Crafters readying for Carson High fair

Ginger Porterfield was first introduced to decorative wood painting just over a decade ago when she saw the work of a friend.

“I liked hers, and I thought, ‘How do you do this?” she recounted.

For about 12 years, she has been painting her own bowls, lanterns, gourds and other objects, working as part of the Carson Valley Desert Brushes.

“It’s a labor of love,” she said. “You relax. And I’ve met a lot of nice people.”

She and other members of the artist group will be peddling their wares at the 20th annual Carson High School Craft Fair on Nov. 21 and 22.

Cathy Barbie, a social studies teacher at Eagle Valley Middle School, has coordinated the craft fair for the past 11 years.

“This year’s show will feature many new crafters as well as past favorites,” she said. “There will be more than 110 vendors and 135 booths spread out in the large gym, small gym, lobby, hallway and Senator Square of Carson High School.”

All money raised goes to benefit student groups and clubs at Carson High School.

“Last year’s show profits helped us to award 10 $500 senior scholarships as well as support over 20 clubs,” Barbie said.

Barbie and her husband, Bill, an automotive technology teacher at the high school, also host a booth at the fair.

“I make handcrafted photo albums and scrapbooks as well as seasonal fabric and wood crafts,” she said.

Other vendors include pottery, jewelry, photography, baskets, birdhouses, wreaths and ornaments, scarves and hats, purses, yard art, seasonal Christmas items, quilts, doll clothes, scroll art, and unique clothing items.

Food items offered include fudge and jams, fruits and nuts, salsa, olives and olive oils, kettle corn, jerky, toffee and candy, as well as baked goods from the Bakery Gallery in Yerington.

Student booths will be selling items such as recycled and new Senator items, spirit items, face painting, and hot drinks. “Culinary Arts will be cooking for us with soups, salad, chili and hot dogs, and pulled-pork sandwiches,” Barbie said. “Santa will be there for that special photo opportunity, and Senior Projects will have its annual book sale.”

A raffle on Friday night will include items from the community and vendor products on Saturday.