The holiday craft fair welcomed Stan State employees, students and members of the community for the first time in over five years.

Erica Fleming (Department of Biological Sciences), hosted the event in South Dining, which allowed everyone to go in and purchase handmade, quality items from Stan State employees.

Fleming shared the process she underwent in order to successfully revive the tradition that had ended due to the retirement of the original host.

“It used to be a tradition annually, before I started working here and because I enjoy sewing and crafting so much. I worked with a couple of colleagues to see what it would take to revive the event, with all their help we were able to start the tradition again,” stated Fleming.

In addition, Fleming gave credit to Pinterest, YouTube, and a friend who taught her a lot about sewing and in developing her skill in crafting. She also shared her craft with bookmarks and pockets for tote bags that come in handy for tote bags that don’t come with pockets inside them as well as crochet bowls.

Other Stan State employees like Andrea Garcia (Administrative Assistant in Financial Aid), shared handmade holiday décor and introduced bead garlands.

“There are a lot of people that don’t know about [bead garlands]. You can use them on a vase, table, mantle, which can be also be used during Christmas time, but it doesn’t matter,” explained Garcia.

Garcia also sold wreaths and jewelry and shared how she grew an interest in crafting.

“I’ve always made jewelry for myself and I’ve always decorated my house and I found that I was good at it, so I decided to share it with everyone else,” said Garcia.

The difference between the previous holiday craft fairs and the one that took place this year was that the Stan State library held a mini book sale at the event.

A portion of the proceeds from the library’s mini book sale were said to be used to purchase items for the Warrior Food Pantry.

Maryann Hight (Reference/ Instruction Librarian) explained how books that were going to be sold were chosen.

“We get a fair amount of donations from people. The reason we are selling [books] is because the library already has a copy or they’re not something that fits in with the curriculum. They are usually items that the students wouldn’t utilize, aren’t in good condition, or have been removed from the collection,” said Hight.

Hight stated that the purpose behind the book sale was to get more people to donate to the Warrior Food Pantry and to raise awareness about it overall. 
The books sold were very inexpensive which made it easy for a successful mini book sale.

If you’re interested in being a part of next year’s Annual Holiday Craft Fair, contact Erica Fleming at [email protected]. 
For more information about the Warrior Food Pantry contact ASI and USU at (209) 667-3833.