So… what’s new? More than 300 of America’s most accomplished and creative craftspeople and artists will answer that question—in person and with style!—at the Sugarloaf Crafts Festival at the Dulles Expo Center Friday, December 9 through Sunday, December 11, 2011.  With free admission for children under 12, the festival is a terrific family outing with interactive demonstrations, gourmet foods, live music, and children's entertainment by Middle Earth Studios.

Puppet Show by Middle Earth Studios

The special “New This Season” theme of this 6^th anniversary Festival will showcase the latest work, techniques, and materials of the talented artists who have been jury-selected to personally introduce and sell their work in functional and decorative pottery, sculpture, glass, jewelry, fashion, wood, metal, furniture, home accessories, photography, and fine art.  “American craftspeople are always inventing and experimenting,” said Deann Verdier, president of Sugarloaf Craft Festivals. “They set styles and create trends in fashion, housewares, jewelry, and art. And they often introduce their latest creations at Sugarloaf Festivals, which means that our visitors are the first to see what’s new.”  According to Verdier, the newest work includes:

Fashion: Fashion artists are creating versatile wearables that can be worn in a variety of ways.  Sweaters, shawls, and shrugs double as scarves or belts with a few twists, and fashion forward outerwear serves double-duty as dresses or blouses.  There will be a selection of fun, creative children's wear as well, including unique and handmade outfits and outerwear.  

Miss Fitt & Co.

Jewelry: This Season, jewelry artists are combining tradional metals with found objects.  Craftspeople are repurposing beach glass, driftwood, windshield shards, or old coins in stylized and hip accessories.

Ring by Wendy Waugaman

Home Decor:  The buzzword this season is "raw."  Wood coffee tables, chairs, and lamps are retaining their natural shape, color, and textures.  For metal artists, less is indeed more, as they use their skill to accentuate the inherent qualities of their materials.

Pottery by Caroline Koons

Fine Art: Digital images and techniques are more prevalent in painting, printmaking, and photography; fine artists are manipulating images to create one-of-a-kind collectibles.

Scrimshaw by Katherine McClellan

On-going demonstrations by artists will include iron forging, papermaking, copper spinning, stone sculpture, and other media.  Gourmet foods and seasonal favorites--including candies and chocolates, hearty soups, artisan breads, jams and dips, syrups, and olive oils--will be available to sample and purchase from dozens of specialty foods purveyors.

The Sugarloaf Craft Festival in Chantilly will be held at the Dulles Expo Center, 4368 Chantilly Shopping Center in Chantilly, Virginia 20151. Hours for the Sugarloaf Crafts Festival in Chantilly are Friday, December 9 and Saturday, December 10, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Sunday, December 11 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.  Admission (good for all three days) is $7 online and $9 at the door.  Children under 12 are admitted free.  Free parking on site.  For more information including driving directions and admission discounts, visit  www.sugarloafcrafts.com or call (800) 210-9900. 
 

***For a chance to win a pair of tickets to the Sugarloaf Craft Festival email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it with the subject  "Sugarloaf" and include your name and mailing address.  Winners will be selected on December 4 and tickets mailed out December 5***