Vendors to show off crafts at Ahwatukee Recreation Center

During the 1990s, Arlene Jenks spent much of her time making porcelain dolls, creating nearly 200 of them.

When Jenks, now 93, and daughter June Tesdall moved to Ahwatukee three years ago, they wrapped each doll in diapers and brought them along.

"They're very fragile," Jenks said. "You can barely touch them."

Some of those dolls will be sold Nov. 22 at the Ahwatukee Recreation Center's Holiday Boutique. Jenks will be one of 50 vendors.

From 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., there will be jewelry makers, crafts and woodwork. There will also be Christmas carolers, chili and other goodies. Santa Claus is expected to stop by at about 11 a.m. to do some shopping for Mrs. Claus.

"We're hoping to draw shoppers who are looking for something new and different," said Barbara Trout, who is chairing this year's boutique.

The recreation center has hosted many arts and crafts sales over the years, but organizers hope this year's effort will turn into an annual event, she said. Organizers invited the center's clubs to get involved and each club agreed to do so.

For example, the Woodworking Club will sell large wooden angels, Christmas trees and turkeys produced by its 96 members, club member Emil Jansky said.

Sylvia Holt, president of the quilting club, said that in additional to more traditional items like quilts and potholders, her group will sell some innovative products, including heat-resistant tabletop holders and quillows, blankets that fold into pillows.

The group is especially excited about aprons.

"Aprons are hot this year," said Holt, who said she's noticed they've become more popular, particularly with younger women, in recent years.

"We said, 'OK, we'll jump on the bandwagon,' " Holt said.

Proceeds from items sold by the quilting club will go toward supplies for quilts the group donates to local causes, Holt said.

Commercial vendors will be selling items at the Holiday Boutique, too.

A Gilbert woman will sell Mary Kay products, and there will be a Pampered Chef table. Other businesses will sell jewelry and artwork. Tukee's Catering will serve chili and minestrone soup.

The event has gotten so large that Trout said organizers decided to hold it in the Recreation Center's meeting room and back patio. Previous arts and crafts fairs were held in the Recreation Center's parking lot.

"We're hoping to leave that parking lot for all of our shoppers," Trout said.