A chance to CREATE

Photos by MANDI BATEMAN Taking a break from crafting to enjoy lunch.

Watermelon Utensil Jars drying after being hand painted during the CREATE event.

Women and children gathered at the fairgrounds to participate in a crafting event called CREATE.

by Mandi Bateman Editor
| May 2, 2019 1:00 AM

Watermelon Utensil Jars drying after being hand painted during the CREATE event.

Women and children gathered at the fairgrounds to participate in a crafting event called CREATE.

BONNERS FERRY — Women and children gathered at the Exhibit Hall at the Boundary County Fairgrounds on Saturday, April 27, for several hours of crafting fun, as well as lunch and time to visit with friends, old and new.

CREATE (Craft. Relax. Enjoy. Accomplish. Talk. Eat.) came about as an idea formulated by organizer Star Williams, working on the behalf of Mountain Springs Church Women’s Ministry. It started in the church, but grew in 2017, moving to the fairgrounds in hopes of inviting more of the community to participate.

The event is held twice a year, once in spring and once in December. Due to other events happening on the same day, the numbers were a little lower than usual, with about 35 people attending. The women and children who did attend, enjoyed the event, moving from crafting table to crafting table. For $6, a fee that helps offset the rental of the building, they were able to make up to six crafts and take home their finished product at the end of the day.

The craft tables included a Fourth of July Tin Candle, Garden Stakes, Serving Tray, Stamped Kitchen Towel, Plant Pot, and Watermelon Utensil Jar.

“There was a lot of painting this time,” said Williams. “Everyone seems to be enjoying it. We have more spring and summer type crafts.”

There were many returning participants, but also some new faces as well, including Kathy Konek and Summer Willey.

“I was really happy to read about it in the newspaper,” said Willey, who is new to the area. “I felt like it was a good opportunity. I am not a real crafty person, but I thought it would be a wonderful way to meet people. I rolled up my sleeves and enjoyed doing a couple, three projects.”

“It’s been really interesting to see the creativity of the youth of our county and what they are coming up with,” said Konek.

The lower than usual numbers did not discourage Williams because the people who attended had a great time and went home with finished products to continue to enjoy.

“Everyone is always very thankful and they always enjoy it when they come,” said Williams.

The next CREATE event will be held in December.