Cross off that Christmas list (without going near the mall)

If you can't put off Christmas shopping any longer but get freaked out by big-box retail sprawl, the fine craft festival this weekend at the Marco Polo Cruise Ship Terminal in Saint John might be your personal Christmas miracle.

From Human Hands: Christmas Craft Festival features the work of more than 40 members of the New Brunswick Craft Council. And there won't be a shoddily constructed tinsel tree or a tole-painted Santa Claus in sight.

Instead, shoppers can expect master craftspeople working in glass, leather, pottery, jewelry, metalworks and textiles.  All craft vendors are juried by their peers, meaning there's an assurance of high-quality handcrafted products.

Art for all budgets

High-end handicrafts, however, won't necessarily break the bank.

"There's a range of craftspeople from all over the province, and a wide range of quality work priced for all budgets," said  Deborah Payne, a textile artist and New Brunswick Craft Council board member.

"As craftspeople, we know people come with varying budgets and we accommodate that," she said.

The festival will also feature hands-on demos from the New Brunswick College of Craft and Design, music by Mike Biggar, Jessica Rhaye, and local choirs and carollers, as well as dance performances from the Studio Dance School.

A photo booth will be set up for kids to get their picture with Santa.

For every $5 donation to get a photo, the donor's name will be entered in a draw to win a craft gift basket of pottery, jewelry and stained glass valued at $250.

Half the proceeds from the donations will go toward the Harbour Lights Campaign, which raises money each year for food banks in southern New Brunswick.

Fine gifts, personal touch

This year marks the first time the New Brunswick Craft Council has held a Christmas craft show in 25 years.

"It is a great way to buy local," Payne said. "Arts and crafts are my work, and the work of my colleagues. It supports the local economy.

"It's very special to have the chance to meet the person who made the items that you're choosing to gift," said Payne. "It adds a personal story to a very fine gift."

From Human Hands: Christmas Craft Festival takes place at the Marco Polo Cruise Terminal on Friday, Dec. 2,  from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m., on Saturday, Dec. 3, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Sunday, Dec. 4, from 11 a.m. to  4 p.m.