Getting Ready for Holiday Showcase | Video

Alyssa Marino | 11/29/2012

The holiday showcase by Pride of Dakota begins on Friday. Hundreds of vendors from around the state participate to show off their hard work. One vendor in particular does all of her work in the comfort of her own home.

Kara Guidinger hammers away every day at her workshop making customized jewelry as part of her business, KLG Designs.

"I take a piece of metal, and I stamp it and I can really personalize it. I think that`s really some people find a meaningful gift." Guidinger says.

She makes pieces of wearable art out of different metal materials and types, all by hand. Guidinger grew up on a farm in Mohall then moved out of the state with her husband for 10 years. She says that`s when she found her passion for jewelry making.

"Shortly before moving back, I became a stay at home and just kind of tinkered with it," she said. Her work shop is located in her home, making it a lot easier for her to be a stay at home mom while still doing what she loves.

While she lived out of state, Guidinger says she would always pick up Pride of Dakota items to represent her home.

"When we moved back in 2006, it really was at the top of my list when I decided to start a business to become a part of Pride of Dakota."

She filled out an application and is now an official Pride of Dakota member. She also serves on their advisory council.

"Members like Kara play an active role in our organization," said Pride of Dakota Public Information Officer Kelly Wald.

The Pride of Dakota holiday showcase won`t be Guidinger`s first appearance either. "It was probably about 2007 was my first showcase that I did." she said.

Like most of the pieces at the showcase, her items aren`t something you can find in a store.

"She develops these really neat, completely personalized pieces of jewelry," Wald said.

So if you make it to the Pride of Dakota showcase, you can find Guindinger just by the sound of her hammer. The holiday showcase will be at the Bismarck Civic Center starting Friday through December 2. If you can`t make it and would like to order a personalized piece, just message her on Facebook by searching for "KLG Designs."

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