Diamonds are forever

Crestview

I recently attended a craft sale at John Taylor Colegiate and was most impressed by the wide variety of displays at the tables, which filled two gyms. The pride of the vendors was evident as they exhibited their crafts, jewelry, pickles, sauces, jams, and hand-knit items, to name a few.

As I walked among the tables, I sensed a strong community connection among the visitors and vendors. I watched the students from the school moving a trolley through the rows, offering coffee and Timbits as their parents collected money at the door. The atmosphere was light and festive as the Christmas season approached.

I was drawn to a table with glittering diamond-shaped stones on gifts and keepsakes, such as bookmarks, coasters, napkin holders, and many more items. Small, sparkling, diamond-shaped gems are placed onto the surface of an article, making a shimmering, mosaic-like image.

The vendor, Linda, told me she had been involved in this craft for several years and found it most relaxing to do. She disclosed that she started doing this craft after a traumatic brain injury and found much relief in the relaxation it provided her.

I researched diamond art and learned that it is a powerful therapeutic tool offering relief for stress, anxiety and creating a mindful state. It provides a tranquil escape and focus. Plus, there are the rewards of a completed creation.

Thinking about all the hard work the vendors put into creating their products, I realized everything made was from the heart, an expression of self. I can only imagine the recipes and skills that have been passed down through a family and continued, a legacy to them. Or the challenge to create something you have never done before, merely because it is now your passion.

The personal touch in everything makes whatever we choose to purchase special. There is a story behind it about how it was made or why those choices of colours, flavours, scents.

I am so glad that I participated and supported my community at this event. I left with a few treasures of my own and a smile on my face.