Saline’s Craft Fair draws artists and art admirers from all over Michigan

by WILLOW SYMONDS
Contributor

The city of Saline held its annual Craft Fair at Saline Middle School on November 13. Artists set up booths of their homemade crafts and art pieces for locals and those traveling from far away. Interested customers wandered through the gymnasium, the cafeteria, and the halls. People of all ages took in the sights of painted ceramics, hand-sewn clothes, home-mixed essential oils, many more accessories, and decorative items.

Antique Button Jewelry displayed their items on a large booth in the gym, drawing in people with hand-made earrings, necklaces, bracelets, rings, and brooches. Many buttons were made over a century ago. Some buttons survived through the Civil War; others were brought across the sea from Europe. Artist Krista Moss creates her pieces and makes their staple the buttons she finds.  

“I’ve been collecting buttons since I was thirteen,” said Moss. “I find them in antique shows and stores. I was also lucky enough to buy a few from private button collectors.”

The brand’s official website states that each new jewelry line follows a theme, whether they’re adorned with Victorian portraits, cut steel buttons, or authentic perfume. Moss also adds vintage beads, pearls, and lace to give her designs a feel of timelessness. Every jewelry booth stood out with its unique collections, and Antique Button Jewelry was no exception.

“The Vintage Button booth was my favorite. It was fascinating to see the intricate floral designs and to know you’re holding a piece of antique history in your hands […] and I love history, so it’s just the right booth for me,” said Carmen Lauchu, a student at Saline High School.

Many other stalls appeared to stand out to people, too. The roasted almonds stand filled the cafeteria with its delicious scent. First-time seller John Kwiatowski sold handcrafted postal coin banks for his small business, White Street Wood. From Tipton, porcelain artist Kay Mayer had several tables showcasing her hand-painted collection of dishes, jewelry boxes, lampshades, and hand-held mirrors. Artist and owner of The Mighty Mitten, Brian Walline, digitally creates Works Project Administration (WPA) National Parks-inspired posters centered around Michigan’s natural wonders.

“I thought there were a lot of interesting booths and beautiful craftsmanship,” said Lauchu. “I’ve been there before, so I pretty much knew the layout. There were helpful maps and stuff everywhere, which was good.”

The 32nd annual show was a success, especially after 2020’s fair was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Saline Middle School enforced its mandatory-mask policy, so the hundreds of people nearby had a decent amount of protection from the virus.

“The presence of masks was interesting. Overall though, I don’t think it was much different [than most years], give or take a few booths,” said Lauchu. “I bet there were even more people this year because of the people that couldn’t go last year.”

Hopefully, by the fall of 2022, the Saline Craft Fair will no longer require masks. Until then, artists and art admirers should feel content in a successful show, which lasted from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with precisely 240 booths out on display and over 4,000 customers searching for something just right for them.

“I loved the variety of booths,” said Nancy Sparling, a customer and Saline resident. “I’m very excited to go back next year.”

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