Pasadena Senior Center Hosts Annual Craft Fair

Crafters from around the area are setting up shop at the on Thursday and Friday for the center's annual craft fair.

"We've been holding the craft fair for about 11 years, it's an annual event," said Pasadena Senior Center Director Cheryl Heinold. "This year we attracted about 20 vendors, plus we have our senior center classes with craft tables."

"We tend to see different vendors each year," added Heinold. "Actually, this year I had to turn some vendors away because we didn't have enough space!"

Heinold said that the center may consider expanding the available space for vendors during future fairs.

A variety of crafts were available, from jewelery to quilts and more.

"I've been making bears since 2000," said vendor Kathleen Starks, who was selling a variety of stuffed animals. "I make them from recycled fur coats. Some of them I've also made from new fabric. Some are also made from faux fur."

Starks said that she was inspired to begin making bears by a friend who had practiced the craft and taught herself to do the same.

Another vendor, Sue Riley, was selling handcrafted earrings.

"The materials I use for these earrings come from all over the world," said Riley. "You'll never see a piece repeated."

"I feel like I run Santa's workshop all over the year," said Riley. "Crafts are a labor of love, you're never going to get rich doing them."