Scandinavian Boutique at new location
By Holly Neumann
As part of Deer Hunter Widows’ Weekend, 11 holiday craft shows will be held throughout the Waupaca area.
This year, the Scandinavian Boutique will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 17, at Shepherd of the Lakes Church, 153 County Trunk QQ, Waupaca.
“Our main focus is Scandinavian arts and crafts,” said Juel Krueger, who organizes the event. “This is so much more than a craft fair. It is a true art, a part of the area’s heritage.”
Krueger has been teaching rosemaling classes at her home through Fox Valley Technical College for 38 years.
“I have always had an interest in art,” Krueger said. “But I have to admit that when we first moved to Waupaca, I had no idea what rosemaling even was. So I took a class at the Tech and I fell for it hook, line and sinker.”
Since then she has studied under Norwegian and American rosemaling artists.
“I have taken a lot of classes,” she said. “And I have taught over 300 students. Their success has been amazing. They were creating so many beautiful pieces, I thought why not try to sell some.”
From there, the Scandinavian Boutique was born.
In the early years, the event was held right at Krueger’s home and it has continually grown in size since then.
“Through the years it gained popularity,” she said. “Over 800 people attended last year.”
Originally the Scandinavian Boutique featured only rosemaling pieces. Today it has grown to include such things as nisse and trolls, wood signs, gift baskets, needle felting, Norwegian knitting, hats and mittens, embroidered towels and Norwegian solje jewelry.
There will also be rosemaling and lefse making demonstrations.
Last year was Krueger’s final year of running the Scandinavian Boutique. Her former students, Jill Willems and Chris Aasen, are now in charge. Krueger and her daughter Karen have helped Jill and Chris plan it for their first time.
“They are ready for this,” Krueger said. “It has been a long journey but it is time for someone else to take charge.”
Both Willems and Aasen are excited to be in charge.
“We are all in,” said Willems. “Saying that Chris and I are addicted to rosemaling is an understatement. We are interested in all the things involving this traditional Norwegian art form.”
“I think this is so important,” said Aasen. “A part of our Norwegian heritage is dying and we need to bring it back. The Scandinavian Boutique is just the place to spark more interest.”
Winter Classic
The annual Winter Classic Art and Craft Show will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 17, at Par 4 Resort, in Waupaca.
The show will include more than 35 vendors, with people selling a variety of homemade items, including hand-painted furniture, jewelry, rustic home décor, fresh wreaths, apparel, handwoven baskets and lawn decor.
“We’re so excited to bring back a family-favorite event to the Waupaca area once again,” said Barbara Johnson, the event’s co-founder. “When we first started the show 15 years ago, we had no idea that it would turn into a tradition for deer hunting weekend.”
The Round Robin Punch Card, which will be available at participating locations, will offer shoppers a chance to win prizes as they visit the various locations in Waupaca.
All participating locations are in the Waupaca area.
• Hansen Furniture, 900 W. Fulton, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday.
• ThedaCare Volunteers, 950 Park Ave., 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.
• Memaw’s Toning LLC, 209 N. Main St., 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Friday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.
• Creative Crafters II, Ramada, 110 Grand Seasons Drive, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.
• Park Vista Craft Sale, 950 County Trunk QQ, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.
• St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 415 S. Main St., 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday.
• Trinity Lutheran Church, 206 E. Badger St., 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.
• Scandinavian Boutique, Shepherd of the Lakes Church, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.
• Winter Classic Art and Craft Show, Par 4 Resort, 201 Foxfire Drive, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.
• Yuletide Treasures Craft Show, N2559 Melody Lane, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.
• Average Doe Holiday Show, Waupaca Rec Center, 407 School St., 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.