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Shop Local For Holiday Crafts & Gifts

By Sasha Westin

Holiday arts and crafts fairs are an excellent way to meet people in the community, invest in small businesses and support local artists and crafters.

There are a host of events throughout the holiday season. Two that cater to holiday gifts and last minute shoppers include Arts of the Holidays Show & Sale by Minnetonka Center For the Arts and 'Tis the Season Holiday Boutique, held at Chaska Town Course Clubhouse.

Minnetonka Center for the Arts
(credit: Minnetonka Center for the Arts)

Arts of the Holidays Show and Sale
Minnetonka Center for the Arts

2240 Northshore Dr
Wayzata, MN 55391
952-473-7361
Hours: Mon, Fri & Sat 9am-5pm; Tues–Thurs 9am-9:30pm
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Arts of the Holidays Show and Sale has been in the community for three decades. In recent years, they have evolved the event from a fine arts show, which had a gallery feel, to a fine crafts sale with a higher volume of sales at lower price points.

Over 100 artists will be featured in 2011 at the Minnetonka Center for the Arts and their new storefront in Ridgedale Center. Both locations will showcase a variety of artists during the holiday season, but hurry the sales end December 23rd.

Bob Bowman, who is managing this year's event, said what makes this event special is shoppers are able to give fine crafted gifts priced under $100, with many items in the $20 to $50 range. He also noted an appreciation for artists who have learned how to make special items that exemplify who they are at accessible price points.

Artists who are accepted into the event sell their pieces on a consignment model in categories including fiber, glass, pottery, jewelry, wood and paintings. Approximately 75% of this year's featured artists are returning to the show.

Bob also wanted to make sure everyone knows that they will be refreshing and rotating the fine crafts merchandise to accommodate and encourage repeat shopping!

'Tis the Season Boutique
(credit: 'Tis the Season Boutique On Facebook)

'Tis the Season Holiday Boutique
Chaska Town Course Clubhouse

2940 Old Bavaria Rd
Chaska, MN
952-443-3642
Chaska Town Course
'Tis the Season Holiday Boutique

Sisters Stephanie Elliot and Kelly Funk started this boutique three years ago out of a passion to offer their perspective to the holiday gifting arena - gifts under $30 for last minute shoppers, made locally by artists who are just getting started.

This year they will have about 40 artists and have opted to return to the Chaska Town Course Clubhouse, which Stephanie describes as "beautiful, like being in a Christmas snow globe". The event runs the first three weekends of December and includes two Fridays for people who want to shop while the kids are in school.

The gift options include everything from jewelry to baby gifts and would make wonderful hostess, party or teacher gifts! Two of the most popular categories include edibles and handmade soaps and bath products. What you will not find an excess of are holiday home decor items.

This event has a consignment model with Stephanie and Kelly using their expertise to stage and sell the products. Artists are welcome to sign up for a shift but are not required to work the event like most other shows. For 2011, Stephanie expects about 80% will be returning artists.

These sisters know their niche, know their audience and emphasize that they are doing this, in addition to their day jobs, to offer something special last minute shoppers want and will buy.

Sasha Westin, Personal Style Concierge and owner of Fabuliss, helps you feel confident looking successful with the right outfits. Get style advice, see client results and learn how to connect at Fabuliss.com.

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