Drakiln Glass, LLC artisan Michael Powers talks about one of his art glass bowls with Carol Oliver, of Martinsburg, in the War Memorial Building on Saturday afternoon. Tabitha Johnston

SHEPHERDSTOWN — The annual Shepherdstown Valentine’s Handmade Market was held in the War Memorial Building on Saturday.

The juried show featured the work of over 40 local artisans, selling handmade items appropriate for use as Valentine’s Day gifts.

“Earlier was almost like Christmas traffic. It’s been good today,” said Wild Rose Soap Company owner Michelle Kwiatkowski. “This is our eighth year, so I think people have become more aware of it.”

Kwiatkowski, who founded the event, organized it this year with the help of fellow small businesses Drakiln Glass LLC, Shade’s Farm and Panhandle Cottage Goods. She noted that half of the artisans were new to the market, while the other half were returning from previous years. Together, the sellers were not only hoping to make money at the market, but to also do some good.

“All of the artists are donating something to make gift baskets for two kids in the area with cancer,” Kwiatkowski said, noting the children live in Shepherdstown and Martinsburg. “I try to do some charity at each event, whether it’s helping a shelter or foster kids. I think it’s nice to be able to do something for them.”

Brunswick, Md. resident Anastasia Borovikov looks at a fossil with her two-year-old son, Kuzma, in the War Memorial Building on Saturday. Tabitha Johnston

Thankfully, with the high number of shoppers at the market, the charitable giving was going to be no strain on its small businesses.

“Traffic’s been steady, so no complaints! It’s been really good,” said Hammered & Handstamped owner Jill Dorrian, mentioning this was her first year selling at the market. “I think the weather helped, because it encouraged everybody to get out and walk around.”

The good turnout had Dorrian already planning to come back and sell again at the market. And she wasn’t the only newcomer to think so, as Baked Goods by Jessica’s owner soon after voiced the same opinion, as she was kept busy selling brownies for two, blueberry coffee cakes and stuffed cookies..

“This is the first time that I’ve done the market here, so I didn’t know quite what to expect. Things have been steady,” said Jessica Ogle, of Falls Church, Va., who works fulltime as a nonprofit insurance salesman. “I’ve always loved baking. I started baking on my own when I was 10. It’s always been my creative outlet. I pull ideas from everywhere and tweak with them and try to get them to the way that I envision them. It’s fun!”

For many customers, shopping at the market was a new experience.

Darlene Angle, right, and her friend, Jeanie Byars, of Smithsburg, Md. look at jewelry crafted by Jill Dorrian, owner of Hammered & Handstamped, in the War Memorial Building on Saturday. Tabitha Johnston

“We actually had our first date here, at the Blue Moon Cafe,” said Rochelle Jacobs, who was shopping with her husband, Andrew Catterton. “We’ve lived in Baltimore for a while — coming here is a nice getaway. Today is just a day trip, to celebrate our 10th anniversary.”

Another group of day trippers shopping at the market were Darlene Angle and her friend, Jeanie Byars, of Smithsburg, Md.

“We just decided to come over, because the weather was nice,” Angle said. “We’re having a girls day. We ate at the Blue Moon and then walked over here to look and see what they had.”

Byars was particularly impressed by the variety and level of craftsmanship featured in the market.

“Everything — I want it all!” Byars said. “I’m like dying. I want to go back and buy everybody’s clothes and everything. It’s been a wonderful experience, for my first time here.”

Rochelle Jacobs and Andrew Catterton, of Severn, Md., chat with Wild Rose Soap Company owner Michelle Kwiatkowski in the War Memorial Building on Saturday. Tabitha Johnston