Holiday gift lists are getting harder to fill. Uncle Bob already owns every single gadget with a touch screen, your nephew Timmy only wants violent video games, and your sister Sara returns any gift ever given to her without fail.
So how do you give a gift that's unique and special for that one-of-a-kind person on your list? The answer lies in the talented hands of local artisans and crafters who are selling their handmade items at craft fairs across the North Bay, presenting perfect gifts for those hard-to-please people on your holiday list.
Here's a guide to some of the craft fairs going on through the holidays. For a full list, visit www.pressdemocrat.com/craftfair2012.
Crafterino: (Today) The annual craft mart with adorable handmade crafts is back this year in a fundraiser to benefit Cots. First 50 entrants receive Crafterino Swag Bags. $1. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Petaluma Veterans Memorial Hall. 1094 Petaluma Blvd. S., Petaluma. petalumadowntowncraftmart.com
Guerneville Holiday Boutique: (Dec. 1-2) Handcrafted gifts of quilts, jewelry bags, photo art, ornaments, and more will be sold in the Maresca "Art Barn" Studio. Free admission. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 16120 Watson Road, Guerneville.
Luther Burbank Holiday Open House: (Dec. 1-2) The 33rd annual event takes a step back in time with costumed docents giving tours, a gift shop with holiday trinkets and gifts of nostalgia, and cookies and spiced tea in the greenhouse. $2, ages 12 and over. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Santa Rosa & Sonoma avenues, Santa Rosa. lutherburbank.org.
Dickens Holiday Crafts Fair: (Dec. 1-2) In its 38th year, the popular crafts fair features live entertainment and prizes, Santa, food and crafts that include jewelry, ceramics, pottery, glass art, photos and more. $2 adults, kids 12 & under free. Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Finley Community Center. 2060 W. College Ave., Santa Rosa. srcity.org/craftsfair.
Holiday Ceramics Sale: (Dec. 1 & 8) Find both functional and decorative ceramic art in a fundraiser to purchase a new kiln for the new center. Sebastopol Center of the Arts. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. 282 S. High St., Sebastopol. For information or directions to the new Center, email lindag@sonic.net or call 829-4797.
Summerfield Waldorf Winter Faire: (Dec. 7-8) The school is hosting an adults-only event on Friday from 5:30 p.m.-8 p.m., and a family holiday faire on Saturday from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. with hands-on crafts, homemade noshes, talented artisans, entertainment by Circus Waldissima, SWSF Eurythmy Artists, a puppet show, carolers, bonfire stories and more. 655 Willowside Road, Santa Rosa. summerfieldws.org.
Occidental Crafts Faire: (Dec. 8-9) The 27th annual Occidental Community Council Holiday Crafts Faire shares crafts and holiday pieces from over 35 local artisans, as well as entertainment, a raffle, food and more. Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Occidental Community Center. 3920 Bohemian Highway, Occidental. occidental-ca.org.
Fair Trade Holiday Gift Festival: (Sunday, Dec. 9) Support disadvantaged farmers and artisans across the world as you purchase internationally made baskets, scarves, housewares, jewelry, delicious goodies and more. Free admission. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Napa Valley Lutheran Church. 1796 Elm St., Napa. napavalleylutheran.org.
Holiday Shopping Fundraiser: (Sunday, Dec. 9) Raise funds for Jefferson Elementary School while shopping for jewelry, housewares, accessories and more from home-based businesses. Door prizes, food and plenty of holiday cheer. Free admission. 1-5 p.m. at the Citrus Fair Exhibit Hall in Cloverdale. jefferson-pta.com.
Holiday Wonderland Craft Fair: (Dec. 14-16) Local artists will have booths of treasures, from jewelry to clothing, soaps and more. Tell your holiday wishes to Santa, and enjoy some tasty food. Dec. 14, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.; Dec. 15, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Dec. 16, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monte Rio Community Center, 20488 Highway 116, Monte Rio. 865-9956, www.mrrpd.org.
You can reach Crissi Langwell at crissi.langwell@pressdemocrat.com.
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