Forget the North Pole

Every year the kiddies make their painstakingly scrawled-in-crayon lists – but this year Santa simply can’t deliver everything. Haven’t you been watching the news? It seems like every week there’s a different toy recall of some brand-new item made in China. Instead of gently explaining to your creative little angel (or stoner buddy) that there are simply no more Aqua Dots on the store shelves, just distract him or her with something cool, shiny, and, above all, safe. Praise be to Saint Nick: Today there’s a sleigh full of holiday-theme shopping events where you can score sweet one-of-a-kind gifts or even learn to make ’em yourself.

Kick things off at Kraftworks 3, a gathering of South Florida’s coolest, craftiest artists and designers. The parking lot at Rag Trade will be filled with fly silk-screened tees, lead-free toys, affordable art, and adorable handmade accessories. Plus there will be DJs, live airbrushing, Mongolian cluster painting, and psychic readings from noon to 7 p.m. Call 305-573-1478, or visit www.myspace.com/kraftworks305. For even more affordable art, stop by the Raw Talent art sale from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Miami International University of Art & Design (1501 Biscayne Blvd., Miami). Student-made paintings, photographs, jewelry, and home accent items will be up for grabs. Call 305-428-5682. Did someone say jewelry? Learn how to make your own Swarovski crystal chandelier earrings at ArtCenter/South Florida (800 Lincoln Rd., Miami Beach). The one-day artist’s workshop costs $95. Call 305-674-8278, or visit www.artcentersf.org. And finally – huzzah! The International Holiday Extravaganza is here for two rockin’ days at the Miami-Dade Fair and Expo Center (112th Avenue and Coral Way, Miami). There will be a “whimsical pet contest” where you can force your kitten to wear a Santa hat to win a prize, a holiday bazaar with gifts from around the world, carolers, gospel singers, a family zone with a Radio Disney stage show, and -- to make the miserable husbands happy -- a sports zone where everyone can meet Marlins, Dolphins, Heat, and Panthers players. The fun runs from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and adult admission is eight dollars. Kiddies get in free. Visit www.internationalholidayextravaganza.com.
Sat., Dec. 1, 2007