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Brandywine River Museum's Critter Collection

By Phran Novelli

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - What can you make from seeds, weeds, twigs, pods, plus other bits and berries from the garden? You'll be amazed and inspired by the handmade critters you'll find at the Brandywine River Museum in Chadds Ford through January 6th.

For decades, Brandywine volunteers have handcrafted Christmas critters from natural materials - in 1984 they decorated the White House Christmas tree and dining room table - that Santa and Reindeer display which now lives at the Smithsonian. The White House tree ornaments were sold the following year, kicking off what's become an annual critter sale tradition to benefit the Museum.

Volunteers dedicate a day each week from March to December to create all these adorable critters - if you're good with a glue gun and interested to join them, you can apply by sending an email to volunteer coordinator Donna Gormel at dgormel@brandywine.org .

Check BrandywineMuseum.org for details and directions to get you to the Brandywine River Museum so you can browse its shop to choose your own favorites from this year's collection of critters, which as of last week totaled 10,292…but who's counting?

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