Holiday Arts & Crafts sale opens Friday

The Green Valley Lapidary and Silversmith Club will host its popular annual Holiday Arts and Craft Sale, Friday, Nov. 30, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 1, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the West Center.

There is no entrance fee and food and refreshments will be on sale.

More than 100 artisans will be displaying their handmade crafts, all reasonably priced for gift giving.

Shoppers will be treated to unique, handmade items including designer jewelry made by resident artists using hand-cut one-of-a-kind stones and silversmithing techniques, precious metal, clay, dichronic glass adornments, handcrafted chains, lost wax casting and hand-carved items.

There will be handcrafted fabric and paper art, woodcarvings, pottery, wall paintings, art and other holiday surprises as well.

Hourly raffle prizes will be drawn throughout the event.

What started out in Green Valley in the late 1960s as a group of “rock hounds” looking for the perfect rock to turn into finished gemstones has progressed into a jewelry bonanza for those in the know.

Today, the Lapidary Club is made up of more than 300 members, many of whom display and sell their work in Tucson, Tubac and other worldwide venues.

“This year the organizers are particularly excited about the show,” according to Sally Weitzel, marketing coordinator.

The Arizona State Fair Jewelry and Lapidary Division awarded two first place awards, two second place awards and one third place award, as well as two honorable mentions.

“This certainly speaks well for the fine artisans we are lucky to have here in Green Valley,” Weitzel added.

Three of those local winners are Gregor Weitzel, Nancy Hanna and Duncan Creed.

Weitzel won a first and second place in the state in lapidary with two agate cabochons.

Hanna took a second place for her copper and brass pendant and Creed received an honorable mention for his submission in the metalwork division.

rford@gvnews.com | 547-9740