The holidays are right around the corner and once again, long-time Cold Springs residents Clara Rose and Walt Thomas will hold their Colonial Holiday Sale. They will open up their home to shoppers for the 30th year in a row this weekend and next – Nov. 19, 20, 21, 26, 27 and 28.
Initiated in 1980, this has become an annual event for the Thomas’. The setting is relaxed and welcoming at their home (3280 Cold Springs Road) on 370 near Baldwinsville. Originally held the weekend before Thanksgiving, this popular event has been expanded to include the post Thanksgiving weekend as well. Hot mulled cider is provided to shoppers, who can stroll along a circuitous route surrounded by a medley of skillfully created gift items. Joining the Thomas’ are Kit Thompson, George and Irene Gates, Bob and Helen Melvin, Liz Elliott, Marion Tetrault, Michelle Kitts and Tish Evans.
Clara Rose and Walt Thomas produce hand woven articles featuring time-honored colors and patterns. Walt handcrafts traditional fireplace brooms on his hand made broom making machine with homegrown broomcorn. Clara Rose showcases wall hangings, place mats and table runners. The Thomas’ are highly regarded in their fields and are active in the continuing instruction of old fashioned craft techniques to youth in the community and are premier exhibitors at the NYS Fair Agricultural Museum each year. In addition Clara Rose teaches weaving on an individual basis.
Kit Thompson offers hand decorated tin and wooden accessories. Kit has collected antique and vintage tin and wood items, which she decorates in traditional patterns. She also paints on roof slates, which have been rescued from demolished Cold Springs area barns and transforms them into unique gifts for the connoisseur of antique and collectible treasures.
Irene Gates brings tree ornaments, wooden toys and holiday decorations. Long affiliated with the Onondaga County Cooperative Extension, the Gates family operates a woodworking shop, Gatescraft, at their residence on East Dead Creek Road.
M & M Baskets features hand woven baskets in a variety of functional shapes and sizes. Their creations have gained a good deal of attention in the area for their fine workmanship.
Bob and Helen Melvin bring an assortment of decorations in wood designs, handcrafted jewelry, wooden infant and toddler toys and also hand sewn children’s books.
Liz Elliott specializes in handcrafted traditional pieces made of straw. They come in various sizes and are constructed of straw gleaned from Central New York grain fields.
These local artisans are proud to bring quality, handcrafted, made in America items to the community and will be available at the sale to answer questions and describe their techniques to shoppers. There will also be ongoing weaving demonstrations and daily door prize drawings.
For more information, call Cold Springs Crafts at 635-3478.
