“In the Nick of Time” Craft Workshops December 19, 2009

Las Cruces, NM – Two drop-in craft workshops are scheduled at the Branigan Cultural Center in Las Cruces. Titled “In the Nick of Time,” the workshops provide an opportunity to create old-fashioned, handmade holiday crafts just in time for gift giving or as decorations for the holiday season. The workshops are Friday, December 18th from 1 to 4 P.M. and Saturday, December 19th from 9 A.M. to1 P.M. No registration is required; participants can drop in anytime during posted hours. There is a $5.00 activity fee for each craft project. The fee covers all supplies, materials and instruction. Participants select project to complete from paper snow flake chains, pop up cards, and paper silhouette portraits.

Moving beyond the red and green linked paper chains, the workshop will teach participants how to make accordion fold figure chains. Patterns for gingerbread boy and girl figures, snowflakes, and holly will be available. Participants may also get help designing figures of their choice. Handmade pop up cards are fun to make using recycled holiday cards. The result is a unique one-of-a-kind card. Silhouette cutting is a rare art form these days but is still a valued form of portraiture. Silhouettes are not limited to people; pets and a variety of objects make charming keepsakes that will be treasured for years. Participants are encouraged to bring photographs to assist in creating a silhouette portrait.

Workshops are open for all ages. Young children (ages 6 and under) must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Parents should note that all crafts offered require use of sharp tools and that not all children will have the dexterity needed to complete projects. Space is offered on a first come basis. The Branigan Cultural Center is at the north end of the downtown mall, at 501 N. Main. For more information call (575) 541-2154, or go to www.museums.las-cruces.org and click on Branigan Cultural Center.