Crafting a creative holiday season

November is well under way and with many stores advertising their “lowest of the season” prices, Christmas shopping is on everyone’s to-do list.

While it’s great that the holidays provide beautiful music, twinkling lights, neatly wrapped presents and time with family, they also provide a little bit of stress.

First of all, some people can be extremely hard to buy for. You know the type — they claim they don’t want anything. Without their input you’ll probably resort to getting them a gift card to the nearest eatery, making you the fifth person to go with that option.

Secondly, if it’s tradition for people in your family to give gifts to everyone from your aunt to your coworkers to your sister’s new puppy, the holidays can start to cost more than your paycheck brings in.

To cut down on price — and add a heartfelt touch to your presents this year — consider crafting. Many home decorations can be recreated at home. Plus, making things yourself can allow you to customize your gifts and tailor them to the individual who will receive them. Grandma would probably prefer something classy and vintage while your 10-year-old niece might have a funkier style.

If the creativity gene just isn’t in you, take advantage of these opportunities to pick up a few tips for making gift-worthy crafts:

Holiday Demonstration Day

The Red Wing Arts Association will hold “Holiday Demonstration Day” in its Depot waiting area. The making of unique home and jewelry items will be demonstrated. Children can get in on the crafting as well when they’re invited to create holiday ornaments.

When: Saturday Nov. 24; 10 a.m. to noon for children’s crafts, 1 to 5 p.m. for crafting demonstrations

Where: Depot Gallery, 418 Levee St.

Cost: Free; free-will donations accepted

More info: 651-388-7569 or www.redwingartsassociation.org

Evening of Christmas Creations

Make holiday memories while designing hand-painted ceramic ornament. Also try your hand at creating a wreath or table top topiary. With hundreds of craft supplies to choose from and expert crafters Cindy Boelke and Joan Kaartinen nearby to guide you, there will be no short supply of creativity.

When: 6 p.m. Friday Nov. 30

Where: Creative Minds, 118 W. Center St., Lake City

Cost: $25

More info: 651-927-9288 or www.lakecitycreativeminds.com

If you’d prefer not to do the actual crafting yourself, there are plenty of fairs, festivals and boutiques in the area where you can purchase homemade items that make one-of-a-kind Christmas gifts. Whether you’re searching for decorations, jewelry, artwork or tasty holiday treats, one of the following locations is likely to have a suitable the gift.

Holiday Art Fair

When: until 7 p.m. today and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday Nov. 18

Where: Crossings at Carnegie, 320 East Ave., Zumbrota

More info: 507-732-7616

St. Paul’s Lutheran Church Bake Sale & Craft Sale

When: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday Nov. 24

Where: Lookin’ Good Salon, 124 N. Fourth St., Cannon Falls

More info: 507-263-4589

“A Few of Our Favorite Things”

When: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday Nov. 24

Where: Acacia Studios Massage & Healing Center, 129 N. Fourth St., Cannon Falls

More info: 507-263-7957 or www.acaciastudios.net

“Christmas Around the World” Bazaar

When: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday Dec. 1

Where: St. Mary of the Lake Catholic Church, 419 W. Lyon Ave., Lake City

More info: 651-345-4134

Riverwalk Market Fair

When: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday Nov. 24 and Dec. 8, 15 and 22

Where: Armory, 519 Division St., Northfield

More info: www.riverwalkmarketfair.org

Cozy Christmas Holiday Boutique

When: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday Nov. 30 and Saturday Dec. 1; 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday Dec. 2

Where: 601 Danielson Drive, Red Wing

More info: 651-388-5483

2012 Holiday Bonanza

When: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday Dec. 1 and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday Dec. 2

Where: Cannon Mall, 31265 County 24 Blvd., Cannon Falls

More info: 507-263-5045

Tags: arts and entertainment, arts, lifestyle, social