Interactive Opportunities Announced for the 2025 Mountain State Art and Craft Fair

Quilting

The Mountain State Art and Craft Fair is excited to unveil this year’s lineup of Interactive Activities and Instructors! These hands-on experiences invite both the young and the young at heart to connect with Appalachian heritage through creativity and craft. Best of all, there’s no charge to participate. Come join us, make a memory, and take home a handcrafted keepsake!

CALLIGRAPHY BOOKMARK OR COLOR A PRINT (Booth 227)

Instructor: Lola Smith, Snips & Scripts

Unleash your creativity with a touch of Appalachian charm. Choose to create an elegant calligraphy bookmark or bring to life a hand-drawn West Virginia-themed print. Each design honors the Mountain State, featuring intricate details like county maps, traditional quilt patterns, native flora, and beloved wildlife. A fun and meaningful way to celebrate the region’s beauty and heritage.

NEW ERA ONE-ROOM SCHOOL KITE MAKING (Booth 319)

Instructor: Esther Carroll, The Little Heritage Museum Project

Feel the breeze and revisit a timeless childhood pastime with this nostalgic kite-making activity. Led by Esther Carroll, participants will design and build their own kites—then watch them soar! It’s a joyful blend of creativity, history, and simple outdoor fun.

PERIOD PAPERS & DESIGN (Booth 317)

Instructor: John Bielek

Step back in time with the mesmerizing art of paper marbling—one of the world’s oldest decorative techniques. Swirl vibrant patterns of ink or paint on water, then transfer your unique design to paper. This magical process transforms an ordinary sheet into a one-of-a-kind masterpiece.

BASKET MAKING (Booth 803)

Instructor: Elaine Sinclair

Weaving together tradition and artistry, this session offers a look into one of West Virginia’s most enduring crafts. Learn the fundamentals of basket making—from pattern creation to hands-on weaving—and walk away with a handmade treasure that reflects the spirit of our Appalachian ancestors.

QUILT PIECING (Booth 100)

Instructor: Jeannine Sandora

Discover the heartwarming world of quilting. More than just fabric and thread, quilt piecing tells stories and preserves memories. Under Jeannine’s guidance, you’ll learn how to create your own quilt square, a symbol of resilience, creativity, and community that’s been cherished for generations.

STAINED GLASS (Booth 803)

Instructor: Stephanie Danz

Let your inner artist shine in this colorful stained glass workshop. Design and assemble your very own suncatcher while learning about the rich history of stained glass in our region. With careful cutting, fitting, and soldering, you’ll walk away with a radiant piece that captures both light and tradition.

POTTERY (Booth 803)

Instructor: Jon Lilly, Preston County Pottery

Dig into Appalachian roots with this hands-on pottery experience. Using locally sourced clay, you’ll shape and mold your own piece under the guidance of seasoned potter Jon Lilly. Celebrate the timeless craft that has shaped our region’s daily life and artistic expression for centuries.

Join us July 3–5 at Cedar Lakes Conference Center in Ripley, WV, and be a part of this immersive, inspiring celebration of Appalachian heritage. Whether you're crafting, learning, or simply soaking it all in—there's something special waiting for everyone at the Mountain State Art and Craft Fair.