Artisans and craft persons fill HSSP this weekend

Nearly 100 artisans and crafts persons will be in Hot Springs State Park this weekend to celebrate handwork and skilled craftsmanship at the Big Horn Basin Folk Festival, Saturday and Sunday.

Linda Atkinson of Sage Ridge Mill & Critters will introduce visitors to her alpacas, whose fleece produces a fine fiber for spinning yarn.

Upcycling for a new look - Gayle Wilson, Laramie, will offer a workshop for ‘tweens and teens on upcycling tired t-shirts into new tops and vests Sunday afternoon.

Al and Toddi Darlington will hold a workshop on gourd painting Sunday.

Sally Wesaw will hold a Sunday afternoon workshop on how to create baskets from tree twigs and Iris stalks.

Members of the Fireants music group from Buffalo will hold an informal dance workshop on traditional Basque dance steps.

Miss V, the Gypsy Cowbelle, will offer a kids (or adults) workshop on how to make music with your own homemade music instruments Saturday.

Lele Turnell, Meeteetse, will offer visitors an opportunity to learn how to sew quilt strips together in a hands-on activity on machine quilting. Linda Nelson, Worland, will be working on a charity quilt and visitors can add ties.

Dennis Leonhart will demonstrate rope making on Saturday. John Herrin will be demonstrating roping on Sunday.

Cheri Shelp, Cloudpeak Weavers, Worland, will demonstrate weaving on an inkle loom, often used to make the sashes for rendezvous reenactments.

Cinde Pfisterer, Riverton, will be demonstrating fine spinning on Sunday afternoon.

In the mountain man camp, there are hands-on activities, including identifying furs, skulls and hoof prints as well as a tomahawk throwing.

The Festival’s Juried Art Show & Sale includes 20 artisans whose work ranges from woodturning, fiber arts, jewelry.

There are over 40 signed up for the Kiwanis Trading Post, which includes a broad range from food vendors to individuals who represent a group rather than a single individual.

Check the website http://www.wyomingfolkfestival.com for the latest updates on activity schedules. Come by the information booth at the Festival and pick up a copy of the latest schedule.