If you thought the Chamber’s annual Holiday Classic was just a business expo, you may want to think again — and make plans to go to Effingham County High School on Sunday from noon to 4:30 p.m. to see the different booths that will be open there.
This year’s Classic will feature several artists and crafts-persons, exhibiting their unique items. There will be lifelike babies, handmade jewelry, hand-painted gourds and handbags, paintings and photography.
Jennifer Spence of Lula Mae’s Angel Babies will be on hand with her lifelike dolls. She said they are between 18 to 24 inches long and weigh 4 to 8 pounds. One of her dolls took first place and grand champion honors at this year’s Effingham Fair.
A photographer full-time, Spence said that doll making is a hobby but is her passion. She joked she “does photography during the day and makes babies at night.” She sells her creations on eBay and has sold close to 100 already, with her babies now in homes all over the world.
Barbara Jenkins of 2 Fiddlers’ Crafts will have a booth featuring handmade gifts from jewelry to painted gourds to custom handbags. She and husband Tommie just opened their store in Rincon behind Sonic and carry a wide array of gift items, many of which are customizable. Jenkins said that is what makes their store a little different. Customers can customize handbags, hand-painted items and jewelry.
Leah Perkins will be on hand with her aunt, Martha Weston, from Louisiana, selling her jewelry creations. Perkins, who lives in Effingham County, said her aunt has been making jewelry for about six years and has just started doing crafts shows. Perkins said her jewelry is beautiful and affordable.
Some of the stones used are unique and interesting.
Local artist and art teacher Marsha Lott,will have some of her paintings and signed prints on hand along with her floral card sets. Lott, who teaches at Ebenezer Middle School, has sold her paintings through galleries in Dallas and Savannah and at art festivals in Texas and Georgia. Her husband Rick Lott will have some of his photography on display as well. His work features hand printed black and white original photographs in addition to some color work and note cards.
Nora Kelly with Dream Catcher Quilts will be on hand along with her friends, Lisa and Michelle, selling hand made tote bags and purses, quilts, Christmas ornaments,and pillow case dresses for little girls. Nora said,
“I love to do what I do,” Kelly said.
She’s been handcrafting for about three years now and said that when she makes something for her own little girls, that’s the test. If they like it and their friends like it, then she knows she’s got a good selling product.
