1 of 3
Shoppers exclaim over the delicate lace angels, Christmas creches, and primitive wooden reindeer sharing the massive mahogany mantle. In the next room, three women carrying shopping baskets already overflowing with dried wreaths, handcarved birds, and unique jewelry pieces admire the leaded-glass suncatchers hanging in the casement windows. Other shoppers work their way up the wide, curved staircase full of beautiful dolls and stuffed animals to the balcony overlooking the great room. There they browse among hand-smocked children's dresses, painted baskets, and unique Christmas tree ornaments.
Each November, every square inch of Aldie Mansion, a soaring Gothic-style structure in Doylestown, just north of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is literally crammed with handmade items. But the unique setting isn't the only distinctive of this annual craft show sponsored by an organization known as Lydia's Guild.
Fifteen years ago, Barbara Sutcliffe was emerging from a painful divorce. Without the slightest idea of what God had planned for her, Barb prayed, "Jesus, everything I am and have is yours; just show me what you want me to do."
Not long afterward, Barb's friend Carol Ward attended an attractive craft show held in a private home. Suddenly Carol had an idea: The local Christian school had just announced they might be forced to cut teachers' salaries. Why not do a home craft show to raise funds for the school?
"When Carol came to me with her idea," Barb says, "I knew Jesus was answering my prayer." And Lydia's Guild was born.
A few days later, Barb walked in and dumped a big green trash bag of craft patterns on Carol's kitchen floor. They realize now what novices they were. As they worked together to make some craft items to sell, they recruited twelve other artistic friends, taught them what they'd learned, and began producing their first show.
Today Barb and Carol have a waiting list of artisans who want to be part of Lydia's Guild. To each prospective crafter they explain that the biblical character Lydia, found in Acts 16, represents what they want to be: women who love the Lord Jesus with all their hearts, mothers who care about their families, businesswomen well respected in their community, and people whose beautiful items would make a home more hospitable.
More than 80 artisans offer their wares each November at the Lydia's Guild show. Beautifully designed invitations explain the purpose of Lydia's Guild and list the organizations that now benefit from the Guild profits. Approximately 7,000 customers attend the nine-day show.
Of the 25 percent of sales income that goes to the Guild, half (typically $25-30,000 annually) is donated to various ministries recommended by the artisans who participate. Approximately 40 charities benefit, including Christian schools, camps, youth ministries, crisis pregnancy centers, missionaries, and home and foreign mission agencies. Lydia's Guild has supported some missionaries for years. Framed thank-you notes displayed at the show let customers know their purchases underwrite outreaches that make a difference in people's lives.
 E-mail this page   Print this article  Post a comment |
