by Trenna Sue Hiler

Created on: November 08, 2009   Last Updated: November 10, 2011

It is fun to give gifts of arts and crafts at Christmas time. Some people truly respect the fact that you took the time to make something unique and personal. Personal is fairly easy to accomplish, but sometime unique is tough. There are lots of crafts that seem to trend. You wouldn’t want to be the fifth person that gave them the same thing. So where can you go to find ideas and still be certain it’s unique? It is a bit of a quandary.

~ Craft fairs
There are many craft fairs where people are selling things they made. This is a good place to look for something you may to be able to replicate and give it a little bit of your own style. It is a good idea to spend the money to purchase a sample item. If you need to take it apart you can, if not you have a new item that you like.

~ Television
This is truly one of the most underused options. With all the ways that are available to search for specific programing and set up the system for recording, you can get your ideas when you have the time to watch.

HGTV is an excellent channel to record. Their web site also features full episodes that can be viewed on the computer. They have some great new options and some old ones that are worth bringing back as well.

Martha Stewart
Her empire includes some pretty fantastic craft selections. Sometimes it helps to record the show and see them actually creating the craft.  In some cases there seems to be something that comes across visually that does not register in written format.

Rachael Ray
While most of the show is about cooking she does have some great craft segments.  Again the key is to look at the listings and see what to record.

~ On line
There are thousands of websites that offer craft ideas. Part of the selection process may be what kind of crafts you enjoy.  For example, if knitting is your thing search for those options. Some good recommendations are:

Better Homes and Gardens
There are some definite repeats every year, but chances are you didn’t make all of them last year.

Family Circle
These are mainly house decorations, but they have many fun and quick ideas.

Lion Brand
While they are selling their yarn and products there are hundreds of free patterns. This is a great place for those who want to knit or crochet Christmas craft items.

The North Pole
This has a little something for everyone.

The ideas are out there, just plan enough time to get the crafting done.

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