[November 14, 2011] 

Pictures by Marla Blair

The fourth annual Central Illinois Holiday Shopping Extravaganza was on Saturday at the Community House in Emden. Makeup artist Katie Baker gave Allison Woolard, second grade, a big-girl look just for the fun of it. Allison's mom, Janell Woolard, of Emden, and Lincoln resident Bethany Rae watched as the little girl disappeared behind the glitter and glam.

The Community House in Emden was dressed up in holiday finery for the Central Illinois Holiday Shopping Extravaganza on Saturday. Thirty-seven vendors and crafters displayed a variety of jewelry, ornaments, handmade items, wooden toys, doll clothes and good deals on merchandise parties and special orders.

The main level of the Community House was decorated with a well-lit Christmas tree, surrounded by vendors with merchandise and offers for early holiday shoppers. Doors opened at 9 a.m., and a steady stream of visitors spread throughout the two levels of shopping opportunities.

The Hartem High School junior class served breakfast and lunch for visitors to the event. Sydni Rohlfs, Kendra Updegraff and Cassie Armstrong-Henson served hungry shoppers and vendors through the lunch shift. Several class members came and went during the day, working around part-time job schedules and other obligations. Mrs. Updegraff is class sponsor and high school math teacher.

Robert Runyun, owner of Runyun's Lampworks and Handcrafted Jewelry, Delavan, anchored a row of vendors on the lower level of the Community House. Runyun creates jewelry from glass beads and other natural materials. Contact for special orders. (309-368-6363 or  Lampworks@live.com)

Welding is Nick Rohlfs' specialty, and items he exhibited were a sample for holiday gifts. Regina Shaffer and Nikki Chapman were interested in the design of several items. Part of the display included hot dog or marshmallow sticks with holder, a candleholder with wine bottle base, metal Christmas tree with curlicue branches, and bottle-tipped yard ornament. (217-737-2704).

Nichole Folkman lives and teaches in Hartsburg, but she uses free time to crochet baby items, stuffed toys, Kindle covers and other good things for her crafting endeavor, Lost Art, with environmentally friendly gifts. She uses recycled materials and decorates with vintage buttons. The covers can be adapted for different electronic devices, books, journals and more. (www.nmfolkman.etsy.com)

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