Holiday Craft Show Featured "Handcrafted and Homemade"

A Boundary County tradition, the Holiday Craft Show, held at Memorial Hall on December 4 and 5, 2009, was once again a welcoming shopping experience for those who wanted to purchase unique, handmade gifts from local craftspeople and vendors.

Carmen Jones, assisted by her friend, of Bonners Ferry Candy Company.

Bob Germano drove from Noxon, MT to participate in the Holiday Craft show.

Bob Germano, who drove all the way from Noxon, MT, has sold his distinctive marshmallow guns, handmade cribbage boards, Jump-A-Peg games, birdhouses and delightful signs ("Husband and Cat Lost: Reward for Cat") for the past five years at the Holiday Craft Sale.

"It is really fun," he said.

From North Idaho Photography to Woods Edge Soy Candles to Bonners Ferry Candy Company to the Boundary County Historical Society to Ruralnorthwest.com's own "Uncle Bud" Larson signing his new book, Memorial Hall was pleasantly busy with shoppers and sellers alike enjoying the festive atmosphere.

Kat, Maggie, Deb and Karla of the Eagles Auxiliary sold meals to profit local charities.

Delicious food provided by the ladies of the Eagles Auxiliary filled the Hall with mouthwatering aromas.

Linda Corson showed off her expertise at the spinning wheel.

Linda Corson brought her spinning wheel and treated shoppers to a lesson in what spinning wool by hand was like before the big factories came into being.

Among others, local artists Sandy Piltch and Vicki Bleile were on hand to share their artistry as well.

The crocheted pot holders, rugs, hand sewn doll clothes, Jane Kelley's delectably soft scarves as well as homemade preserves including pickles, salsas, relishes and Eileen Madson's famous "Sweet and Spicy Jalapenos," to handcrafted jewelry, wood items, cards, gourd rattles and a veritable plethora of handmade Christmas ornaments, if you like "handmade and homemade," the Holiday Craft Fair was a testament to the artisanship, creativity and talent of many Boundary County residents, and was a boon to holiday shoppers who insist on buying local to support their friends and neighbors during this tough economic holiday season.