Weekend craft shows a hit with holiday shoppers

Shoppers flocked to the last day of three weekend craft shows in Cape Girardeau and Fruitland.

At the three events -- the Christmas Arts & Crafts Extravaganza at the Show Me Center and Osage Community Centre, the River Valley Craft Fair at the Arena Building and Plaza Conference Center, and the Crafts, Gifts and Collectibles show at Bavarian Halle -- shoppers found handmade rugs, blankets, kitchen magnets, dish towels, jewelry, candles, specialty yarn, glazed nuts -- a host of items for holiday giving.

Sandra Skidmore of Malden, Mo. brought crocheted floor rugs. Handmade crafts last longer, she said.

Doris Schlitt of Gordonville visited the Bavarian Halle with her sister.

"We don't buy a lot. We just like to come and browse, to see the new things they've come up with," she said.

Exhibitors offered advice to prospective crafters, along with their wares.

Cecile Schober of Jackson sold original gift baskets and specialty cocoa mugs at the Bavarian Halle. She said the key to a good gift basket is building a theme around something the recipient loves, such as a type of snack.

"We all say we're not snack-y people," she said. "But we are."

Sue Hampton of Essex, Mo., offered baby quilts up to 108-by-110-inch king-sized quilts at prices ranging from $35 to $179 at her Osage Centre booth. This year she knocked her prices down in light of the economy.

"A lot of things that you think is not pretty will turn out pretty," she said, suggesting beginning quilters start simply and lay their fabrics together before cutting pieces.

Jewelry maker Anita Lee said handmade gifts are fun to create and show "the love in my work."

pmcnichol@semissourian.com

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