Making MeMOOries at the 2023 Bonner County Fair

Cutoff Crafts returns to the Bonner County Fairground for the 2023 Bonner County Fair! Last year Ahsoka took home a blue ribbon in Crochet and I took one for Jewelry. A blue ribbon means the entry won first place for that category of items. A red ribbon is given to the second place winner and a white ribbon for third place. We certainly hope to see a few ribbons this year! It was fantastic to see the outpouring of creativity from the community. There are so many amazing pieces that have been submitted to be judged. 

The annual theme of the Bonner County Fair is “MeMOOries in the Making.” I had a ton of fun playing with the theme and submitted this lovely cow-inspired chainmail and ceramic bead choker. The chainmail is handmade by myself. Each individual ring is closed with two pairs of pliers. The rings are hypoallergenic anodized aluminum so that they are safe for people with most metal allergies. The cow print bead is painted ceramic. I drilled it out by hand and lined it with silicone spacers so that it would be locked in and hold its position. The wire running through the bead is .999 fine silver. It is framed on either side by Czech glass beads.

I also submitted a pair of matching earrings using the elegant Czech glass beads and sterling silver seed beads as well as a chainmail bracelet. The bracelet weave is Half Persian 4-1 which makes for a dramatic statement piece. We have plenty of beautiful chainmail bracelets available at the booth where I custom size them to fit.

Ahsoka submitted four gorgeous crochet pieces. The first was a lovely neon rainbow dragonscale dice bag. I love how the pomple ties look like exploding poof balls. These bags are incredibly resilient. I have owned one for over four years now. A wide selection of colors are available at the Fair and a more curated selection are available for sale online.

 

Next was a playful orange and yellow clownfish. This fish has seamless transitions on the stripes. It always makes me want to watch finding Nemo.

 

The largest piece Ahsoka submitted was definitely the Twilight Mandala. A statement of dedication and pure determination this mandala took over 35 man hours to create. The colors morph beautifully one to the next really showcasing the detail of the Asteria weave. That rich midnight blue is truly striking.

And of course, with Halloween rapidly approaching, Ahsoka also submitted a poison apple inspired by Snow White. Crochet apples are available at the booth and online. I love the fluffy ones made of Chenille yarn.

If you are in the area, swing on by the Bonner County Fairgrounds and say hi! Parking costs $3 per vehicle and entry into the Fair is free!

2023 Bonner County Fair Hours

Wednesday August 16, 10:00 A.M. - 8:00 P.M.

Thursday August 17, 10:00 A.M. - 8:00 P.M.

Friday August 18, 10:00 A.M. - 9:00 P.M.

Saturday August 19, 9:00 A.M. - 9:00 P.M.

We hope to see you there!