Published: April 12, 2009 04:33 pm      

Craft clubs plan first spring show

DUNCAN — Surrounded by colorful flower arrangements on a recent sunny morning, Dolly Boehm looked as if she was preparing her Easter bonnet.

It wasn’t Easter, however, but another spring event and a herald of new beginnings on which Boehm was working.

Boehm is president of Duncan’s two craft clubs — Wishes and Dreams, which has a big show each October, and Duncan Arts and Crafts, which is now in its 38th year and holds its big craft extravaganza each November. The two clubs share an officer slate.

Now, in response to several factors, the clubs will hold their first spring craft show from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. May 1 and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 2 at the Stephens County Fair & Expo Center.

“People have been asking me for years to hold a spring show,” Boehm said, “but we couldn’t manage it until this year. I have a room full of craft booths reserved, at least 40 of them, and have had so many calls that I could have had another room full.”

There is no charge for admission to the show, and there is plenty of free parking available, she said.

“Also, people will get a ticket when they come in and, every hour, we will draw a name. That person will get $10 worth of free merchandise,” she said.

Boehm said she thought the economy was a factor in the boom in the craft world.

Several things figure into her thoughts, including people in the community who have lost their jobs because of industry cutbacks. Those people not only want to use their talents to generate money, but they also have time on their hands that used to be filled by their work hours, she said.

Also, the “green” movement has led people to reuse and recycle many materials that formerly wound up in landfills. Thrift stores and garage sales are good sources of objects that can be fashioned into toys, home decor and other uses, she said. Thrift-shop finds can be used as patterns for new craft items, and scraps of wood can become toys, decorating items and other useful creations.

Boehm enjoys working with wood, sewing and her latest discovery — papier-mâché boxes she paints colorful hues and decorates with silk flowers, beads and other “findings.” The boxes would be good for baby showers, bridal events and other occasions. They can be filled with small gift items or used by the recipient to store mementos and treasures. Stacked, the boxes resemble decorated cakes, and can even be used as centerpieces, she said.

“I got started crafting in 1972. My mother has MS, and she moved in with me and lived with me for 30-something years. We needed something to do, so I started making flower arrangements. I love flower arranging. The box projects grew out of that. I also love to cut out and paint wooden items. I just do what I can do,” she said.

As in past years, Sought Out Ministries will provide food and concessions during the two days of the show. Other booths may also have food items for consumption off-site. There will also be Western items, ironwork, charm jewelry featuring photographs, and a church group selling T-shirts, among other booths, Boehm said.

“We have a little bit of everything and we have a ball. It’s a fun show.”

For information, call Boehm at 580-255-0471 or Nancy at 580-439-5559.