Mark your calendar. . . . Santa is coming to the Wilton Historical Society on Saturday, Dec. 13 from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.! Visit with Santa, have fun with the Great Holiday Train Exhibit and even do some craft projects.
Also on Saturday, the Historical Society is hosting two “Handmade for the Holidays” craft projects: “Make Your Own Pomander” with either apples or clementines and cinnamon, cloves, and ribbons and “Decorate Your Own Holiday Cookies (Snowmen, Gingerbread Men & Trains!)” from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.. The program cost for members is $5 per child (max $15 per family), and for non-members it’s $10 per child (max $30 per family).
The Historical Society also has some great shopping for gift giving as well. They’re holding a Holiday Trunk Show featuring 5 Pop-Up Artisans at the Wilton Historical Society’s Betts Store, with a Ladies’ Night tonight, Dec. 11, 6-8 p.m., and an Early Birds’ morning on Friday, Dec. 12 from 9–11 a.m.
Known for locally made, beautifully crafted items, the Betts Store is featuring a select group of area artisans and their wares for two days only. Their offerings are fresh and giftable! Most pieces are made by hand, one at a time – there are bright ideas for stocking stuffers, winter warmers, hostess gifts, sparkly treats – and just the right surprise for hard to please friends and family.
The Pop-Up Artisans:
Anita Designs: Anita Sobelson of Weston creates pillows, throws, runners and other accessories and gifts. Her designs are inspired by traditional patchwork with a wonderful twist. Taking a modern approach, she combines fabrics and trims with luxurious texture and bold color, then adds a touch of the unexpected to her beautifully crafted collection.
Hook and Ladder Handknits: Jerre Dawson began her business, Hook and Ladder Handknits in the fall of 2010 in Wilton’s own historic Daniel Gregory house. Featuring hand crafted knit and felted owls and other wildlife, as well as seasonal decorations; Jerre’s work is truly one-of-a-kind.
Jewelry by Isabel: Parisian born Isabel Johannsen has been making one-of-a-kind jewelry for the last decade. Using the finest materials, her whimsical designs are inspired by her travels throughout the world. Her time in Africa, Asia, Europe, and South America has had a profound influence on her work.
Nod Hill Soap: Catherine Romer hand-crafts soaps with luxurious, creamy lather, gorgeous scents, light fluffy bubbles, amazing skin-loving properties and beautiful packaging. An enticing assortment will be available, along with luscious lotions and lip butters, refreshing rose water facial toners, soothing bath salts, rejuvenating salt and sugar scrubs, lovely scented sachets and room sprays – all made right here in Wilton.
Southern Yankee: “Vintage Linens for Modern Girls” describes enchanting handmade clothing for babies and girls. Clothing, including skirts, shirts and aprons are made with 100% high quality new cotton fabric adorned with vintage hankies, lace, and fabric – even up-cycled dress shirts! Enchanting baby bonnets for new-borns – made with vintage hankies, trims, and mother-of-pearl buttons – are delicate heirlooms. Made in Wilton by Jennifer Angerame.
DesignsbyJess: Jess Morgans of Fairfield has been making jewelry since 2007. “Classic with a twist” designs incorporate interesting semi-precious stones, freshwater pearls and sterling silver. Looking for objects that inspire, and stones with soul and character, she crafts pieces that are delightfully different.
The Society’s Museum Store, like the original 18th-century Betts Store, always features locally-made and one-of-a-kind items, many hand-crafted. The store is freshly stocked for holiday shopping, and is brimming with an eclectic and interesting collection of affordable finds and follies! Some of our new offerings this season are paperweights and necklaces by Chartworks with designs which incorporate maps with Wilton featured; spectacular magnolia wreaths with dried flowers; vases and creamers from Farmhouse Pottery; Tiny But Mighty’s Ancient Heirloom Popcorn; appealing pewter ornaments; Weston-sourced Red Bee honey; and much more!
At the Betts Store you will discover uncommon gifts for holiday giving, from jewelry, scarves, and letterpress note cards to nifty toys, games and crafts for kids. There is an excellent selection of home accessories and hostess gifts…unusual candles, artwork, mugs, vases, cups and redware plates. The store is committed to supporting local craftsmen and businesses; some items are made in Wilton, some in Connecticut, and all are made in the U.S.A.
There is a particularly good selection of Wilton-themed items featuring local landmarks. There are totes, linen tea towels, note cards, mugs, plates, key chains, holiday ornaments, soaps, even hand-painted marble coasters with familiar Wilton buildings. Books about Wilton, including the must-have “Wilton Connecticut: Three Centuries of People, Places and Progress” by Bob Russell are in stock. Wonderful toys abound! The store stocks nicely crafted classic wooden toys such as spinning tops and Jacob’s Ladders, fun games like jacks and marbles, and a variety of games to be played outside on the lawn. A selection of puppets, craft kits, wooden dolls and other unexpected treasures round out the children’s section.
The Betts Store at the Wilton Historical Society is open Tuesday – Saturday, 10 – 4. The Wilton Historical Society is located at 224 Danbury Road/Route 7.