“One of the great things about Shepherdstown, and even West Virginia as a whole is that people here really appreciate artistry and handmade things,” said Michelle Kwiatkowski, owner of the Wild Rose Soap Company and organizer of A Handmade Christmas in Shepherds-town.

This event will take place on Saturday, Dec. 17 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Town Run Brewing, 202 E. Washington St.

“Our event is among only one or two others locally that feature 100 percent handmade items,” said Kwiatkowski. “And for this show, this is the first time many of these artists are selling work here in West Virginia. It is nice to introduce some new artists to Shepherdstown.”

As a testimony to how many artisans there are in the area, Kwiatkowski found that she had to turn away many vendor requests due to lack of space. She also worked hard to preview artist’s work and wanted to make sure there was a wide variety of wares available.

“I know how hard people work on their items. So much time goes into it so we really want to create an environment for them to do well and be appreciated,” said Kwiatkowski.

Here is a list of vendors, everything from apples to tutus:

The Wild Rose Soap Co.

Spoon Me Jewelry

Mary Gee: Wild Coyote paintings and gifts

GoodEarth Designs: custom jewelry

Lovely Little Gifties: wreaths, pocketbooks, other little gifts

Jackie Scavnicky: knit gifts items, hats, scarves

Crafty Moon Handmade Crafts & Gifts : crochet baby blankets, booties, headbands, and other gifts

Iced Cake Studio: Caramel Apples & Homemade Marshmallow gifts

Drakiln Glass: kiln formed stained glass gifts, tablewear, ornaments

Jen Geary: unique bottle cap art and ornaments

The Glass Hoof Studio: stained glass horshoe suncatchers, nightlights, lampshades

Whimsical Whatnots: Custom Quilling, Papercraft ornaments, framed art

Gringo Charlie’s Re-purposed Treasures & Stuff: reclaimed wood signs, benches, stools, boxes, and shelves

Wehgo: unique Paint by Number kits for adults and kids

Misty Blue Candles: 100% soy candles, room sprays, wax melts

Maddie’s Ballerina Boutique: Handmade tutus and custom t-shirts for kids

Grandma’s Eggprons: aprons, tooth fairy pillows, boo boo buddies for kids, and tote bags

Shade’s Farm: natural raw honey

Aniclay Art: needle-felted animals and clay sculptures

There will also be free 10-minute massages from 10 a. m. to 1 p.m. provided by Replenish Wellness and Massage from Charles Town.

As part of Christmas in Shepherdstown, the Black Box Arts Center will be offering childcare for parents wanting to shop without the kids. They are at 113 S. Princess St., conveniently located near Town Run Brewing.

For more information about this event and to see some of the items that will be for sale, visit A Handmade Christmas in Shepherdstown on Facebook.

Kwiatkowski is already planning her next handmade crafts show on April 29. That will be the Blue Ridge Arts and Crafts Festival and will taking place at Bloomery Plantation Distillery in Charles Town.