WEEKEND: Hand-crafted gifts on sale at Sequim Nature Mart today, Saturday

Published 12:01 am Friday, November 14, 2014

NOTE: “Today” and “tonight” refer to Friday, Nov. 14.

SEQUIM — The eighth annual Holiday Nature Mart will offer hand-crafted gifts from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. today and Saturday.

The two-day celebration will be at the Dungeness River Audubon Center, 2151 W. Hendrickson Road.

“Shoppers tell us that Nature Mart is the best,” said Julie Jackson, Nature Mart chairwoman.

Plenty of gifts, baked goods, table arrangements and wreaths will be available for purchase.

Cowichan wool sweater

Among the attractions will be the raffle of a Cowichan wool sweater knitted and donated by Marion Rutledge, river center member.

The sweater is valued at $300. Raffle tickets, available at the river center throughout Nature Mart weekend, are $1 each.

The soft, warm wool comes from sheep raised on Vancouver Island, where Northwest Coast Salish knitters first created Cowichan sweaters.

Treated properly, the wool retains its natural lanolin, the oil that gives it strength and integrity and makes the sweater both warm and water-resistant.

Fleece from breeds such as Dorset, Hampshire and Suffolk provide natural colors such as white, brown or black used in authentic Cowichan sweaters.

The winning ticket will be drawn at 4 p.m. Saturday.

Gifts for sale

Moderately priced one-of-a-kind gifts and ornaments with nature themes range from decorative items to scarves and purses made from antique silk to handy foot mops to pet toys and treats — including the popular “Buddy Biscuits,” for animals.

“Nature Mart shoppers will find a spectacular array of items made from natural materials this year,” said Shirley Anderson, one of the creators of handcrafted gifts.

The center’s gift shop also is stocked with gift items, including the 2015 desk calendar Sequim artist Jean Wyatt designed to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the historic Railroad Bridge.

The bake sale on the center’s porch will feature homemade pies, cakes, cookies, breads and other treats.

Visitors can enjoy a free cup of hot cider while they’re shopping.

Wreaths

In the courtyard, shoppers will have the opportunity to buy a variety of wreaths and table arrangements or make their own for a modest fee.

All materials are provided, and visitors can create long-lasting wreaths and holiday decorations under the guidance of experts.

Photographers can pose their subjects with the river center’s stuffed animals, including the big brown bear and gray wolf.

Although the photo service is free, donations are welcome.

The Sequim Rotary Club will sell lunches of hot dogs, chili, chips, sodas and water on both days.

Proceeds from Nature Mart support the center’s educational programs.

For more information, phone 360-681-4076 or visit www.DungenessRiverCenter.org.