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November 18, 2011

When most people look out the window, they see the world. Dodie Eisenhauer just saw the screen. Eisenhauer turns pieces of wire, mesh and raw materials into angels, ornaments and jewelry. Her idea to make a bow out of wire mesh window screens has sustained her 20-year crafting career and has gained her recognition with the CBS Early Show, Universal Studios and Princess Cruises...

Lydia King
Mesh angel (Submitted photos)
Mesh angel (Submitted photos)

When most people look out the window, they see the world. Dodie Eisenhauer just saw the screen.

Eisenhauer turns pieces of wire, mesh and raw materials into angels, ornaments and jewelry. Her idea to make a bow out of wire mesh window screens has sustained her 20-year crafting career and has gained her recognition with the CBS Early Show, Universal Studios and Princess Cruises.

She joins hundreds of crafters selling their wares in four craft shows today, Saturday and Sunday.

Eisenhauer's jewelry is being exhibited at four presidential libraries, including the Harry S. Truman Library and Museum in Independence, Mo.

Roses in a wire vase
Roses in a wire vase

"The idea of working with wire seemed a little goofy at first," Eisenhauer said, "but it turned out beautiful."

Twenty years later, her creations have been displayed at the Museum of American Folk Art and the Museum of Art and Design. She has sold and continues to sell thousands of wire mesh angels, wire trees and unique jewelry designs, all of which will be featured at the Show Me Center as part of the annual Arts and Crafts Extravaganza.

For 41 years, patrons and craftsmen alike have flocked to the show sponsored by the Arts Council of Southeast Missouri. This year is no different.

Southern Illinois native Carolyn Wallace will be returning to the Extravaganza for her 25th year with a selection of homemade candies. The Extravaganza was one of the first craft shows Wallace was involved with and is one of her most successful shows each year.

"This is a weekend for some girl time," Wallace said. "I hear wives telling their husbands: ‘You go hunting and I'll go to the craft show.'"

The Extravaganza will be from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday at the Show Me Center and the Osage Centre. Admission is $5 Saturday and $3 Sunday.

Wired wreath
Wired wreath
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The longstanding Arts and Crafts Extravaganza is not alone, as several other craft fairs and bazaars have also been scheduled for the weekend.

The Crafts, Gifts and Collectibles Show will be held at the Bavarian Halle in Fruitland. The show, now in its 16th year, will be held from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $1 Friday and Saturday and free Sunday. Proceeds will benefit Notre Dame Regional High School's performing and visual arts departments, Operation Freedom Soldier Christmas Packages, Toys for Tots and Christmas for the Elderly.

The River Valley Craft Club Show will be held at the Arena Building and 4-H Building in Cape Girardeau from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $3.

For 36 years, the River Valley Craft Club has featured custom made crafts and southern homemade foods at the show. This year, the Humane Society will be there, children will be offered free pictures with Santa, and the club will give away a Christmas Tree fully decorated with handmade items.

"I have definitely seen an increase in the number of venders over the years," said Rick Werner of the River Valley Craft Club. "There is something for everyone."

Hanging angel
Hanging angel

As a former crafter now turned show coordinator, Werner believes that tough economic times and high unemployment rates have prompted creative people to use their imaginations and what they have on hand to begin crafting. Likewise, he said he thinks the sedentary nature of many jobs has produced a creative hunger in people.

The growing popularity of handmade items prompted Sheryl Winschel of The Golden Needle, to organized a new craft fair from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at 347 S. Kingshighway.

"Crafting has become a big thing," Winschel said. "And, since the larger craft fairs tend to fill up quickly, this is a great opportunity for new crafters."

Winschel is confident in the market's demand for crafts and said she has seen that area consumers wanting to buy locally.

"When someone purchases a handmade item, they know it represents careful attention to detail and the investment of someone's time," Eisenhauer said. "That is something valuable."

Hanging Christmas tree
Hanging Christmas tree

With the growing appreciation for crafting as an art and the value placed on American-made products, an increase in attendance is expected at all of this weekend's craft shows.

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