Step into any mall or big box store on the West Shore and you canB´ÎÔª¹ÙÍøÍøÖ·™t miss it: Christmas season is upon us.
You can see it in the sparkling plastic decorations hanging from every cash register, or even on Twitter, where a full-scale revolt is raging, as Starbucks has decided not to bring their gingerbread latte to British Columbia this year.
DonB´ÎÔª¹ÙÍøÍøÖ·™t think IB´ÎÔª¹ÙÍøÍøÖ·™m a grinch B´ÎÔª¹ÙÍøÍøÖ·“ I love the whole corporate Christmas production. But amidst all the garlands and gift receipts, donB´ÎÔª¹ÙÍøÍøÖ·™t forget to look to the many talented local artisans here on the West Shore for some unique, handmade and often one-of-a-kind items.
I bring this up now (I know, itB´ÎÔª¹ÙÍøÍøÖ·™s early) because November seems to be the unofficial craft month across Victoria, with some particularly fantastic offerings happening out in our neck of the woods.
Craft fairs allow even the unco-ordinated among us to weave a handmade touch into our Christmas gifting. Here are some of the upcoming craft fairs on the West Shore or nearby venues:
Juan de Fuca Arts & Crafts Guild Christmas Craft Sale: Free admission and parking at this West Shore institution B´ÎÔª¹ÙÍøÍøÖ·“ the Guild has been hosting this fair for nearly 40 years now. Happening Nov. 8 and 9 at St. JosephB´ÎÔª¹ÙÍøÍøÖ·™s School, corner of Burnside Road West and McKenzie Avenue in Saanich.
Creative Craft Fair: Head on over to Pearkes Recreation Centre from Nov. 7 to 9 for this large craft fair that offers live music, food and door prizes in addition to some really great crafts.
Highlands Winter Craft Fair: A great excuse to check out Caleb Pike Heritage Park if you havenB´ÎÔª¹ÙÍøÍøÖ·™t already. The park is the location for this lovely little craft fair. Nov. 16, free admission.
Royal Canadian Legion #91 Christmas Craft Fair: A classic style craft fair that includes afternoon tea, a silent auction and a good old-fashioned meat draw. Nov. 16 at the Legion at 761 Station Avenue in Langford. Free admission.
Metchosin Hall Arts & Crafts Sale: 25 tables of handmade items including pottery and carving. I hear there will be some pretty great fudge there too! Nov. 22 and 23 at Metchosin Hall. Free admission and refreshments.
Luxton Market: This monthly market turns festive for its Nov. 26 edition. Over 35 vendors and free admission to boot. 1040 Marwood Ave.
Gifts and Wishes at the Coast Collective: Stop by the Coast Collective between Nov. 26 and Dec. 21 to pick up something lovely and local from this gorgeous non-profit gallery and gift shop. Free admission.
Johanna Henderson is a volunteer with the West Shore Arts Council and principal with Shelter Creative Services.