Christmas crafts aplenty at fairgrounds
Photo by Mandi Bateman The Boundary County Celebration of Craft returned this year to the Boundary County Fairgrounds, attracting over 40 vendors.
Photo by Mandi Bateman Nancy Martinez with her booth, NancyAnn’s Bling Bling Jewelry, was bursting with holiday spirit.
Photo by Mandi Bateman Weezil with his booth, Hammered and Twisted Copper Jewelry.
Photo by Mandi Bateman Vicki Bleile and Darrelyn Rose watched over the Boundary County Artist Association’s booth, showcasing a diverse variety of art items.
BONNERS FERRY — The Boundary County Celebration of Craft took place at the Boundary County Fairgrounds on Friday and Saturday, Dec. 1-2. The hall buzzed with activity, and the friendly sounds of conversations between vendors and shoppers.
The items presented covered a wide variety, from Christmas themed to the perfect gifts for under a Christmas tree, from jewelry to jerky, paintings to pottery, and much more.
“I think it went pretty good,” said VFW Second Vice Commander Raymond Harris. “We had a good vendor turnout.”
More than 40 vendors came to the craft fair, put on by the VFW and the American Legion, to sell locally produced and created items.
“I did well and am grateful for the continued support shown by the community with my photography,” said local wildlife photographer Annie Pflueger. “It is very nice to see people come out to show support of the local artists.”
Vicki Bleile, president of the Boundary County Artist Association, watched over a booth of local artist’s works. Their association consists of 11 members and the tables showcased the wide variety of items, from original paintings on canvas, to those on rocks.
“It has been good,” said Bleile. “Not as many people came through this year. I’m not sure why, but the people who did come through are great people.”
Deb Wood had a booth selling Oregon Trail Busters Smoked Beef Strips to raise money for a charity she is supporting.
“I’m with the Eagles and my charity is going to the be the Lou Red Spinal Charity. When I am State Madam President, which will be in about six years, what I want I want to do for Idaho is get them an exoskeleton,” Wood said, explaining how the device will help people with spinal cord injuries.
At another booth, Barbara Rexford pointed to a hand knitted hat with flashy blue tassels. “I just made this one,” she said. “I just finished it off yesterday.”
Rexford was knitting unique hats and selling them to raise funds for the Boundary County Women’s Cancer Support Group.
“All the proceeds made from the hats go to the cancer group,” she said, taking care to make the hats unique and stylish.
Also at the table was Virginia Sanborn, who sat by an intricate handmade quilt that they were raffling off to benefit the group. The quilt was made by Ardie Bauman in memory of her sister Annette.
A local artist was drawing lots of attention with her shelves of handmade pottery.
Maxien Marcy of Mudslinger Pottery started professionally in 2008. “I took some college classes beginning in 2001 and couldn’t get out of the mud,” she said.
“It’s been phenomenal,” said Marcy. “I met some really great people, made some really good connections. It’s been nice.”
In the entrance hallway, a unique character who goes by the name Weezil sold his hammered and twisted copper jewelry, along with chain mail and other unique items. A favorite of the children, Weezil had a table set up for them to make their own rings while their parents shopped.
“Many of the kids remember me from the previous years and they look forward to having something to do while they are here,” said Weezil. “I do most of my stuff out of recycled material. I try to keep things so that they don’t go to waste, and help cycle things as well.”
Many people left the fair, happily carrying home items ready to wrapped or stuffed in stockings this Christmas,
“The people I talked to were reasonably happy. So I think it went well,” said organizer Harris.
“With any luck at all, it will be here again next year.”