that can be made into jewelry, ornaments and small sculpture.

Said Colonna, “I just mold it, bake them and –”

“Give them personality,” said Kendra Starke, Lindsey Starke’s mom.

What did young Lindsey think of her weekend at the craft show?

She said she liked it, after assisting customers while sitting close to Colonna, her grandmother.

“Being with her,” the girl said.

“And making money,” her mom offered.

“And making money,” Lindsey Starke said smiling.

They were busy that day. Customers looked through the items, many showing carefully sculpted snowpeople.

A number of the creations seemed to tell little stories.

“See,” said Shirley Starke, also Lindsey Starke’s grandmother, who pointed to a snowman who looked slightly distressed. “He dropped his hamburger.”

Does the 30 second rule apply?“Well,” Shirley Starke replied, noncommittally. 

More customers came. 

There was another sale, which Lindsey Starke handled, surrounded by family.

“It’s good to create something,” she said a moment later.