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These porcelain mugs by Lois Aronow Ceramics are among the items available for less than $50 at the ACC Craft Show at the Baltimore Convention Center.Sun photo by Jed Kirschbaum

by Mary Carole McCauley

Lauren Schlossberg's delicate jewelry, with its tiny hand-sewn seed beads and scraps of ribbon, looks like a million bucks. But budget-conscious shoppers can pick up a pair of earrings that the Timonium jeweler made from hand-dyed Japanese lace for $56 at the American Craft Council Show this weekend.

With more than 700 vendors, the 34th annual extravaganza is billed as the largest indoor craft show in the country and has a reputation for its pretty, sparkly, costly wares. Visitors can pick up one of Todd Reed's bracelets made from raw diamonds, which are priced in the high four figures, or one of Meg Little's hand-woven rugs with unique patterns and vibrant colors.

But given the economy, which remains challenging, and the mood of consumers, which remains cautious, craft show organizers are making an effort this year to showcase handmade items costing less than $100. They want to send the messages that visitors can treat themselves to a small indulgence without raiding the food budget.....

Read more at  -  http://www.baltimoresun.com/entertainment/arts/bal-ae.li.arts26feb26,0,3220737.story