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Handmade Treasures

Pipestone Flyer

 

Leduc, AB – The region has been prolific lately in showcasing Christmas Craft Fairs: urban and country residents have been happily turning to ‘local sources’ to complete –or start- their Christmas list. Have you been good? Then perhaps you can look forward to something hand-made, a lovely, crafty item placed lovingly under the Christmas tree… 

Among the several Christmas sales taking place in the region, the CHRISTMAS EXTRAVAGANZA shone like a bright beacon: organised by Anne Neilsen, a gifted crafter and former board member of the high-profile ‘Leduc Christmas Craft Sale” held at Christ The King (CTK) for nineteen years (!!), this newly-baptised Fair gathered a large number of artisans, and all the colorful exhibits had this in common, they were showcasing hand-made items! ‘Tis the season to remember the less fortunate, and that it did, as the Extravaganza gratefully accepted donations for the Leduc & District Food Bank.

Exquisite, well-designed fashions for Barbie Dolls created by “Designs by Eva” of Wilwood were the proof that in this world of popular electronic games for all ages, Barbies are still popular, with kids and with their parents and grand-parents! Ken is also a popular ‘doll’(evads1@hotmail.com).  

This writer indulged in purchasing, among other delightful items, some hand-made wine-themed coasters. There were many themes, some ‘Christmasy’, others about wildlife and country beauty… It seems that it is not uncommon for a craft sale attendee to pick up some craft ideas from these vendors. Laura Piercey has a unique talent and she continuously innovates: still designing some attractive Lightwear Apparel for sporty types, Laura is also designing really neat outfits for little girls, with matching outfits for their dolls. A Leduc seamstress, Laura invests a lot of time and thought into her performance costumes and Sportswear (lpseams9@telus.net).

Of course, you can’t have a Christmas Sale without some baked goods. The Christmas Extravaganza had a few vendors with yummy treats, but this young lady was candid in saying that this was her first time selling her baked goods: a lovely, vivacious French-Canadian gal, Josée Bourgeois offered a large collection of cookies, and she was thoughtful in creating some cranberry and Splenda cookies for diabetics (thanks!). A close friend and I enjoyed a delicious ‘old-fashioned’ apple pie, and we felt sinfully guilty to consuming the entire (mini) pie!

Another attractive and unique art was that of two good friends: Kim Chamberlain of Pigeon Lake designs “Barn Board Benches and Birdhouses”, and that is her commercial name. Her benches are rustic, inspired and absolutely gorgeous! Her good friend Lee-Ann Peel of Calmar, working under the name of “Handations… Creations out of hand” creates lovely Christmas ornaments, such as artsy Christmas tree ornaments made of cork… (handations@hotmail.com), there were cute blocks for everyone! Anne also builds artsy and imposing hooks for coats, a bit difficult to describe, but useful and unique as well.

So many vendors offering quality hand-made items, a spirited advertising campaign and a fearless leader made for a very successful Christmas Extravaganza… Well done! We’ll see you next year!