Vendors Showcase Merchandise at 2022 Mentor Senior Center Arts and Crafts Show – News Herald

Lines of vendor booths and the sound of holiday music filled much of the venue. Mentor Senior Center On November 19th, we held our first Arts and Crafts sale since 2019.

One of those vendors, Terry Reichardt, says he’s been coming to the event for nearly 12 years. She brought in fleece blankets and memory animals from her own business, Wrap Them With Love, and carried designs in a variety of patterns, including her football team, Harry’s Potter home, and camouflage.

Her blankets, she said, include materials from Jo-Ann Fabric and Crafts and custom knots she designed after the nasty tags on the blankets. Memorial animals are made to honor the deceased, placing shirts and other items on pillows and designs of bears, dogs, and rabbits.

“They’re doing a very good job here,” said Reichard, adding that her previous experience at the event was “fantastic.”

She added that people interested in purchasing her products can contact her at 440-220-2141.

Vendor Lori Spuzzillo said she was introduced to the craft by her friend Laura Lee Kowalcic. The two brought decorations such as pine cones, ornaments, angels, framed paper art, skunks, gifts for her cards and her holders.

“We’ve known each other for a long time,” said Spuzziro, who says Kowalcic is his mother’s next-door neighbor.

Spuzzillo adds:

Second-time exhibitors Kim and Cheryl Gebeau’s offerings included various forms of jewelry and light-up decorations. Kim said crafting is a way for them to keep busy.

“She loves making jewelry,” Kim said, noting that Cheryl brought items such as necklaces, keychains, and earrings. Others brought projects with pins and corks.

Carol Obach, a first-time seller, brought in old Christmas ornaments and sold them to raise money for St. John Bianniy’s food pantry.

“They’re all a thing of the Christmas past, and many people, especially older people, may enjoy it because they’ve seen it in the past,” she said.

Other vendors brought in items including holiday decorations, quilts, books, and more.

According to Dave Duricky, Recreation Coordinator at Mentor Senior Center, about 60 vendors participated in the sale, including food and drink. Vendors Priority was given to seniors in securing his space, but people of all ages were invited to display their wares and browse the vendors’ wares.