It was a new accordion-type clutch made from cardstock, leather string and colorful paper.

She crafted the item during a hands-on workshop with lifestyle artisan Michele Brown.

“It’s a new design to me,” Johnson said. “I actually get to make something and take it home. I think that’s wonderful.”

She said that having a hands-on workshop was a really nice feature of the show. She crafts at home, as well, making a variety of things.

-Messenger photos by Hans Madsen
Marilyn Johnson, of Humboldt, works on getting the folds just right Saturday afternoon while making an accordian pocket clutch during a hands-on workshop with lifestyle artisan Michele Brown at The Messenger’s Home, Garden & Lifestyle Show on the Iowa Central Community College East Campus.

The small clutch could be used to hold a variety of things: money, coupons or photographs.

“I’m just going to take it home and have fun with it,” she said.

During her time at the show, she also enjoyed listening to Nicole Jonas of Red Granite Farm, who spoke about perennials in the garden.

Then there was just browsing.

“I walked around a bit and then hit the concession stand,” she said.

-Messenger photos by Hans Madsen
Cathi Turner, of Ankeny, concentrates on the scissor work during the hands-on workshop.

In addition to her clutch, she also took home a few other things.

“I picked up a lot of business cards to go back to later,” she said.

Cathi Turner, of Ankeny, attended the show for a variety of reasons, but the hands-on workshop was a big draw.

“It’s one of many reasons,” she said.

She is also an active crafter. She paints, draws and makes a variety of crafts.

-Messenger photos by Hans Madsen
Julian Ehrhardt, 1, of Fort Dodge, discovers his happy place Saturday afternoon behind the wheel of a brand new Jeep at the Shimkat Motor Co. display at the annual Home, Garden & Lifestyle Show.

She was optimistic her clutch would be up to par. She’s not expecting her example to end up on a website dedicated to Pinterest projects that went terribly wrong.

“I don’t think so,” she said.

In addition to the hands-on workshop for adults, the show also features a Kids Corner with hands-on activities where local Girl Scouts help with making craft projects.

The show continues today from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Admission is free. Nonperishable food goods are being collected for local food banks at the door. Visitors can also register to win a La-Z-Boy chair and ottoman from Mikos & Matt Fine Furniture and a $500 gift card from Menards.

Today’s speaker is Dr. Josh Mason, of Active Health Chiropractic, of Fort Dodge, who will speak about boosting your immune system.