Rhonda Costa/Nevada Appeal
From porcelain dolls to hair accessories and nearly everything in between, the "Touch of Class" craft show surely would have something for nearly everyone.
Handcrafted and one-of-a-kind, 3-foot Santa Clauses, animal blankets, dish towels, aprons, jewelry, tole painted items, pottery and knit sweaters will fill the home of Sue Bennett in Gardnerville.
"We even have a guy who makes old-fashioned wooden toys and sells them for around $5," Bennett said. "We have lots of gift items and stocking stuffers."
Bennett began the craft show eight years ago, which features 25 local crafters. Bennett is a CASA volunteer and supporter of The Austin House. A portion of the craft show proceeds go to Austin's House.
For the shopper's convenience, baskets are offered to carry purchases, and maps to tell where particular vendors and what product they offer are. There are Christmas-, Thanksgiving- and Halloween-themed rooms. The back room has decorative items and clothing, as well as baby items.
Veronica Bonebrake, Marge Lucas and Joy Bird, all of Gardnerville, are vendors this year. Lucas has been with the craft show since the beginning, Bird is participating for the first time offering children's items, barrettes and headbands. Bonebrake has handcrafted porcelain dolls.
"Most have full porcelain bodies," Bonebrake said. "The are about 30 dolls in various sizes, all made by my late sister, Mary McDermitt. She also made the clothing for the dolls."
Lucas is the "dog and cat lady," offering furniture throws for dogs and cats (to keep hair to a minimum), and jackets for women.
"We have found over the years it's good to retire some items then rotate them back in," Lucas said. "There are a lot of beautiful things here."
Many of the vendors will take special orders. All accept cash, checks and Mastercard and VISA, with only one payment for all purchases necessary.
Bennett, maker of the Santas, will specialize the Santa to whatever the person wants, including an Elvis, rancher, favorite sports team - you name it.
"We try to mix up our stuff each year," Lucas said.
"Yeah, we get bored, so we make different things," Bennett added.
The show runs from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday at 1467 Glenwood Drive (off Riverview) in the Gardnerville Ranchos. Call 265-0800.
• Contact Rhonda Costa at rcosta@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1223.
If you go:
WHAT: A Touch of Class Craft Show
WHEN: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Sunday
WHERE: 1467 Glenwood Drive, Gardnerville Ranchos
ON THE NET: www.atouchofclassnv.com
CALL: 265-0800