Is that snow?

Well, not hardly here in Natchez, in July, but none the less there is that feel of Christmas in the air at the Historic Natchez Foundation, 108 South Commerce St., where members of the Green Alliance are presenting a “green” Christmas Workshop from 3 to 5:30 p.m. Saturday. The items to be used may be called junk or trash by some, but Yvonne Murray, event coordinator, has gathered together a group of talented local artists to show participants how to make Christmas ornaments, cards and luminaries of items one would normally discard.

Well-known painter Deborah McNeal will demonstrate how to create original Christmas cards by recycling last year’s cards and using seasonal pictures from magazines. Mrs. McNeal will also be demonstrating how to transform discarded cans into attractive outdoor luminaries. Nathalie Harris works her magic with collected antique lace and crochet which she inlays into clay to make very personal and permanent ornaments that can be used for years to come. Terri Roddy brings a bright idea to the workshop by using all different sizes of light bulbs to make some fun and interesting ornaments that you won’t find in any store.

Kermit was wrong when he said, “It’s not easy being green.” Not only can it be easy it can be a lot of fun as well. The workshop coincides with the Natchez Downtown Development Association Second Saturday activities. Call a friend, get an early jump on your Christmas season and afterward check out the participating Second Saturday shops that will be staying open until 8 p.m. for your convenience. If having fun participating in a workshop and having an opportunity to do some extra shopping is not enough incentive, how about checking out the free music at two locations on Main Street, Receivable Solutions Specialist Inc. and the Natchez Museum for African American History and Culture?

We invite you to come join us at the Christmas in July “Green” Workshop, Saturday at the Historic Natchez Foundation located at 108 S. Commerce St. from 3 to 5:30 p.m. Admission is free, however donations will be most appreciated. For more information call 601-238-8325.

Steve McNerney is a member of the Green Alliance.