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Consumers Turn To Arts & Crafts For Holiday Season

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Dec 24, 2008 6:57 pm US/Eastern

Consumers Turn To Arts & Crafts For Holiday Season

CRANBERRY TOWNSHIP (KDKA) ― Amidst all the gloom and doom about the struggling economy and retail sales this holiday season there is at least one bright spot.

More and more people are turning to homemade gifts and decorations and that is great news for the arts and crafts industry.

It could be the bad economy or the rejection of too much holiday commercialism, but whatever the reason, arts and craft stores like Michael's in Cranberry are reaping the benefits.

"I crochet a lot of people gifts," says consumer Dianne Callahan, of New Castle. "I make the fleece blankets for people, sweatshirts with the pictures on them, different things that people like."

An online poll conducted for the Michael's store chain found more holiday shoppers than ever are cutting back on travel and spending a lot less on some of the season's most popular gifts, like toys and electronics.

That leaves a little extra time and money to make and give a gift from the heart.

This isn't just a local trend. The arts and crafts industry is becoming a big business nationally.

According to a Michael's spokesperson, people in 42 million households in the United States are making arts and crafts for the holiday season this year.

And with so much growing interest, many stores are now hosting workshops where customers can come in and work right alongside craft experts to make things like wreaths, centerpieces, gift baskets, ornaments and more.

If arts and crafts sound like a great idea but you've already finished your holiday gift list, not to worry. The manager at Michael's says they are already clearing the shelves to make space for Valentine's Day, St. Patrick's Day and Easter. 


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