November 17, 2010

32nd Annual Holiday Craft Sale set for Dec. 2-4

by Christi Mathis

CARBONDALE, Ill. -- Are you hoping friends and family will say “wow” when they open the gifts you give them this holiday season?

If so, you won’t want to miss the 32nd Annual Holiday Craft Sale at the Southern Illinois University Carbondale Student Center Dec. 2-4. It is free and open to the public. The Craft Shop is sponsoring the sale in the Art Gallery (formerly the Hall of Fame) and International Lounge areas. Craft Sale hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Dec. 2 and 3 and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Dec. 4.

More than 90 artisans from throughout the Southern Illinois region and beyond will offer their handiwork at the sale. All items are handmade. Booths will feature 3-D wooden puzzles, natural leaf wreaths, wood carvings, hand-blown glass ornaments, wine bottle holders, jewelry, hats, scarves, candles, quilts, gift baskets, art prints, woodworking, deer antler art, handmade glass beads, fiber art doll ornaments, rag rugs, hand-carved wooden pens, coasters, specialized wine glasses, lamp work glass, silks, baby clothes, pottery, purses, soap and much more.

“People love to receive handmade things for the holidays. Since the craft sale items are made regionally, including some by SIUC student groups, it makes them even more special,” said Ron Dunkel, Craft Shop coordinator.

Those attending the sale can enjoy complimentary parking and free shuttle rides from the SIU Arena parking lot to the Student Center. Free parking is in Lot 56. The shuttle bus will provide transportation from Lot 18. For more information, visit the Student Center website at ww.siucstudencenter.org/craft-shop or call 618/453-3636.