The “Christmas at the Marshland Centre” event has returned to Lakefield for its 12th year.
The craft sale features handcrafted items from 23 local artisans showing and selling their unique items in the cottage-like setting for the weekend — just in time for holiday gift-giving.
Christianna Ferguson’s foray into crafting began five years ago when she joined a felting group, and her designs have been a big seller at the annual holiday sale ever since.
“This year, I have a bunch of my scarves and some tea cozies, Christmas ornaments, some felted wrist cuffs and some tea vessels,” Ferguson said.
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A few new vendors contributed to the show this year, including Charles Murphy, an artist selling his natural wood-turned bowls and candlesticks; pottery makers Karen Horst-Jansen and Mary Sullivan; and Melodie McCullough, who makes beeswax candles.
The free annual event attracts many from the Peterborough region, who enjoy meeting neighbours over a warm glass of cider in the beautifully decorated Christmas-themed room.
All the money raised from the sale sales goes directly to the vendors themselves, and donations are also welcomed for the Lakefield food bank and Lakefield Animal Welfare Society.
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“There’s pottery, gourd art, metal art, wood turnings, a lot of felting, rug hooking, woven and knitted items,” said sale coordinator Anne Carling.
Ferguson notes that those interested in making things by hand can often learn directly from the artistans themselves. She invites anyone who might be interested in finding out how to make felt items to visit her workshop in Lakefield for some beginner classes.
“But also go on YouTube — there are lots of amazing how-to videos to get you started if you are intrigued by the process,” she suggested. “It’s a really fascinating medium to work with.”
The craft sale runs until Sunday at 4 p.m.
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