A Crafty Affair

Tulsa Herb Society presents Carols and Crumpets on Saturday, December 1, 2012 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Tulsa Garden Center.

Tulsa Herb Society President Patsy Wynn and her two ­committee chairs, Eve Joseph (middle) and Lois Galpin (left), display goods for Carols and Crumpets.

With the holiday season fast approaching, it is time for Tulsans to embrace the spirit of warmth and generosity. Tulsa Herb Society’s free holiday fair, Carols and Crumpets, is a festive start to what is sure to be a ­fabulous season. Steeped in 22 years of tradition, what began as a formal English Tea has evolved into a festival featuring homemade crafts and foods. Boasting 25 vendors from a four-state area, the bazaar includes ­countless homemade novelties and scrumptious treats.     

    Members of Tulsa Herb Society gather once a week throughout the year in order to prepare crafts and food for this special occasion. Eve Joseph, who joined the Tulsa Herb Society in 1996, heads the craft committee. “We get together every Tuesday and make crafts in preparation for Carols and Crumpets,” says Eve. “We ­brainstorm ideas at the­ ­beginning of the year, and we spend the rest of our time ­creating.” The crafts for sale at the Tulsa Herb Society’s booth include ornaments, pins, pillows, stationery and much more. In addition to the crafts for sale, the craft committee also creates by hand a woolen felt tree, ­ornament, and tree skirt as a much desired raffle prize.

    As one may expect from any great garden club, Tulsa Herb Society also sponsors a cut ­greenery booth. This booth ­features cut greenery to be used in holiday decorations. These freshly cut arrangements are not only beautiful but also holiday scent sensations.

    Other local vendors also have items for sale. Renowned artist Maggie Bonanomi will have wool art available for sale, and local herb vendor Jalene Riley of Utopia Gardens will also be on site selling herbs. “Some of our patrons have been coming since Carols and Crumpets was founded 22 years ago,” mentions Patsy Wynn, Tulsa Herb Society’s president. “There is just such a warm, family-friendly atmosphere; it is really a great way to kick off the holiday ­season.” Other vendors will be selling homemade chocolates, cement leaves, wooden trellises, soaps, pottery, potpourri, dolls and marionettes.

    Crafts are not the only treat available. The Tulsa Herb Society also has a cooking crew. These chefs create delectable chutneys, vinegars and jellies; they will also have their third edition cookbook available for sale. Headed by Lois Galpin and Janice Partridge, the cooking committee is renowned for their use of savory herbs in their ­coveted delicacies.  

    In case shoppers work up an appetite, the Snow Flake Café will be serving lunch, ­complete with a soup, sandwich, dessert and drink, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. This is the only fundraiser that the Tulsa Herb Society sponsors, and its proceeds are used for a variety of things. Part of the proceeds goes back to the Tulsa Garden Center to be used for maintenance of the historical building and grounds. The Tulsa Herb Society uses the rest of the proceeds to sponsor trips for its members and host educational speakers for Tulsans.  

    As the season rapidly approaches, mark your calendar for the Tulsa Herb Society’s annual fundraiser, Carols and Crumpets, on Saturday, December 1, 2012 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Tulsa Garden Center, 2435 S. Peoria.   

For more information, contact

Tulsa Herb Society

(918) 289-6217

www.tulsaherb.com/carols__crumpets.htm