Craft Shows Offer Handmade Items to Shoppers
By Bobbi Zane

One way to find a treasured gift that's unique to Julian is to visit one of the craft shows happening in Town Hall nearly every weekend.

The list of one-of-a-kind souvenirs ranges from jewelry to doll clothes to hand-crafted chocolates. These items and more can be found at each of the two crafters' groups that alternate weekends, and occasionally mid-week in Town Hall.

Dawn Kirk Crafters dates to the 1950s, when Dawn Kirkman started the Weed Show to sell hand-crafted dried flower arrangements and wreaths, according to Bruce Kirkman, who now operates the business his late mother started.

Kirkman typically has a dozen or so vendors who offer braided rugs and placemats, glass beads and wind chimes, needle-crafted items, including aprons, pillows and blankets with wildlife designs, plus rocks, fossils and jewelry.

Dorothy Bent organized the Town Hall Crafters in 2003 to offer only items that are handmade. Typically, she has about a dozen crafters displaying their works.

Prior to opening her own craft show, Dorothy operated a business featuring homemade doll clothes. Today, her craft show includes not only her doll clothes but also a woodworker who makes kitchen accessories and toys. In addition, visitors will find other crafters offering items such as tooth fairy pillows, machine embroidery, fleece blankets and more.

The Dawn Kirk Crafters Fall Arts & Crafts Show will be at the Julian Town Hall from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 1-31.