The most important aspect of the arts and craft show this weekend at the Lake County Fairgrounds is that all items are handcrafted in the U.S., said Donna Hansen, owner of Step by Step Promotions, which is hosting the event.
“We have nothing from China,” she said. “Everything is handmade in the USA, and that is important. Exhibitors are required to show pictures of their works in progress. If they’re making a floral piece — they’ve got to have the pieces out and partially made and a finished product and show their workshop with all their bulk material. If you work in fabric, I want to see bulk fabric.”
One vendor that has caught her eye and those of visitors is a guitar made out of cigar boxes.
“They’re playable, and they sound like the real thing,” she said.
In addition, visitors can get items personalized. For example, one year she purchased an engraved wooden pen for a family member
More than 300 vendors will be at the show — which includes four hours Friday night for early birds and those who want to avoid the weekend crowds, she said.
Exhibitors come from 11 states, mostly throughout the Midwest — and the November show will feature holiday art, decorations, clothing, jewelry, soap, photographs, wall-hangings and tree skirts.
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“You’ll see fabulous jewelry pieces. That is the premise of being handcrafted — so much of it is one-of-a-kind. We have people doing metal yard sculptures, painted glass, plates, serving dishes, hand-painted silk scarves, homemade greeting cards and photography. It’s a mix of fine arts and nice crafts.”
Word of mouth and visitor favorites help them choose the vendors.
“We go out to a lot of different shows and vendors also find us because we’ve been in business for so long. We’ve been running these shows for 29 years,” Hansen said.
Over the years, she and her employees have discovered some unique crafters including a vendor who makes pens out of corn cobs and another who makes drums out of propane tanks.
“They’re beautiful. They sound like the real thing,” Hansen said. “They’re fun gifts. There’s so much stuff like that that is so very unique that you can’t find it in the stores. That’s why people come to these shows. It’s not going to be the same old things that you see in a box store.”
Other unusual items include gourds crafters turn into holiday decorations to resemble Santa Claus and snowmen — or nonholiday figure such as giraffes.
“A lot of people come to the show for specialty foods,” Hansen added.
One woman has sold homemade English toffee since Step by Step started, Hansen said.
“People will travel an hour to get her English toffee. Hers is really the best. It doesn’t stick to your teeth.”
Foodies also can find chocolate-covered pretzels, dressings, oils, baked goods, Wisconsin cheeses and sausage.
Some of the vendors will demonstrate their crafts. A wood carver “is always whittling away at the show,’ she said. “There’s a woman who does portraits. You can bring in a photo of your dog or your kids. She’s always there doing one of her drawings.”
Another vendor sells mittens made from recycled wool sweaters. There’s also metal art of big flowers, butterflies and other designs.
“If you name something, one of my crafters probably has done it,” she said.
Hansen said visitors might find the perfect gift for someone who has everything.
“My son-in-law’s grandfather — what do you get them? He’s in his 90s. I bought him a hand-made wooden pen. It was very beautiful. He loved it.”
At the show, Hansen has also purchased wooden ornaments, which can be personalized, she said.
“I get my grandchildren a different ornament every year. I try to find something unique for them.”
During the show, the cafeteria will be open for people to buy food. Wine and beer will also be for sale.
Sheryl DeVore is a freelance writer.
Holiday Arts and Craft Show
When: 4-8 p.m. Friday; 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday
Where: Lake County Fairgrounds, 1060 E. Peterson Road, Grayslake
Tickets: $5 daily; 11 and under free
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www.stepbysteppromotions.com/grayslake-november-2016