Eight artisans sold wares on Nov. 10 during a celebration of community, handcrafted items and the upcoming holiday season.

Honey, dog leashes with a nautical twist, all natural soaps and knitted items were some of things for sale at the Wareham Historical Society’s annual Holiday Craft Faire. Proceeds benefited the group’s scholarship awards fund.

“I haven’t stopped smiling all morning,” said Angela Dunham, historical society president and the faire’s organizer. “The community has really come out to support all of these local people who have beautiful, handcrafted items.”

Wayne Sorel of East Freetown, who has a slightly different take on dog leashes, was at the faire. Sorel crafts leashes from nautical ropes. The slogan for his business The Black Leash is: “If it can hold a boat, it can certainly hold your dog.”

He started five years ago after making one for his dog Cooper, a half shepherd, half hound mix he rescued.

“We were walking around the neighborhood and people loved it,” said Sorel. “I thought then I might have a good idea on my hands.”

In addition to dog leashes, he sells horse leads, slip leads and harnesses. The items come in different styles featuring different braids, stitches and splices.

Another crafter, Sandra MacDonald, had a table filled with handmade hats, mittens, blankets and more. The Carver resident has been knitting and crocheting since the age of 14.

“I’ve made many Christmas gifts for friends and family through the years,” she said. “Now I might be making them for other people.”

At the table next to MacDonald, Elizabeth Arone, owner of Pumpkintown Farm Soaps in Wareham, set up shop.

Arone started making her soaps two years ago. She uses ingredients such as goats milk, organic coconut oil, pure olive oil and more. Even what she uses to color her products is organic, said Arone.

“I have sensitive skin myself, so it’s important that everything people buy from me is all-natural,” she said. “These are products I would buy even if I weren’t making them myself.”

Arone said the faire was an opportunity for her to connect with some of her customers and the community.

“Being from Wareham, I wanted to show my support for the town and the historical society,” she said. “The faire has been wonderful.”

For more information on Pumpkintown Farm Soaps, visit: www.facebook.com/pumpkintownfarmsoaps/

For more information on The Black Leash, call 508-247-7672 or email theblackleash@hotmail.com.