My grandparents (mom’s parents) were both creative souls. As I was growing up, we spent weeks in the summer and lots of holidays at their farm in Goshen, Arkansas, where we learned about fairy houses and the smell of raw wood and the feel of acrylic paint on a brush. Grandma was also a writer, but that’s another post for another day.

When my grandfather returned from the South Pacific after WWII, he and his brother formed a construction company and built homes and apartment buildings (and even chicken houses) around Northwest Arkansas. They raised five kids while Grandpa built homes and Grandma worked at odd jobs here and there if they needed a little extra money. When the kids moved out, Grandma took lessons from some of the best tole painters in the region and they started selling handmade wood crafts and painted items at craft fairs around Northwest Arkansas and surrounding states.

It was in the days before internet, so they peddled their handmade items at the annual War Eagle Craft Fairs (there used to be one in the Spring as well), on the square at the Fayetteville Farmers’ Market, and at the gift shop in Winslow on old Highway 71. There may have been others, but they didn’t wander too far from home, as they had a herd of cattle and several bee hives to care for.

Maybe this family history is one reason why the annual mecca that is the War Eagle Craft Fair is so special to me. Maybe it’s also because I remember making the beautiful drives to the fair with my mom and assorted friends over the years, or maybe it’s because I love an excuse to buy fresh-from-the-fire sweet and savory kettle corn. It’s goooooood kettle corn…

Last weekend was the annual show, and I drove out to the historic War Eagle Mill in Rogers twice to make sure I didn’t miss anything. I met my friend Mel, a fellow blogger, on Thursday, then I went back with my youngest daughter Sunday. There is always so much to see. Artists and crafters come from across the country to sell here, and thousands of shoppers also make the trek to buy. I always pick up some handmade goats’ milk soap and a new crocheted wash cloth from Winddrift Hill, but I don’t generally have any other plans to buy for myself. Of course, I usually find something else anyway… but there are no PLANS. Important distinction.

This year, I was able to knock three Christmas gifts off my list, all from different vendors. I believe it was the first time at War Eagle for all of them too. One of my favorites was Tai – he creates pen and ink originals and prints of some of the most fantastical subject matter I have ever seen. Truly original, and more “fine art” than craft, I was pleased to hear that it was a better show for him than he anticipated. It can be tough to be an urban, cutting-edge artist at a show as traditional as War Eagle. I mean, in the same tent with Tai there was a vendor selling pine-needle bowls and baskets… pretty sure those two art forms would each boast a vastly different fan base.

I also stopped by one of my favorite vendors’ booths to look at her handmade primitive dolls and decor. I follow Julie of Polkadot Pig Primitives on Facebook and Instagram, but had never purchased anything from her – until this year! I had to bring home this sweet little witch for my entryway table. I love Julie’s creativity, and the characters she creates out of dolls and vintage odds and ends like this clock. Now I am remembering the little bear that belonged to one of my brothers and that I donated when they didn’t want him and wishing I had him turned into something… dang it.

There are so many great memories related to making and crafting that come from my family… and for some of you there may be similar memories of things like cars, recipes, gardening… or even careers? What hobbies or interests can you trace back through your family?

Here’s a final memory – my mother’s favorite Stuckey’s treat: The tiny pecan pie. As a kid, I always thought they looked gross, but now I know better.