Andry began decorating the trees three years ago when her friend Sissy Cooley showed her how to create the holiday trees.
“I have not always been crafty,” Andry said. “I don’t have that creative flair.”
Despite her modesty, her creations have been described as exquisite according to Sue Imbaratto, president of the Ladies Guild at St. Mary’s. Everyone is amazed at how beautiful the trees are. “We’re in awe every time she does this [holiday] tree.”
This is the third year Andry has decorated and donated a tree for the bazaar. “I wanted to do it for the church really, for the Lord. I think that’s why it comes out better. I pray before I start.”
She has not considered making her holiday trees for sale. “I don’t have enough time,” said Andry, who is busy caring for her son and doing work for the church. She also prepares the floral arrangements around the statues inside the church sanctuary.
No one has asked her for lessons on how to make the trees, but if someone were to ask, she would “refer them them to Sissy,” who she says is a much faster worker than herself.
It took her about six to eight hours over the course of two days to create this year’s holiday tree. “It’s a labor of love,” she said. “I enjoy it now. The more you do something, the easier it gets.”
Andry begins with a theme and purchases all the materials herself, usually from Hobby Lobby, Michaels and Old Time Pottery.
This year’s theme is Santa, featuring red ornaments, with a festive peppermint and holly berry garland, and, of course, Santa. The tree is topped with two red bows, which looks like one, made and installed by Ray McDaniel of Brady’s Flowers.
Her trees for the past two years have included a white poinsettia theme and a bronze and bird theme.
The Ladies Guild, which sponsors events and supports various groups within the church, wants the bazaar to be a social event according to Imbaratto. St. Mary’s is a small church with only 174 registered families, but “the community really does support us.”
“We will have all kinds of homemade crafts and lots of baked goods,” she said.
There will also be several different raffles for various items made by church members. In the previous years, the crafts have included a knitted shawl, an oil painting and a gingerbread house, as well as a centerpiece by McDaniel.
“We have a lot of talented people,” Imbaratto said.
To purchase tickets for the raffle contact Imbaratto at 276-5544 or the church office at 276-4468 between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Tickets are $1.
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