Crafters Display Wares at Holiday Bazaar

Local vendors and shoppers crowded on Saturday as the coffeehouse hosted its second annual Holiday Bazaar.

Knitwear, handmade chocolates, jewelry, handbags made from vinyl banners, essential oils and children's books were among the offerings from the 13 different vendors.

Employee Ruth Wilson conceived the idea last year and contacted vendors who displayed crafts in the coffeehouse. Because the bazaar was met with such a positive response, she wanted to run it against this year. 

"It's nice to give local people the opportunity to make some money," she said. "And to offer an alternative to strip malls to buy presents."

Maplewood artists Ralf Lucas and Scott Bramstedt shared a table at the event. Lucas displayed jewelry and Bramstedt offered knitwear. They've both been honing their craft for more than four years.

Wilson's grandmother, from down the street, also had a table. She was happy to find takers for the Christmas crafts her husband had made.

Rebecca Brady, from the Lindenwood neighborhood in St. Louis, said she's been making jewelry for as long as she can remember, but it was her first time showing her work. She brought money to make change, but said if she didn't sell anything, she'd spend it on everyone else's crafts.