Really crafty way to get into the holiday spirit

Kris Dieken of Geneva practically breathes chocolate.

For the past 22 years, she's been melting large pieces of ambrosia chocolate, molding them into Christmas trees and holiday icons, decoratively wrapping the handmade white and milk chocolate goods, then selling them at about 10 holiday craft shows annually throughout the suburbs.

Sunday marked her 15th year at College of DuPage's Holiday Happening Craft and Art Fair, but her success remains the same.

"I just make as much as I can, and I always sell out," Dieken said. "I never end up with anything left over."

Many area crafters like Dieken started off playing around with a hobby they loved and have become full-timers. These veterans are mastering the art and money-making techniques of craft shows.

Other newcomers are working their way into the business.

And some crafters set up their booths to keep their minds off day-to-day hustles and bustles.

By day, Ceata Lash, 35, of Romeoville, is a graphic designer and her sister, Jennifer Stephens, 25, of Chicago, is working on her doctorate.

By night, their creative sides take over.

Lash makes hand-beaded utensils and service wear, and Stephens makes wire tree sculptures.

The two spend Saturdays together crafting at each others' houses, and for the past three years, they've been setting up shop at several craft shows during the holiday season. Still, they consider themselves novices and hope to grow in coming years.

After spending about 16 hours each getting products ready for COD's craft fair -- and two hours setting up their gear -- they expect to make at least $500 each day during the two-day event.

Lash said she often gets tips from other crafters at shows.

"There are people here where this is all they do," she said. "It seems like everybody here wants to succeed."

Stephens, who's recently been crafting a bit more, said the hobby's a labor of the heart and she loves seeing people's faces light up when they see the products.

"Once they're done, they're so pretty," she said. "And it's just a good way to relax from all the stress of school."

Johann Samuelson of Winfield has been crafting for the past 10 years. This year she's battling pancreatic cancer. So instead of working full time, she's picked up more crafting.

Sunday, she set up a booth at Lisle High School's annual Holiday Boutique, Craft Show and Bake Sale. She finished off her fourth show of the shopping season and has two more in coming weeks.

But she doesn't sell the wine bottle covers and jewelry for big cash. Instead, she likes being out and about and mingling with kind people.

"I really don't do it to make that much money," said Samuelson. "It's more than just a craft show; it feeds your soul."