The Home-Grown Alternatives shopping extravaganza will celebrate its 13th year on Saturday – but the celebrations almost didn't happen.

Founding organisers Mary Tatem and Christine Wellman had decided to give this year a miss, but enthusiastic crafts people and others convinced them otherwise and they were able to pull together a dedicated committee which is helping to make Home-Grown Alternatives 2008 a reality.

The event will take place at St. Paul's Christian Education Centre, in Paget, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Visitors will find a group of Bermuda's best artists and crafts people including a decorating team led by Ms Tatem, which is constantly challenged with new approaches to decorating the centre with everyday materials.

There are new stalls this year and saxophonist Wendell (Shine) Hayward will also offer a new dimension to the shopping experience.

Ms Tatem and Mrs. Wellman explained how this year's show was saved. "It just wasn't going to happen, Mary needs some downtime after last year's and travelling back and forwards to school," said Ms Tatem. "So when people said, 'no Mary you can't do this. And what can we do to help? I said, okay you guys.

"So this year we have a larger committee, and everyone is so committed to doing their thing and that helps Christine and I, who are teaching full-time, considerably."

Mrs. Wellman added: "This is not the first time that we said that we wouldn't do it again, after the first time we said we wouldn't do it again.

"The amount of work has increased. So after 12 years and us saying that we weren't going to do it, we were bombarded again, but the thing that has changed is that we have a committee now.

"Everyone has designated duties and everyone is doing them. We met the other day to get an update and everything is falling into place."

Ms Tatem added that Banana doll creator Deirdre Furtado and Terry Chapman were on board.

"I think Terry is onboard for the website, but she is part of the administration and she is working along with David (Wellman) and he refurbished the site.

"Now it is multi-access and Terry is up there and sending all these convoluted questions to me and I pass them onto David, but she really knows her stuff and it is really nice to have her on board."

She added: "Someone contacted us from Tourism and asked if they could use our link on their site," said Mrs. Wellman.

"They said that they would send a contingent down to us as well." Mrs. Wellman pointed out that many of the Home-Grown Alternatives' past customers were now vendors.

"Ann Coakley will have her handmade nativity scenes, ornaments, and bejewelled framed Christmas themes," they said.

"Carla Marquardt has her stained glass sun catchers, Christmas ornaments, ceramic wall lizards and frogs. Carole Holding Designs will offer preserves and gifts baskets.

"Charmaine and Gerry Friday have their One Love Designs on tiles. Christine Wellman's OMax Ceramics are wheel-thrown, hand-decorated mugs, bowls and hand-made ceramic tiles.

"Dan and Deanne DeSilva will have their original paintings, prints, note cards and poinsettia cards. Author and illustrator Daron Lowe will be selling 'Keisha The Mermaid' children's books and CD-Roms.

"Deirdre Furtado's unique Bermuda banana leaf dolls will also be on offer. Denise Giles-Woodhouse's Woodpecker Designs of cutting boards with carved designs, one of a kind ornaments and decorative table toppers."

In addition, other participants will include Gladys MacIntyre and Dianna Corday with Tribeway Treasures.

"They have quilted items, homemade jams and jellies and advent calendars," said Mrs. Wellman.

"Jon Faulkner Pottery of salt glazed mugs, jugs, bowls and storage jars.

"Kelli and Roseclair Thompson's Nature's Stone will offer their handmade jewellery from semi-precious rocks, sea glass and dolphin tears. While Loren and Ryan Cann's Ink and Paper Design Studio will offer a range of Christmas gift and note cards.

"Marquarite and Judy Bardgett have knitted and crochet toys, tea cozies, dish cloths and cedar sachets. And Mary Tatem's Seamist Designs offer precious metal clay and fused glass jewellery, sea glass/beach pottery (frames, potpourri and jewellery), beaded semi-precious jewellery, natural cards and decorations, Christmas natural - wreaths, garlands and bouquets.

"Bermuda Sails Milton Hill with his daughter René Hill will offer a combination of handcrafted Bermuda cedar creations and original hand-woven jewellery and crocheted scarves.

"Nicky Medway will have her Christmas craft gifts carved out of wood. While Nicole Ratteray of Visually Yours and Sweet Tee's is offering painted and produced Christmas cards and decorated plates.

"Robin Marirea has rare and exotic plants such as yellow wood trees, olive woods and white hibiscus.

"Sandra O'Brien of the Village Café will have Bermudian baked goods, homemade soup, fishcakes, chicken sandwiches, Bermuda chicken and beef pies and beverages.

"Terry Chapman's one-of-a-kind jewellery made with Swarovski Crystals, Czech Glass and Semiprecious Beads will also be on sale.

"And lastly, Wendy Avery of Dockyard Glassworks & Bermuda Rum Cake Company will offer blown glass ornaments and glass decorations, along with a special edition Bermuda Gold Rum Cakes."