Elaine Stokes has transformed 150 plastic lizards into Glitter Critters in preparation for Festival 2006, to be held Friday and Saturday at Green Valley Recreation's West Social Center.
Stokes paints the toys and makes them dazzle with glitter and beads. She adds a pin, so they are ready to wear. The critters cost $7 for a 2-inch reptile and $12 for a 4-inch one.
There will be 115 tables set up in the auditorium and the courtyard, all laden with crafts made by local artisans. No commercial products will be sold.
"Oh, my," said Stokes, the event's chairwoman. "There will be a little of everything."
All vendors are members of the social center. Among other items, they will sell silver, gold and beaded jewelry, and different types of woodwork.
"There are these really neat hand-carved bowls and hand-carved Santa Clauses," Stokes said. "They are so unique that you wouldn't believe them."
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Textiles, including shawls, scarves and oven mitts, also will be sold, along with handmade greeting cards, gourds and pottery.
Breakfast and lunch, including sandwiches and deserts, will be available, too.
The festival has evolved over the last 35 years. Stokes' first show was in 1989.
"I always feel like I'm out of jail after the show," she said.
"I have so much fun making and selling them, but after everything is done, I'm so relieved because I don't have to work on them and I don't have to push myself. I can do other fun things."
● What: Festival 2006
● When: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday
● Where: Green Valley Recreation West Social Center, 1111 Via Arcoiris
● Cost: Free. Crafts for sale range from $1 to more than $250.
