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Nature Center Getting Crafty

Commentary by Evelyne Vandersande

Evelyne Vandersande | Thursday, Nov 30, 2017

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Create and decorate your own holiday wreaths, centerpieces, candles and ornaments using a large assortment of fresh-cut greenery, pine cones and other beautiful natural treasures.

The Holiday Craft Fair this weekend (Dec. 2-3) is a fundraising event hosted by the Placerita Canyon Nature Center Associates, a nonprofit corporation, so there is a charge for some activities (cash and checks only). Make your own wreath, yule log or other craft as you desire. Children’s crafts will also be available. For those with allergy concerns, note that peanut butter is used in some craft items.

What is a craft fair? At Placerita Canyon Nature Center, nature always comes in first place. The docent room will be filled with all kinds of branches, seeds and pods, and the smell is always wonderful. Wreaths, wood logs and ribbons are sold, and people assemble all the greenery on those bases, with the help of glue guns and floral pins. They make the most spectacular holiday decorations.

People help each other and are always proud of their results. Such friendly cooperation is a true joy to see. While the parents are busy, the children have the time of their lives making special crafts involving glue, paint and sparkles.

There is bird feeder pine cone making that is always a huge success. You roll a pine cone in a secret mixture of peanut butter that you then cover with bird seeds. People roll up their sleeves and enjoy the messy accomplishment.

Santa will be there. Children can be a little shy at first when they see this tall Santa, but “Fred” has a lot of experience. He used to play Santa for his company before his retirement. He is gentle and soft-spoken, and the candy canes in his bag make fear melt away.

Do not forget a visit to the gift shop where you can finish your holiday shopping. It is a wonderful event where generation after generation gathers and has the opportunity to start the holiday season in a real family atmosphere.

Evelyne Vandersande has been a docent at the Placerita Canyon Nature Center since 1986. She lives in Newhall.

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