Psst! I’m awful at keeping secrets, and this one is a biggie: Santa’s Workshop is not at the North Pole, as it’s been widely reported. It is in Gresham. Yes, Gresham. To be more specific, 586 S.E. Burnside behind the Arby’s. If you wheel in between the roast beef joint and Paulson’s, you’ll see the sign for Kris Krafts Gifts and Collectibles. Behind the glass doors of Kris Krafts lies the holy grail of crafts and gifts. I am not sure where they’re hiding the elves, but I tell you, those little guys are in there somewhere. Here’s how I know: I have never seen so many interesting, intricate, intriguing, incredible things in one place before.
         Stained glass pendulum clocks. Sparkly, sparkly jewelry. Elegant porcelain dolls. Hand-stitched baby blankets. Naturally dyed (through a secret process) wood coasters and table lamps and wind chimes. Gorgeous toll painted decorations. Fantastically scented and lovely-to-look-at candles. Recycled silverware/handmade glass plant markers. Shoot! There are so many “green” items for your consideration it’s like being in Al Gore’s family room.
         Sure. It could be that all those thousands of nifty items come from over 100 individual vendors who show their wares at Kris Krafts, and not from the elves. That’s what the wonderful woman who owns the craft mall, Kristin Folliett, told me. And she is really kind and enthusiastic and fun to talk to, so I tend to believe her. Kristin and four generations of her crafty family—grandmother, Cecelia Houck; mother, Lynn Horton; sister, Teresa Gathman; and daughter, Danielle Folliett—own and operate Kris Krafts. Kristin got the idea to start her business from a friend who runs a craft mall in Eugene. She has fourteen years of experience in the industry, and she is savvy enough to know what works well and what can be tweaked for even greater results. For example, Kristin has two registers to handle the Christmas crunch. And she juries her vendors’ products to ensure the “family feel” of the mall. Plus she is aiming for 90-95% handmade items so that you will find nothing but high quality, lovingly made merchandise for all your gift needs. And let me tell you, if you’re gift shopping, you will only need this one stop.
         Looking for high-end, $400 stained glass art? How about antique furniture? Goat milk soap? New clothes for your American Girl doll? A baby layette? Cross-stitched book marks? One-of-a-kind paintings by local artists? Kris Krafts has you covered. There are amazing wooden toy vehicles, which I should report are made by Albert Smith, who is Kristin’s dad, and who is also . . . totally blind. (You have to check those out.) Your youngsters can even shop for gifts because Kristin has items under $5 just for them. Warning: If your youngsters are like mine, you will never, ever, ever get them to come out of Kris Krafts once they’ve gone in. In fact, you may never want to leave either. Seriously. Take a few friends, some bottled water and trail mix, and stay awhile.
         Now. If you happen to be a craft vendor and you’re looking for a permanent place to showcase your handmade pretties, call Kristin. Kris Krafts has room for up to 170 vendors, plus a large meeting area for teaching classes or exhibiting artwork. And on July 18, from 1-3 p.m., Kris Krafts offers you an opportunity to wear your prettiest summer hat for a Summer Tea Party, where you will enjoy a bounty of delicious refreshments and receive a free gift and a free formal photograph. You’ll also be able to enter raffles for all kinds of fabulous prizes donated by local artisans. Tickets for the tea party are $15 in advance. You can R.S.V.P. at (503) 661-4036, but you should hurry because seating is limited.
         Even if you can’t attend the tea party, find a way to make it to Kris Krafts. They’re open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. until 8 p.m., and Sundays from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m.. You’ll be mesmerized by all the rows and rows of neat gifts (for family and friends) and collectibles (for yourself). And if you spot those elves, give me a call, will you?