Christmas décor, gifts for holiday giving, and crafts, crafts and more crafts will fill the Better Living Center on the grounds of the Eastern States Exposition as the 35th edition of the Old Deerfield Holiday Sampler opens its doors to shoppers.
Hours are Nov. 18, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Nov. 19, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $8 for adults and free for children 12 and under.
The annual craft fair features over 200 juried artists, crafters and designers working in a variety of categories such as ceramics, printmaking, mixed media, jewelry, sculpture, fiber, photography, fashion, woodworking, glass, leather and fine art.
The culinary arts will also be represented with taste-tempting treats perfect as gifts or to fill your own cupboards, including fudge, gourmet pasta sauce, homemade seasonings, peanut butter of all flavors, honey, gourmet nuts, salsa, jams, handmade chocolates and much more.
“This season we have some 36 crafters who will be joining us for the first time,” said John O’Neill, co-coordinator of the Holiday Sampler.
Kim Brown of Sweet Annie’s Creations based in Southbridge is one of the many new crafters to display her talents at this year’s event, where she will be selling her handmade primitives and farmhouse crafts.
“I’m going the route of doing more big shows, that’s where I belong,” she said about closing her brick-and-mortar shop in May to turn her attention to developing a new website and participating in more craft fairs.
“I do a little bit of everything, not just focusing on one medium, and I love to learn how to make new things to add to my business,” she added.
Kim Murphy, of Agawam, and Avis Murphy, of West Springfield, check out the display at American Made Crafters by A&W at the Old Deerfield Holiday Sampler Craft Fair. (Steven E. Nanton photo)
A former teacher, Brown never imagined her life would take a new direction one day.
“My mom was creative and did ceramics with my dad. I used to go to the shows to help them when I was younger, but never really saw myself following that path… I always wanted to become a teacher,” Brown said.
But while teaching she found herself starting to make primitive crafts in her spare time, which sold so well on the Internet and in stores that Brown eventually left her schooldays behind. Instead, she devoted full-time to creating her own business which focused on handmade primitives.
“I was able to also teach classes in my shop back then which I absolutely loved,” Brown said.
At this weekend’s show, Brown will be selling her many primitives ranging from Santas, reindeers, gingerbread decor, and snowmen to all kinds of ornaments and even her elf on the shelf prop kit for parents. She will also be bringing her new line of handmade Rae Dunn-themed accessories to accompany displays of the well-known artist’s pottery. These will include mug toppers that look good enough to eat, beaded garlands, ornaments, faux marshmallows, and wooden tiered tray signs.
Brown has also acquired a new laser machine to make a variety of wooden crafts.
“My imagination is endless and having the new laser was a game changer for me,” she said.
And, for those who want to create something on their own and perhaps gift it for Christmas, she is selling unfinished wooden craft kits online.
Brown originally named her business Kim’s Primitive Playground.
“It kept the teacher in me,” she said.
But, she later renamed her shop Sweet Annie’s Creations in honor of her mother and hero, “Annie,” who passed away in 2018.
“I have been blessed to have the opportunity to create custom designs for many customers. This is such an honor and love of mine to be able to express my creativity every day while knowing that my personal designs are spread throughout the United States,” she said.
For the kids and young at heart, Santa will be at the show along with free family crafts all weekend. There will also be an expertly handcrafted by Beverly Kidder miniature New England village to explore, circa 1897, preparing for the holidays, and the opportunity to vote for the most festively decorated booth at the show.
Adding a festive spirit to the holiday-themed show, there will be live music from Sergei Novokov on piano, who will be selling his compact discs. Also, Piper Pichette will perform on her strolling harp and Helen Yetman-Bellows will play tunes on her native American flutes.
O’Neill noted for some extra fun this year they have added free photos opportunities, where fun-living visitors can put their heads through large displays of the Grinch as well as an elf, gingerbread man, and snowman.
Proceeds from the weekend event support the many historical and educational programs of the nonprofit Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association, organizers of the Old Deerfield Craft Fairs.
