First Makers’ Market in El Centro

A dozen local crafts people held El Centro’s first Makers’ Market at Odds N’ Ends store on Saturday.

Necklaces made of crystal beads, scented soaps, aromatic candles and handmade jewelry were just some of the handcrafted items that attracted the attention of shoppers looking for a special Christmas gift.

“Making jewelry is about creating something beautiful art to wear,” Elizabeth M. Ibarra said.

Ibarra said she turns rock into art.

“So that people can enhance them with their own energy and get the best healing power from the natural crystals themselves,” Ibarra said.

She’s been experimenting and working with crystals since she was a child.

“And as a fan of jewelry and an artist it just came together for me,” Ibarra said.

Araceli Rodriguez said her art work was sparked by a need her children had.

“I started making her a tutu and bow and family and friends said, ‘oh. Where you get it?’ and I started doing it and from then it took off,” Araceli Rodriguez said.

Thelma Landeros said she combines art with healthy living when creating her aromatic soaps.

“I put my imagination to it. I let my imagination go. I think about a soap. I think about the ingredients, the color, the pigments, the scents,” Thelma Landeros said.

Ibarra said giving locally produced art for the holidays is the best gift.

“You know you’re giving something that was created with love and dedication,” Ibarra said.

The Makers’ Market will be held every two months and it is part of local artists’ efforts to promote art and local business in downtown El Centro.