Santa Ynez Valley Guest Current Issue Articles

Current Issue Articles

Pictured above: Use fabric, ribbon and other craft supplies to create a simple angel, or other Christmas tree ornament as a gift or for your own tree.

Much as I hate to admit it, I was not born with the sewing gene. I can do basic hemming, and that’s about it.
Fortunately, it’s easy to make fun gifts for people, even if you can’t sew. For example, last year I learned from Martha Stewart how to make stylish tote bags with one yard of fabric, one yard of iron-on vinyl and two yards of webbing for straps. Instead of sewing it together, you use staples and duct tape. Really! You can find the instructions on Martha’s website: www.marthastewart.com/article/no-sew-tote-bags

  There are many such online craft websites–you’ll often find templates and patterns that you can download for free! Just Google “crafts,” where you’ll find almost 94 million links!
  Some are better than others; but parents might like www.enchantedlearning.com/crafts, a site that features craft activities for kids.
  Like to knit or crochet? Our own Creation Station in Buellton sells patterns for everything from Christmas stockings and purses to placemats and coasters using ½ inch and 1 inch strips of leftover fabric. You can also visit them on the web at www.thecreationstation.com
  Beading is a fun and easy craft that can get the kids involved in, too. In addition to making jewelry, you can create book thongs, candle collars, ornaments, key chains and hair accessories.

Create your own stylish tote bags with one yard of fabric and a couple of other items.

Some Guest Staff
Gift Suggestions

  If you’re short on handicraft skills (or time, and who isn’t!), you can still give handmade gifts. They’re just handmade by someone else–a talented artist or craftsman.
  The Judith Hale Gallery in Los Olivos is one place you can always find plenty of fine art by local artists (with some pieces at surprisingly low prices). She carries paintings, sculptures, lawn decorations and beautiful hand-made jewelry.
  There are also a number of events where original art and crafts are available for purchase, such as the Elverhøj Museums annual “Queen of Arts” show and sale. Here you can find original handmade works by more than thirty area artists and crafts people.

Queen of Arts Show at Elverhøj Museum

  This popular event opens at the Elverhøj Museum of History and Art November 6, 4-7 p.m. Guests can enjoy wine and appetizers while shopping and meeting more than thirty California artists and crafts people showing their original, handmade work. Now that’s the way to shop! The show and sale continues Saturday and Sunday, November 7-8 at 11:00. No charge for admission.
  From unique folk crafts to fine art, there is a wide range of prices and tastes at the Queen of Arts. Stone carving, glass work, ethnic art, tiles, collage, mixed media work, and paintings will be available. Jewelry artists creatively use vintage and contemporary beads, resin, and crystal. Pottery will be for sale, as well as original garden art handcrafted from steel, stone, and wood. Striking fashion or home décor accessories are offered by fiber artists. Or choose from a selection of handmade holiday ornaments and decorations.
  For more information, phone the Museum at (805) 686-1211 or visit their website at www.elverhoj.org.

Here are two lovely collages inspired by exhibits at the Wilding Museum.

Another annual event that offers a myriad of handmade gift items is the Los Olivos Old Fashioned Day in the Country, which takes place on October 17. There will be plenty of entertainment and food, along with rows and rows of artists and craftsmen displaying a wide variety of creations. For more information, call 805 688-1222.

  Also in Los Olivos, the Wildling Art Museum offers many educational opportunities for visitors of all ages. Old and young alike can enjoy the daily arts or crafts activity located in the museum’s “Barbara Goodall Education Center.”
  Children are also encouraged to participate in the exhibition-specific “Fox Hunt.” This fun activity encourages exploration and discovery by asking open-ended questions designed to spark dialogue about the current exhibition.
  In addition to the daily programs at the Wildling, the Museum offers a variety of multi-generational classes, such as our spring Art Camp and summer Building a Painting workshop. For more information on classes and events, call them at 805-688-1082.
  So as you can see, there are many ways to give a gift from the heart. When you purchase the works of local artists, you’re actually giving two people a gift from the heart: The friend or family member who receives the gift, and the artist who is paid for his or her time and talent.