HOUGHTON – Shoppers can get a head start on their holiday shopping this weekend, as the Deer Hunters’ Widows Craft Show once again fills the Copper Country Mall.

“Last year was absolutely awesome,” crafter Gail Plute said.

Plute sells a variety of items, made by herself and daughters Cheryl Strieter and Michelle Kesanen. Plute said there’s no discussion ahead of time about what’s being made, so when they unpack at the mall this weekend, it will be “like Christmas,” she said.

“We’re always amazed that two of us don’t make the same thing,” she said.

This year’s show will feature 70-plus vendors, up 15 from last year’s total, said Daily Mining Gazette Advertising Director Yvonne Robillard. In addition to occupying portions of the mall’s common spaces, empty store space will also be filled with crafts. In addition to handmade items, Robillard said vendors will be selling Mary Kay, Arbonne, Scentsy, Jamberry, Tupperware and Posh products. Crafted items, she said, will include creations from Dove and Daughters Designs, Keweenaw Alpaca and other vendors, ranging from “wreaths to wooden items, to health and wellness and knitted items.”

Plute said customers browsing their “eclectic” mix of crafts will find stocking-stuffer items filled with candy bars, snowmen, solar lights and more.

“It’s just such a broad base,” she said.

This is Plute’s second year at the craft show. She said she and her daughters are putting together 10 tables of merchandise, up from last year’s eight. Being at the mall, she said, has allowed the trio to build upon their customer base and has given them the opportunity to meet “wonderful people.”

“My girls and I just love crafting,” Plute said.

“Walking into a craft show is like going to Santa Claus’ workshop at his busy time of the year.”

Sales at the third annual show, which is running simultaneously with the Well-Kept Home Bazaar, start at 8 a.m. and run until 3 p.m.