Unique and creative gifts for the whole family at the Holiday Craft Fair in Northbrook

The Northbrook Park District’s Holiday Craft Fair welcomes all creative people to sell their new and homemade items, so shoppers can find unique gifts just before the busy shopping season.

The annual fair will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 6 at Techny Prairie Activity Center, 180 Anets Drive, Northbrook.

Items for sale will include jewelry, arts, crafts, kitchen items, pens and much more, along with complimentary hot chocolate for shoppers and vendors.

This is the busy season for Toby Nathan-Silverstein of Morton Grove, who showcases her artwork at several fairs across the suburbs. She found out about the Northbrook Park District’s Fair on Facebook, and was encouraged to attend by her cousins, who live in Northbrook, she said.

Nathan-Silverstein will sell resin and cement “trinket trays” (in shapes such as hearts, ovals and the Hamsa “hand of God”), resin coasters and handmade animal tiles.

“I take photos of people’s dogs, cats or birds. Then I print them out in color and adhere the photo to a tile,” she said. “Then I color with gel and glitter pens, unique looking tape, and embellish with glitter and resin.”

First-time vendor Eric Lawrence of Northbrook has been working with wood for about five years. He will sell pieces like wood pens, cutting boards and bowls that have everyday use, but also make nice gifts, he said.

“I have been doing it as a hobby, giving pieces away to friends and family,” he said. “One of my Facebook friends said they were interested in going to the Northbrook fair, so I looked into it and decided to do it.”

Jewelry lovers can stop by local resident Abygail Miller’s table to find handmade earrings, bracelets and necklaces in stainless steel and 24-carat-gold-plated stainless steel.

“They can either buy something already made, or create their own piece,” she said. “I have a charm bar and different chain options in length and style, so people can pick out what they like and customize their own pieces. It’s basically a fully personalized experience.”

A recent college graduate, Miller said she started selling her jewelry at Chicago-area markets after doing events in sororities and other private spaces as a student.

“It’s my first time at the Holiday Craft Fair and I am looking forward to it,” she said.

First-time vendor Susan Wexler of Northbrook will showcase original drawings made with bold point pen colors. Some come in geometric and whimsical patterns, others have romantic images and integrated lyrics, she said.

“I have been doing art for about five years, including some on commission,” she said. “I have done a couple of craft fairs, but a lot of them are very intimidating up front … so I have been looking for something that is a bit more laid back.”

After attending the Holiday Craft Fair last year, Melissa Torres and her family this year decided to join as vendors selling a “hodgepodge” of homemade items.

“We are not a business, we are just a family who decided to create crafts,” said Torres, a Northbrook resident.

The family’s table will feature quilted place mats, jewelry made by one of Torres’ children, their great-grandfather’s macrame wall hangings, and their grandfather’s hand-carved wood items.

“My three children will be there,” she said. “Grandpa lives in Kansas, but great grandpa will be there if he’s feeling up to it.”

The Holiday Craft Fair is free for shoppers.

The registration fee for vendors is $29 for residents, $39 for nonresidents, and includes an 8-foot table and two chairs. New and handmade items only. Vendors are invited to register through Nov. 21. To register as a vendor and for more information, visit nbparks.org/event/holiday-craft-fair, or call (847) 291-2993.

Established in 1927, the mission of the Northbrook Park District is to enhance the community by providing outstanding services, parks and facilities through environmental, social and financial stewardship.