Sell-O-Rama returns to civic center

LifeStyles

Related Photos

Ethan Trammell, left, and Cameron Trammell, right, members of the Sharpshooters 4-H club sold baked goods at the Sell-O-Rama. Staff photo by Delania Trigg
Sellers Virginia Sanford, left, and Sylvia Nelson display their handmade items at the Sell-O-Rama. Staff photo by Delania Trigg
Vendor Kathy Westbrook shows off her lighted yard ornaments at the 16th annual Arts & Crafts Sell-O-Rama at the Gainesville Civic Center. Staff photo by Delania Trigg

Guest Book

November 5, 2012

Sell-O-Rama returns to civic center

By DELANIA TRIGG, Register Staff Writer Gainesville Daily Register The Daily Register Mon Nov 05, 2012, 09:03 AM CST

Gainesville — Every crafter has a story.

The Gainesville Civic Center was the site of multiple stories and exchanges as vendors sold handmade items at the 32nd annual Arts & Crafts Sell-O-Rama.

The event helped raise money for the Cooke County Fair Association and gave area artisans a chance to show and sell their creations.

Vendor Sylvia Nelson of Oklahoma showcased her jellies, jams and candies while Virginia Sanford sold holiday items including festive figures in crocheted outfits and decked out teddy bears.

Nelson said it takes time to prepare for a craft extravaganza.

“I’ve been cooking since the middle of September,” she said.

Her culinary offerings included jewel-toned jams and jellies in pint and half pint jars. Among her specialties are apricot jam and champagne jelly flavored with a generous portion of the sparkling beverage.

“The jelly is made of (fruit) juice and the champagne is added later,” Nelson said. “The alcohol evaporates and only the champagne flavor is left. Everybody loves it.”

Nelson also pointed out the link between food and fellowship, adding she recently made batches of her pecan candy to share with a bereaved family.

“Flowers and potted plants are beautiful but food can give comfort in a way (floral) arrangements can’t,” she said.

Most of the crafters, including Kathy Westbrook add personal touches to their work.

Westsbrook said she likes finding ways to use nontraditional materials.

Aerosol spray insulation, for instance, can become glistening snow when painted white and nestled among bottle brush trees and snowmen.

Solar yard lights take on a new life when embellished with welcome signs, coyote figurines or autumn accents.

“I’ll just see something I like and try to make my own version,” Westbrook said.

Crafter Carol Jacobsen’s booth offered both handmade and vintage wares including a circa 1950s wedding cake topper.

Collecting and crafting aren’t essential activities, she noted, but they can be a joyful diversion.

“These beautiful things are eye candy,” Jacobsen said.

Text Only

LifeStyles

Sell-O-Rama returns to civic center
Every crafter has a story.
The Gainesville Civic Center was the site of multiple stories and exchanges as vendors sold handmade items at the 32nd annual Arts & Crafts Sell-O-Rama.

November 5, 2012 3 Photos
Golf tournament helps Special Olympics athletes
Proceeds from today’s golf tournament on behalf of the Gainesville Independent School District Special Olympics organization is the key boost in getting 16 of its athletes to Arlington.

March 30, 2013
Officials investigate freight train collision
A collision between a Burlington Northern Santa Fe freight train and a car delayed traffic at several Gainesville railroad crossings Saturday morning

March 25, 2013 2 Photos
Creative writing awards ceremony set for April 12
North Central Texas College is once again hosting the NCTC Creative Writing Contest and the awards ceremony is planned for next month.

March 25, 2013
Church News 3-22
Church news reported this week.

March 22, 2013
VISTO luncheon to spotlight volunteers
Volunteer efforts during the past year on behalf of the county’s central food aid program will get their due spotlight this month.

March 15, 2013
Valley View to host circus March 24
Due to the sponsorship of Valley View Area Chamber of Commerce, Culpepper & Merriweather Circus, now in its 29th edition, is coming to Valley View on Sunday, March 24, at the Valley View ISD football field parking lot with two scheduled main performances at 2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.

March 13, 2013
'Fur Ball' event a success despite storm
Spirits were high at the 2013 Noah’s Ark “Fur Ball” despite Saturday night’s severe storm.

March 13, 2013 1 Photo
Spot on: GHS students learn TV production skills
The Audio Video (AV) Technology class at Gainesville High School (GHS) introduces students to life behind and in front of the camera.

March 9, 2013
NCTC to sponsor largest-ever health care industry survey
The three-county region served by North Central Texas College will be the target of the largest health care industry employer outreach and workforce survey ever undertaken in the area.

March 1, 2013
More LifeStyles Headlines

What are your plans for this summer's travel season?