By Staff
Holiday event continues today
By KEVIN SCOTT CUTLER
Lifestyles &Features Editor
Offering an even-better variety of gift items than Santa’s workshop, the Beaufort County Arts Council’s Holiday Craft Show opened Friday afternoon in the Washington Civic Center.
The annual event continues today from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Among the shoppers Friday afternoon was Verna Motteler of Washington.
Motteler’s purchases included a “wooly bird” ornament and a “Ruffle Duffle,” a small, frilly bag perfect for cosmetics and jewelry.
There are 47 crafters presenting their items this weekend, up slightly from last year’s show, according to Toler. Most of the vendors are from the Beaufort County area, but others have come in from New Bern, Pink Hill, Greenville, Louisburg, Arapahoe, Grifton, Morehead City and Williamston.
Shoppers will be hard pressed not to find something for practically everyone on their gift list.
The selection includes pottery, baby quilts, jewelry and accessories, birdhouses, baskets, stained glass, jams and jellies, rustic stools, wood turnings and, of course, Christmas decorations and tree ornaments.
Some of the artists and crafters are offering demonstrations during the show. For example, Dottie Anne Walker of Washington was busy painting silk scarves. Sam Taylor, also of Washington, was weaving bottoms for restored antique cane chairs and rustic stools.
Loraine Babcock, a volunteer with The Blind Center in Washington, discovered an entertaining — and effective — marketing ploy for the marionettes created in part by center clients.
Babcock was walking the duck through the show venue when Sue Beck of Washington spotted it, thinking it would make the perfect gift for one of her grandchildren.
The duck was fashioned of fluffy, white craft fur and featured bright orange feet and bill. It’s attached to a wooden holder by fishing line. The Blind Center clients do most of the stuffing and sighted volunteers complete the project.