Craft Fairs Head Up School Fundraisers This Fall

Marquette kicked off this weekend the fall schedule of craft fairs making the rounds for student fundraising.

Lots of jewelry-makers hawked their unique, affordable wares, as did those who sew American Girl dolls' clothing (18-inch), home decorating goods—autumn and Christmas wreaths, centerpieces, lavish handmade soaps and creams, and loads of personalized goods—personalized on the spot with high-tech, computerized sewing machines.

Perhaps the lone man, Ken Exline, was selling his inventive crafted wood items—they are buffed and beautiful, yet useful items. He said he uses a lathe, and his wife buys exotic woods online for him. Everything is signed and the kind of wood is etched on the bottom.

Did you know some woods are hard enough to burn tea lights, votives and incense in them? Exline includes the accessories with his art pieces, and his items are quite nice, for the price.

If you missed Marquette's fundraiser craft fair, here's a list where to find some of the same artists at the next ones (in the area) and new artists too.

• Oct. 22,23: Sperreng Middle School, Lindbergh Lacrosse fundraiser; 12111 Tesson Ferry Road, Sunset Hills, 63128 (at Interstate 270 South past Gravois Road exit) 9 a.m.-4 p.m., 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
• Nov. 5,6: Parkway North High School; 12860 Fee Fee Rd., St. Louis, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
• Nov. 5: Eureka High School Holiday Craft Fair; 829 Highway 109, Eureka
• Nov. 12,13: Parkway Central High School; Chesterfield, 369 N. Woods Mill Rd. (just south of Olive Blvd. and just off Highway 40/64 at 141 exit, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. both days.
• Nov. 19,20: Parkway South High School; Manchester, 801 Hanna Rd.