Christmas comes home: Many shoppers plan to spend more money on

0 Comments | Deseret News (Salt Lake City), Dec 9, 2008 | by Carma Wadley Deseret News

This may be the year of the homemade Christmas.

According to an online poll conducted for Michaels Stores Inc., a majority of shoppers say they plan to spend more money on homemade gifts, while cutting back in some of the season's most popular categories, including electronics, toys and travel.

On the survey, 58 percent of respondents said they were more likely to make gifts this year versus last year, and 41 percent said handmade gifts were the best use of their holiday shopping dollars this year.

Meanwhile, some 59 percent said they were either likely or very likely to reduce spending on travel, 57 percent said they would spend less on electronics and 41 percent plan to spend less on toys.

About 42 million U.S. households craft for the holiday season, says Victor Domine of the Craft & Hobby Association. "This year, with the economic crunch, we anticipate that even more people -- many who may not have considered making gifts in the past -- will be turning to crafting."

It's not just a matter of economics, although that is an important consideration, says Domine. There's something about homemade that seems extra special, he says. "Those gifts are more heartfelt and lasting than many store-bought gifts."

Plus, he adds, crafters enjoy the fun and excitement of creativity and self-expression. That's especially nice for children.

If you are looking for craft projects, including some that are appropriate for children, here are some options:

-- Michaels has created a holiday gift idea Web site at www.WhereCreativityHappens.com that features a series of how-to- videos with Michaels' creative expert Jo Pearson. She demonstrates techniques for making unique personalized gifts. Many Michaels stores will also be hosting weekly workshops that allow people to work alongside craft experts. Check with your local store for a schedule.

-- The Craft & Hobby Association, which is a trade organization for companies and individuals involved in all types of crafts, also has a Web site full of ideas for everything from beading to woodworking, with such categories as edible crafts, fashion art, needlecrafts, paper crafts, scrapbooking and wearable art in between. The projects also include a difficulty level, so you can find age-appropriate ideas. Go to www.craftplace.org/ projectfinder.html.

-- FamilyFun.com, sponsored by the Disney folks, also has a section of arts and crafts for kids, including some video instructions for making such things as stuffed sock draft catchers or cereal box totes. You can also find age-appropriate ideas there.

Here are some quick-and-easy ideas that could be fun for kids to do:

-- Picture frames. You can get simple wooden picture frames at craft stores that you can decorate in myriad ways: with paints; by gluing on buttons, fabric or ribbon; with stickers or rub-ons; by sprinkling on glitter; with rubber or acrylic stamps; or by using your imagination in other ways. Tuck in a picture, and it's a perfect gift for grandparents or friends.

-- Packing tape. With something as simple as decorative packing tape, you can make all kinds of simple projects. FancyThat! for example, offers tape with 10 designs in solid colors and in patterns inspired by vintage fabric and feed sacks (for information, go to www.fancythatonline.net). All you need is a pair of scissors, for projects such as these:

--Table runner, tablecloth or placemats: You need some felt- backed vinyl (sold by the yard at most fabric stores). Cut it to the size you need, then apply the tape to the edges, starting with the short edges first, folding the tape to the back and overlapping a bit at the corners.

--Napkin rings: Recycle an empty paper towel tube by cutting it into rings. Wrap the rings with tape and trim away the extra. You could even stuff them with homemade or purchased napkins.

--Floral vase: Find an old vase at a thrift store, or buy an inexpensive one. Apply tape to create any kind of decorative pattern you want, smoothing it down with the fingers as you apply it. Add some real or silk flowers to create a cheery bouquet.

FancyThat! offers these tips for using packing tape: For projects that use approximately 12 inches, cut the length of tape first. For longer lengths, secure your starting edge and pull the tape core as you need until you reach the end. Then cut off the length from the core and trim to finish. As you go, it helps to keep the tape taut, but not too tight (that will only cause wrinkles). Keep the tape at a 45-degree angle when possible. The tape will smooth out easily at this angle.

Make sure your hands are dry. Even a little moisture can cause friction when you are smoothing it down.

And if you mess up -- start over. It's only packing tape, after all.

-- Bookmarks. You can make bookmarks out of paper, wallpaper, ribbon, fabric, yarn or other materials. Cut to the size you want and decorate with rubber stamp patterns, old postage stamps, ticket stubs, photo-booth pictures, your own artwork, stickers or other embellishments. Finished products could be laminated with clear Con- Tact paper, if you wish. For added interest, tie a ribbon or add a string of beads at the top. For a book-loving friend, you could add a gift card from a local bookstore, and there's the perfect gift.