my friend danny has been driving around the past few weekends in search of church holiday bazaars. he's found a few good ones and picked up everything from angels made with macaroni & glitter (a classic!) to a felt navitity scene and even a music box that plays "born free". my favorites are the ornaments he bought made with corn starch that's been mixed with water into a paste. they are really beautiful little houses and the detail is incredible. those church ladies are quite talented!
the church bazaar was a really big deal for my mom. she'd spend almost all year getting ready. there were always plenty of walnuts on hand because she needed the shells to make those ornaments that were decorated wigglie eyes and pipe cleaners. she was very proud of her creations and actually quite competitive with the other ladies. she always wanted to make the most popular items that would help raise the most money for the church.
pictured here are some of the examples of crafts that mc call's magazine promised would "make your next bazaar both exciting and profitable!". they suggested that you set up a "boutique booth to show off your luxury items - all to make a surprisingly little cost". there's just so much here that i hope inspires you. it's really hard to pick a favorite but i think those gremlins (center) are pretty special and i'm pretty sure i'll have to knock off that papier-mache bird ornament (way down there at the very bottom).
(images from "mc call's needlework and crafts" fall-winter 1967-68)
Love your images, love vintage felt handicrafts, love church bazaars and I love your blog! I always knew there was someone out there who appreciated the crafty wonders of the past as much as I did. Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: sparklefactory | December 02, 2007 at 11:56 PM
Ooh, too many things to love! Those matchboxes. That owl potholder - and that little owl case that looks like a cellphone holder, but of course couldn't have been in its day. And those beanbag people with the flowers are so funny. They remind me, for some reason, of Sesame Street. I love that pencil can adorned with seeds and beans, too.
Posted by: Sister Diane | December 03, 2007 at 08:52 AM
hello, I love it!!, and I want to teach my grandaughter, thanks
Posted by: flory campos | August 24, 2010 at 06:05 PM