“I go to craft fairs to find something unique for gifts, and this one has a good variety of vendors,” said Santa Clara resident Caren Ratermann at the Santa Clara Senior Center 2016 Holiday Craft Faire Nov. 12.
“We’re back in full swing. All 36 spaces are taken and we had a wait list,” said Senior Center Recreation Coordinator Jessica Carter.
“It’s a great way for the community to come out and support local crafters, and it’s a nice way to kick off the holiday season on a festive note,” said Senior Center Supervisor Jennifer Herb.
“It’s also a neat way to showcase talents like knitting and woodworking. Seniors are carrying on neat traditions that have been around for years but are starting to die off.”
Everything from handcrafted fabric and yarn creations and jewelry to ceramics and hand-carved wood items made in Senior Center workshops enticed fair shoppers. Melissa Robson from San Jose, who finds it soothing after a long day at work to sit down and crochet and knit, created whimsical little creatures such as snowmen and monsters and a large octopus footstool.
Fine artist and children’s book illustrator and author Teresa Ferracci (www.teresaferracci.com) introduced her recent children’s fantasy adventure book “Jackie Truman” (www.jackietruman.com). The Saratoga resident writes under the pen name T.D. Reid.
Girl Scout Troop 61374 from Sutter Elementary School, led by Shona Blizzard, sold handmade cat blankets and snowflake ornaments as well as photo note cards and dog biscuits, which caught the eye of Ratermann in her quest for unique gifts.
“It was really fun to take photos. It was enjoyable how we found different perspectives to take the photos of flowers and American things like the flag,” said Girl Scout Maleoha Lateef. She and scouts Megan Little and Jenna Soper eagerly shared their creative process. Sale proceeds will support scouting activities and a charitable donation.
Senior Center ceramics open studio instructor Eva Carrender encouraged seniors to take a ceramics class. Woodshop monitor Tom Freitas promoted woodworking.
“No experience is needed. We probably have about half women. The only qualification is that you enjoy the smell of fresh-cut wood,” said Freitas. “We provide the best tools, good guidance, and safe counsel for productive woodworking.”
For information about classes and activities at the Santa Clara Senior Center, 1303 Fremont St., visit www.santaclaraca.gov/residents/senior-center or call (408) 615-3170.
Mark your calendar for another Santa Clara tradition: the Triton Museum Holiday Gift Fair & Family Art Day Dec. 3, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Visit www.tritonmuseum.org for information.