Crafters raise funds for local, distant needs

Folk crafts are an expression reaching back through every culture.
Today’s craft shows offer not only an opportunity to decorate homes and offices with items awash with local flavor, they often raise funds for worthy causes.
While craft shows are a long-standing tradition for ladies? outreach circles in the United Methodist Church, funds raised through the Nov. 6 Goodrich United Methodist Church show will reach a little further than usual this year.
Proceeds from the ‘Gifted Hands? craft show will be divided between Florida hurricane victims and local food pantries, says coordinator Caren Huizenga.
It’s a concept local artists find appealing.
While most of the crafts have been labored over this past year by members of the church outreach circle, the bounty of talent also includes crafts donated by local merchants and artists, such as Joan Kelly or Wren in the Willow.
About 10 ladies have been faithfully meeting at the church each week throughout the year.
With hands busily crafting home decor and wearables destined to be the next generation’s heirlooms, the ladies are intent on fulfilling their mission.
‘Our circle always intends to be an outreach group to help others in desperate need,? said Huizenga.
The show, scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. at the church, will feature items like stained glass ornaments, lighted Christmas windows, patio bird bath-end tables, water fountains, dried hydrangea, message-in-a-bottle greeting cards, and garden apron greeting cards.
You’ll also find French memo boards, soaps, felt and quilt-top gifts bags, wooden gift tags, card-stock gift boxes, towel aprons, fleece baby bibs, eyelash scarves and wraps, wineglass tealights, Mason jar oil lamps, wooden puzzles, chalkboard-painted goodie pails, matching T-shirts and bug catchers, tub boys and matching Onesies, wooden angels, photo-ready Christmas scrapbooks, watercolor prints, decorated sandals, starfish ornaments, and other hand-crafted items.