45th Annual Holiday Craft Sale 

The 45th annual holiday craft sale at SIU ran Dec. 1-3 above the Student Center Craft Shop. This event hosted more than 50 regional craftsmen with their skills including different types of media such as ceramics, candle making, glass work, paintings, and fiber works such as knitting and crochet.

With so much range, customers were sure to find something that might suit everyone on their list this holiday season. Some booths were more focused on the holidays and Christmas creations but a majority of the sale consisted of things that you can appreciate year-round.

Some fan favorites were candles, jewelry, stocking caps and hand-drawn art. All quite simple and easy to give to anyone something special because they are handcrafted in limited amounts.

There might only be one or two produced in exactly the same way and someone spent their own personal time perfecting that exact item. This is why these creations are so coveted and appreciated.

This event is perfect for anyone who may not have the option to go out shopping either because they don’t have a car or just have a busy schedule with finals coming up. Not only was this event convenient for busy students but it also provided the perfect opportunity to support local artisans.

Shopper Lauren Nippa said, “With finals and everything coming up, I haven’t had that much time to think about the holidays and how they’re coming up so quickly, so this was perfect to just stop in here after class and look around.”

She said she wasn’t expected to find as much as she did.

“I managed to find something for almost every member of my family and I really like that they were all hand made it feel a little more special than just going to a store even if it wasn’t me who made it,” she said.

Not only is it good to support local artisans and to give family and friends something a little more unique but it is also relatively inexpensive. Most of the items sold at the craft sale were very reasonably priced and totally within a college student’s budget.

The SIU annual holiday craft sale provides opportunities for both students and community members and it is clearly felt and appreciated. This mutually beneficial arrangement helps more artists get recognition and promotes the local businesses, while also providing students with a new view on Carbondale and the surrounding areas.

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