The Framingham Public Library  will hold its 2nd Annual Winter Craft Fair Saturday, Dec. 11. Among the items for sale this year will be Swarovski crystal, silver and precious stone jewelry, pottery, handbags and totes, hand-dyed and handwoven baskets, and handcrafted wooden pieces like cutting boards and hand-turned pens.

This event follows the success of the library's first craft fair last year, and is organized by Carol Ames and Kris McElman, both library employees and crafters.

"We always thought it would be great to have a craft show in the library and last year we got the go ahead to have a small one in one of the library meeting rooms," said McElman, who has worked at the library for 23 years. In addition to her work at the library, she is also a freelance photographer.

This year's event will have 22 vendors, almost twice as many as last year. Three quarters of the vendors from last year's fair will return again this year, according to Ames.

Ames grew up in Framingham and has worked at the library more than 10 years. She had considered putting on a craft fair for awhile. "I've done a lot of crafts myself, from making jewelry to crochet to handmade cards, and was a part of the craft fair 'circuit' for several years," Ames said.

She and McElman realized they shared a common interest in crafts and craft fairs, so it seemed natural they would create their own fair.

"Kris is also a crafter and we have done some fairs together.  We both liked being around the scene but didn't necessarily want to participate," said Ames. "After running the idea around a bit, last year we got it off the ground."

The craft fair will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Vendors will be set up throughout the library in the Costin Room, lobby, and literacy center. Holiday decorations will be provided by the Framingham Garden Club.

Coinciding with the craft fair will be a bake sale for Literacy Unlimited. Donations are being accepted for the bake sale, and those interested in donating baked goods may contact Julie at 508-532-5574.

"Organizing this fair is our way of keeping ourselves in the local craft fair scene," said McElman. "We think it's a great way to bring people together and have some fun at the library."

McElman and Ames wanted to hold the craft fair at the library in order to bring library patrons and other members of the community to the library.

"We are really a community center," said Ames, "and being able to use the space we have for something like this is such a positive activity."