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Homemade presents among most treasured gifts

Contributed photo Lissa Lush made these ornaments, that are seen here in the process of drying. "You take the tops off of the clear ornaments and pour some acrylic paint in and roll it around inside until you like how it looks," Lush said. "Then stick them upside down in an egg crate for them to dry. It's a lot of fun, and kind of soothing. It's also a good way to get rid of old paint."

ENLARGE PHOTO

Contributed These Lego earrings are among the crafts created by Lissa Lush of Centerville.

Staff photo by Jill Kelley

Karen Ihle, manager of Marco's Paper on West Whipp Road in Centerville, adjusts some of the ornaments displayed at the store.

Staff photo by Jill Kelley Karen Ihle, manager of Marco's Paper on West Whipp Road in Centerville, adjusts some of the ornaments displayed at the store. "These just take some clear ornaments, pigment powder and glue to make," Ihle said.

By Jill Kelley, Staff Writer 4:08 PM Thursday, November 19, 2009

If it is the thought that counts, then homemade gifts just may count the most.

Due to the amount of time these personally crafted items require to plan and create, they can be among the most treasured presents to receive (and to give), and are often the most remembered for years to come.

You don’t have to be a skilled crafter to go this route; in fact, some of the best gifts come from those who are just trying to do something special.

Skills that apply

If you are naturally crafty, it might be easier to think of presents to make, and it may be fun to share those skills with friends and family.

Those who are quilters, needlepoint experts, artists or crafters have a ready-made direction.

“Since I’ve been making recycled record bowls, that’s one of the best items that I can do (for Christmas),” said Melissa “Lissa” Lush, a 35-year-old crafter from Centerville. “I use (the vinyl record) as a base, like a gift basket.”

But frequent crafters should be cognizant of when they have shared too often.

“My family is pretty much tired of getting things from me,” said Lush, laughing. “They have everything that I do.”

It is good to remember, as well, that sometimes skills that do not produce crafts can still produce great presents.

If you own landscaping equipment, you can give someone “coupons” to mow their lawn or snow blow their driveway. Teens who baby-sit can give out similar coupons to relatives and clients.

Think about what you have to offer that might be of use to others.

Also, if you like the idea of giving skilled, handmade gifts but can’t make them yourself, check out the Handmade Holiday bazaar (formerly known as 50 Under $50) that will be from 5 to 10 p.m. Dec. 4 and 3 to 10 p.m. Dec. 5 at C{Space, 20 N. Jefferson St. in downtown Dayton.

Crafty at heart

While some homemade presents take specific skills and special tools to make, others can be made by anyone who picks up the materials and invests the time.

For people who would like to make something, but don’t know if they have the ability, there are many kits, guides and businesses that can help you.

One locally owned craft and paper supply store, Marco’s Paper on West Whipp Road in Centerville, has inexpensive classes, kits and supplies designed for all levels of crafting ability.

“If beginners need more time, the classes can go longer,” said assistant manager Joanne Callahan of Kettering. “We try to make the classes adaptable to everyone.”

From 9 to 11 a.m. Wednesdays and 11 a.m to 1 p.m. Saturdays, Marco’s offers free Make It/Take It classes, in which an instructor teaches how to make a specific craft and you can take that craft home for free. If you want an additional craft, it costs $1.

“And, after a class, you can buy a kit if you wish,” said manager Karen Ihle of Waynesville.

This Saturday, Make It/Take It participants will be making a snowman card.

Marco’s also offers more involved classes, such as the upcoming “Binderie” Christmas Book class to be held from noon to 4 p.m. Dec. 9. That class costs $40 and will be taught by artist Donna Wiebel.

For information about classes or crafts, call Marco’s at (937) 433-7030.

Similar classes and supplies also are offered at other craft stores, including Michaels and the Dayton Mall Jo-Ann Fabric and Crafts store.

Contact these stores to get more information about what classes are available during the Christmas season.

Making and baking

If you aren’t interested in tackling arts and crafts, cooking up something festive is another way to give something homemade.

You can either be ambitious and dive into a new recipe or stick with something you made before that you know will be a hit. Even a boxed cake or a cookie mix can do the trick; the key is that it was made by you.

“A good gift is beer bread,” Lush said. “Even if you’re a person like me who never bakes.

“Or chocolate-covered pretzels. Use pretzel rods and lay them out on wax paper. Take a spoon and drizzle it back and forth over the pretzels.”

And whatever you make can be dressed up with an inexpensive holiday tin or basket, ribbon and a card.

Regardless of the tack you take, making something for a loved one can be a great option for the holidays. Not only does is it make a distinctive gift, but it shows how much you care.