Center's Christmas craft fair a success

Every space imaginable was occupied with a booth filled with crafts or other homemade goods for residents to purchase.

The Golden Hour Senior Center's Christmas Craft Fair had just about something for everyone. From wreaths, birdhouses, teddy bears and hats to cinnamon rolls, brownies and cookies, craft fair attendees could buy just about anything.

In one corner, sat Green River resident and crafter, Paula Antila. She was busy hot gluing various decorations to her Christmas wreaths.

"The first one I made was a Green River Wolves wreath," Antila said.

She recalled how she got started making wreaths. When her son was a senior in high school, they were trying to think of items to make for a fundraising raffle. Antila came up with the idea after she saw another basketball team's wreath at a sporting event. She said she basically stole the idea and made her own for the Green River Wolves team.

She's been making wreaths for various teams including the Wyoming Cowboys, Denver Broncos, Oakland Raiders, Green River Wolves, ever since. But sports teams aren't the only themes she has on her wreaths. She also makes traditional Christmas wreaths and will customize any wreath to suit a person's taste.

Antila said one time she made a cabin-themed wreath. It was one of her favorites because it allowed her to make a cabin by hand. Once the cabin was made she hand painted the family's name on it.

"I like making ones that are personalized," she said.

Regardless of what wreath she is working on, she always enjoys the process.

"Crafting is good therapy," Antila said. "It just is."

To make sure she always has the decorations she needs on hand, Antila purchases items throughout the year. She especially pays attention to after Christmas sales to purchase wreaths.

"I kind of shop year round," she said.

Another Green River crafter, Darla Helmandollar, said she was pleased with the amount of people visiting her booth. Although she thought it was slightly less than previous years, she was still happy with how her booth, which was filled with crocheted blankets and stuffed animals, was doing.

"I've done good. I can't complain," Helmandollar said.

She started participating in craft fairs about 10 years ago. Helmandollar had crocheted so many items that she decided to start selling them.

"I just love crocheting," she said.