To kick off the fall season, the craft fair highlighted a variety of local artisans and crafters
By ALYSSA TORRES — city@theaggie.org
Davis residents seeking unique, handmade crafts gathered at the annual Senior Center Craft Fair on Nov. 16. The craft fair has been a tradition for over 20 years, becoming a touchstone for local vendors to gather, sell and show their crafts to the Davis community.
Over 20 vendors participated in this year’s craft fair. One of these vendors was Buttons ‘n Bears, Oh My!, a local micro-enterprise founded in 2011 by longtime friends Anna Hoban and Jackson Murtha. Specializing in custom and premade designs, their booth featured teddy bears, buttons and magnets, and over the years, they’ve created designs for political campaigns, parties and gifts. This is the second time Buttons ‘n Bears, Oh My! has participated in the Senior Center Craft Fair.
Craft fairs not only provide local artisans and crafters an opportunity to sell their creations, but they also provide a chance to connect with their fellow crafters and the greater community. For Hoban, these personal interactions are the highlight of the fair.
“The most enjoyable thing about craft fairs [is] getting to see old friends and getting the chance to meet new people,” Hoban said.
Mayaland Crystals & Rocks, run by Phyllis and Rich DeHaven, showcased geodes, quartz and polished rock art designed for healing, meditation and wellness. When asked about her favorite part of the event, Phyllis shared her love for talking to attendees about the rocks, particularly about ‘wishing rocks.’ Inspired by an old Irish legend, wishing rocks are stones with a continuous quartz band encircling them, believed to bring good luck to those who find them.
Also present was Erica Garas, selling crocheted stuffed animals, hats and zippered storage scrunchies, a clever accessory that doubles as a discreet pocket.
Garas has been a crafter her whole life, but crafting for the public started as a way to give back to her community.
“I started a few years ago,” Garas said. “I lived in Concord and was selling things to benefit the homeless locally.”
Handing out raffle tickets was Blue Pine Coffins, a family-run company started by Dean and Danielle Newbury, focused on creating 100% biodegradable, affordable and locally sourced coffins. The business champions the “Green Burial” movement, a growing initiative working toward environmentally sustainable approaches to end-of-life practices.
Every booth at the craft fair had a story to tell. Katherine Damonte sold crocheted blankets, patchwork items and plant mugs, inspired by her fond memories of crafting with her grandmother.
“I just really enjoy sewing and crocheting,” Damonte said.
At a neighboring table, Nancy Townsend displayed diamond paintings, mosaic-like artwork crafted by placing tiny, colored resin “diamonds” onto a coded canvas. She began diamond painting three years ago after her husband’s passing.
“I just do it to do it,” Townsend said. “It makes me feel renewed.”
A representative of the Davis Senior Center, who wished to remain anonymous, explained how the craft fair benefits Davis’ creative community.
“Craft fairs are such a great way to give the community a chance to see what our local artisans are making,” the representative said. “Ultimately this event helps our vendors make a bit of money, connect with the community and enjoy sharing what they’ve created.”
Written By: Alyssa Torres — city@theaggie.org
