The Love You Make

Folks who know me know that I love the holiday season. I am a complete sap for the music, food, and movies that others are tired of by the end of the post-Thanksgiving weekend. But my favorite part of the weeks before Christmas is, by far, crafting homemade gifts for my family and friends. For two years running, I've had a personal policy of giving handcrafted presents as much as possible. It's been a good way to channel my pre-Christmas creative energy, and the recipients of my gifts seem to appreciate the uniqueness of their presents and the time I spent on something special just for them. I kicked off the season this year by crafting for strangers, crocheting a scarf for the GetCrafty/Glitter NYC Scarf Drive.

Of course, we don't always have the time, especially during December, to spend our days melting soaps, sitting at the sewing machine, or curling up on the couch with a cat and a blanket and a ball of yarn. When that's the case, why not support the work of another artist or craftsman? Some fine people on the Web, talened artists in their own right, have put together handicraft buying guides for non-handy non-crafters. Check out: