The Best Things Are Handmade
This time of year, the moment you step into the Penningroth Barn the smell of fresh evergreens welcomes you. The sounds of casual chatter and comfortable laughter fill the air. The entire barn has been transformed into a workshop. Not for elves, but for members of the Friends of the Nature Center.
Working in pairs or individually, Friends group volunteers are carefully assembling, designing and adding final touches to decorative wreaths crafted from fresh-cut evergreen branches, real pinecones and bright red ribbons the color of Santa’s hat. And they’re doing it all by hand.
Handcrafting beautiful, one-of-a-kind holiday decorations has become a holiday tradition the volunteers enjoy every year in the lead-up to Nature’s Noel.
Holiday shoppers have withstood waiting in long lines in the bitter cold for a chance to get one of these handcrafted creations. The folks at Crystal Group, the lead sponsor for this year’s Nature’s Noel, also have a deep appreciation for the care, creativity and attention it takes to craft something handmade.
Friends of the Nature Center handcraft dozens of holiday centerpieces in preparation for Nature's Noel.Supporting What You Believe In
The attention to detail that goes into making a unique and beautiful wreath matches Crystal Group’s approach to meeting their client’s needs.
“Just like the handmade creations at Nature’s Noel, Crystal Group takes pride in crafting custom rugged tech solutions tailored specifically to meet our defense, industrial and commercial customers’ unique needs,” says Aaron Maue, President at Crystal Group. “We don’t offer one-size-fits-all solutions; instead, we partner closely with our customers to understand their specific challenges and create solutions that meet even their toughest requirements.”
Crystal Group is drawn to Nature’s Noel’s handcrafted creations and how Indian Creek Nature Center uses events like it to foster community connections and lifelong learning.
“At Crystal Group, we value opportunities to bring people together and create experiences that benefit our community, and the Nature Center’s approach to community engagement aligns with our own values,” says Maue.
As longtime supporters of Indian Creek Nature Center events, Crystal Group has played an important role in providing nature-inspired events that people in the area can enjoy at any time of year.
Maue adds, “We believe in supporting organizations that enhance the quality of life in Eastern Iowa, and Indian Creek Nature Center does just that.”
Crystal Group, the lead sponsor for Nature's Noel, creates handmade solutions for their clients.Holiday Shopping With More Joy
Nature’s Noel, one of the Nature Center’s longest-running traditions, will once again bring people together on Saturday, December 7. In addition to the holiday decorations handmade with fresh-cut evergreens, shoppers can also buy slightly-used holiday decor and find unique gifts from the 17 local vendors that will be on site.
“We’re excited to sponsor Nature’s Noel because it’s a fun-filled event that brings the community together to celebrate the holiday season,” says Maue. “It’s a great opportunity to support an event that showcases the amazing resources we have available to us in the Corridor while creating memorable experiences for everyone involved.”
With carolers singing for the early birds waiting in line, kids getting the chance to meet Santa and make crafts, and knowing every purchase supports environmental education and land restoration at the Nature Center, it’s easy to see why shoppers have been finding joy at Nature’s Noel for so many years.
Everyone will find joy while shopping for a great cause at Nature's Noel.