Childrens Guild at Kirtland Country Club

Fall color blazed the way into Kirtland Country Club for the annual Children’s Guild craft show on Tuesday, a benefit for northeast Ohio children’s charities. The 74-year-old guild brings together 47 area artists and crafters who meet in each other’s homes throughout the year to create gifts, children’s items, edibles, jewelry and holiday decor for the sale — its major fundraiser.
“Our members include professional artists and hobbyists,” said Guild spokeswoman Kathy Mahovlic.
After being called to their tables by the club’s Chad striking a four-note xylophone, a seated breakfast of chicken crepes and fruit salad was served to 280 women.

They gathered at elegantly napped tables in the ballroom and on the balcony at the country club. Two adjacent rooms were filled with tables showcasing the items that would go on sale from 11:30 to 2 p.m.
“We expect to sell 95 percent of what we have here,” Mahovlic said. “Anything remaining will be donated to a church holiday bazaar so the church can benefit.”
The group’s signature beads — a brightly crocheted necklace — were worn by several women and displayed on stands offering them for $20 each.

A winsome Beatrix Potter knitted mouse doll was accompanied by a shawdowbox house telling one of the stories. Wonderfully colorful tutus, sure to be the envy of any little girl, awaited purchase for would-be ballerinas, as did an orange and brown gingerbread house with a Halloween theme.

Jams, candies, and confections joined dozens of stocking stuffer gifts for friends and little ones.

The Cleveland BoyChoir, directed by Brooke Hopkins, sang on the balcony then moved downstairs as the breakfast was served. The choir was the recipient of a $7,000 donation from the guild that was raised from its summer golf outing.
“We could not exist without the support of organizations like this,” Hopkins told the group. “Through the discipline and music education of its regular rehearsals and concerts the BoyChoir opens doors to boys from third grade through high school.”
Mahovlic can answers questions about the Children’s Guild at 440 256-8844