The pioneer creed of make-it-yourself is still alive today in the Gem State, evidenced by a legion of artists and crafters. The fruits of their work will be on display this year at shows and bazaars, right on time for holiday gift purchases.

The diversity of Idaho is reflected in the shows we feature in this issue, ranging in location from Expo Idaho in Boise to Bruneau Elementary School in Owyhee County.

Our Christmas gift-buying tour begins in Twin Falls at the College of Southern Idaho. A student group has been hosting the Harvest Time Festival for over 30 years. This event begins Friday November 7 at 9 AM in the C.S.I. Event Center and continues through Sunday November 9. About 180 sellers are expected to attend. The show draws vendors from around the Intermountain West. Doors close at 8 PM on Friday, 7 PM on Saturday, and hours are 10 AM to 4 PM on Sunday. Admission is $3 for all aged 10 and above.

Or you could attend a Bruneau Cowboy Christmas at Bruneau Elementary School on November 15 from 10 AM to 4 PM. 2014 will be the 14th year for this shindig and it has become a favorite with buyers and sellers alike. Craftspeople and artists from around the Northwest will be there, along with Santa Claus. The admission fee is a can of food for the community food drive.

There is even a show where kids can make their own crafty creations: the Children’s Winterland Festival at the Meridian City Hall. On Saturday December 6 from 10 AM to 3 PM, children can make Christmas ornaments, decorate cookies and build toys. There will be free hot cocoa. Santa will be on hand for pictures and perhaps to eat a cookie or two. Admission is a food item for the Meridian Food Bank. Be generous — they can use canned foods, boxed potato and pasta meals, and fresh fruits and vegetables.

Closer to the capital city is the Boise Christmas Show at Expo Idaho in Garden City. This event runs from Friday December 5 through Sunday December 7. Doors open daily at 11 AM. About 300 vendors are expected to be in attendance. Admission fees are $5 for adults and $4 for seniors. Kids 12 and under get in for free.

One more dash to Owyhee County’s wide open spaces will round out our modest review of art and craft shows. Saturday December 6 is the date of the Owyhee County Historical Society Christmas Bazaar at the museum in Murphy. In addition to hand crafted gifts, the bazaar will have cut Christmas trees for sale. Hours are 10 AM to 5 PM. The sale also features a chili feed.