Stones River Crafts Fair tis weekend

Stones River Crafts Fair in Murfreesboro showcases locally produced, professional crafts designed for the discriminating collector. The family-oriented festival takes place June 8 and 9 on a park-like lawn adjoining both historic Cannonsburgh, a village of more than 20 restored structures, and the Cannonsburgh Trail Head of the beautiful Murfreesboro Greenway System, a handicap accessible walking and bicycling trail by the scenic Stones River.

Included in the event are demonstrations by craftspeople in various media, activities at a nominal fee for children in an hands-on tent requiring parental supervision, and a display and sale featuring the work of local students.

Creation Station, an activities center for children, will be filled with fun things to encourage their creative side. This children’s tent will be divided into several areas or stations.

At one station, visitors can form soap into anything from animal to abstract. They will have the experience of carving, a subtractive method of sculpting a three-dimensional design, using a wooden popsicle stick as the tool.

At another three-dimensional station children may model a shape with clay. Perhaps they will make a bowl, an animal, or a paperweight. Youngsters will learn to pinch and coil the clay or use slabs to build their sculpture. Parents will be given instructions on how to fire the finished product in the gas grill at home.

Those children who bring their own tee shirt or large handkerchief will be shown how to custom dye their own things. White cloth will be available for those who want to experiment.

A “stained glass” activity with bold black lines, large patches of color, and simplified designs will use acetate sheets and marking pens. Another practice with color is the station making place mats by paper weaving.

Fair booths will open at 10 a.m. and close at 6 p.m. both days. There is no admission charge. Free and paid parking is available.