Students with a tight end-of-the-semester budget will have the chance to find some in holiday gifts today from 4-8 p.m. in the Pine Room of the Memorial Union at the Workspace Arts and Crafts Sale.

The Workspace is and arts and crafts facility in the basement of the Memorial Union that has been serving the creative needs of Iowa State students, faculty, staff and the Ames community since 1968.

The sale will include items made by instructors and employees of the Workspace, John Burright, Workspace instructor, said. The requirement of the merchandise at the sale is that the arts and crafts be original and handmade.

The items will be reasonably priced, said Theresa Cannon, director of theWorkspace and program advisor for the arts in the Memorial Union.

“There are some great bargains; most of the items will be priced under $10,” Cannon said. “There will be pottery, jewelry, picture frames, hand-painted greeting cards and folk art.”

This is the second year the Workspace has held the sale. Cannon hopes to raise awareness of the Workspace as well as raise money for the Workspace.

“Last year we had a two-day sale and sold out the first night,” Cannon said. “We are hoping to do that well again this year.”

Burright said he feels this year’s location is better and will increase the amount of shoppers at the sale.

“This year we are holding the sale in the Pine Room,” he said. “And because of the Lighting of the Trees, there should be more traffic.”

Due to the holiday season and the Lighting of the Trees, the sale will have many Christmas items for sale, though the sale is not Christmas-themed.

“If students are looking for unique and creative gifts for the holidays, this is the place to come,” Burright said. He will also be selling some of his own work at the sale.

The proceeds of the sale will go partly to the creator of the item and partly to support the Workspace and the instructors. The main reason for the sale, however, is to showcase the work of the artists.

“I saw in the different classes the fabulous work the class participants were making and wanted to show it off,” Cannon said. “This sale is an opportunity to show off the talent of those involved with the Workspace.”

Cannon encourages any bargain shoppers to stop by and see the creative and well-made items that will be for sale.

The workspace also offers classes such as guitar, pottery and painting. There will be a schedule of spring classes available at the sale.