Holiday Fun at The Sawdust Festival!

Welcome to the Sawdust!

Every year we mix up the family fun we have over the Christmas break.  We look for events that are fun and will really get the kids into the spirit of the season.  One of our favorite places to go is the Sawdust Art Festival in Laguna Beach.

The festival showcases local artisans with their handmade artwork, crafts and glassblowing.  Set in a picturesque, tree covered area, the surroundings make you feel a million miles away from the stress of the season.  There are decorated trees, a small play area and even Santa is there to meet and take pictures with the children.

As soon as we got inside, it started "snowing" on us!  This soapy snow was a magical touch for the kids as they squealed and ran around in delight.  

Loving the "snow"!

After the snow, we wandered down to the Zoomars booth.  My kids were so excited to see their favorite critters hopping around to say hello to them.  There was plenty of room for the animals and the kids to enjoy.  My nephew held his first guinea pig!

Someone wants to ask Santa for just one more thing

Across the way is the kids Art Stop.  This is really one of my kids favorite places.  The crafts change daily (sometimes more) and is a perfect place for kids to create wonderful pieces of art to take home and enjoy.  On Sunday, they were happy to create pine-cone Christmas trees, complete with decorations and a star.  The Art Stop is complimentary, but happily takes donations for their supplies.

Check out my very own Christmas tree!

Back near the front, my girls noticed the spinning clay wheels.  This is also a complimentary activity!  If you would like to have your creation glazed and fired, there is a small charge for that and then an additional charge to have it shipped.  My oldest daughter had done this years ago, but the youngest had not been old enough until now.  Both of the volunteer students who helped were so nice and patient with the girls.  They encourage them to try new things and risk making mistakes so they could learn from them.  I really appreciated how they treated them with respect and kindness throughout the process.  Their tip box was rewarded justly.

Learning tricks of the trade

Wow...all by herself!

Proud of her finished vase

 Throughout the rest of the visit, we browsed vendors art work, watched as glass was blown and enjoyed the numerous musicians providing music around the area.  I was concerned that my daughter, who cannot eat gluten, would have a hard time finding lunch there.  I tried the Mexican booth and asked if they could recommend anything without gluten.  The girl behind the counter knew just what I was talking about and told me that everything on the menu, except burritos, was gluten free!  Even the meatballs!  What a wonderful surprise for us and especially our daughter.

As we were readying to leave, we ran across a wonderful street magician, Matt.  He was amazing!  I loved that he included several of the kids and adults in his performance.  The Sawdust was full of magic and wonder this season and I cannot wait to come back this summer for more.