Christmas Craft Bazaar

Handicraft, also known as craftwork or simply craft, is a type of work where useful and decorative devices are made completely by hand or using only simple tools. Usually the term is applied to traditional means of making goods. The individual artisanship of the items is a paramount criterion, such items often have cultural and/or religious significance. Items made by mass production or machines are not handicrafts.

Usually, what distinguishes the term handicraft from the frequently used category arts and crafts is a matter of intent: handicrafted items are intended to be used, worn, et cetera, having a purpose beyond simple decoration. Handicrafts are generally considered more traditional work, created as a necessary part of daily life, while arts and crafts implies more of a hobby pursuit and a demonstration/perfection of a creative technique. In practical terms, the categories have a great deal of overlap.

Velvet Stocking Craft Show

This much anticipated event draws crowds from all over the Houston/Galveston. area and from out of state. Every year more and more sights and sounds and scents of Christmas have filled the air at the Velvet Stocking, forcing this elegant crafts show to relocate from its old home at the Clear Lake Country Club. An even greater variety of handcrafted gifts and decorations will be available for sale.

The Velvet Stocking started with only six participants and was basically a neighborhood endeavor. "This small group quickly grew into the craftspeople, helpers and partners who are involved today. The bazaar's unique name came from a tattered card board cutout. One of the original group dubbed it the "Velvet Stocking" and they adopted the logo. It has served them well for 26 years.

The show's strong popularity is due in part to the careful eye for details given toward making it a truly beautiful and elegant experience. Attendees can't help but capture the holiday spirit at the Velvet Stocking, while at the same time getting an enjoyable head start on shopping. Richly coordinated decorum is carried throughout the center, including booths decked out in the traditional Christmas fabrics and colors. Spectacular Christmas trees display handcrafted ornaments available for sale. Patrons are greeted by the sounds of holiday music and crafters wearing holiday attire.

One of the longest running craft shows in the area, The Velvet Stocking Craft Show. will host the 27th annual show November 13, 14, and 15th, in the Webster Civic Center. The Velvet Stocking began in 1981 when a group of crafters met together to plan a show with several unique features. One of those features included a central checkout, allowing shoppers to gather merchandise from many vendors and pay for it all in one location. Velvet Stocking is a co-op show, where all vendors participate in all aspects of the show. as opposed to renting a space and selling from that space. Crafters meet throughout the year to plan the show and share the work involved in putting together this fun filled weekend. During the show, each crafter has assigned locations and duties. Crafters rotate at intervals giving each person a chance to work in every area.

Many' long time crafters are still active in the show. The list of crafters has grown to include partners and helpers. The Clear Lake Country Club was home to the Velvet Stocking for 19 years. The show had moved to the Clarion Hotel, Holiday Inn, and now to the current location at the Webster Civic Center, 311 Pennsylvania Avenue, just off Nasa Parkway and behind McWhirter Elementary School.

Velvet Stocking crafters are required to create unique crafts of the highest quality. Individuality is encouraged and each crafter creates and sells items in his or her venue, reducing the likelihood of duplicate items from several vendors. Hours are 9AM to 7PM Thursday. Friday and Saturday hours are 9AM to 5PM. There is no admission fee and most credit cards are accepted.