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In an era of retail store gift cards and store-bought wrapped items and gift bags, it’s always refreshing and touching to receive a heartfelt handmade gift from a loved one. According to craft experts the trend towards handmade holiday gifts is growing across the country.

“More and more people are crafting away the stresses of the season by making personalized gifts for their families and friends,” explains Sara Douglass, Interim CEO for Stampin’ Up!, a stamping and paper-crafting company. “Craft enthusiasts are even hosting gift and ornament-making parties to help each other cross off items from their list. Not only do guests leave with a new skill, the cards, gifts and ornaments they make remind them of their festive gathering all season long.”

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You can start with the time honoured tradition of a handmade personalized greeting card. Thanks to the infinite choice of stamps and paper, you can choose to wish a funny, loving, peaceful, or religious holiday greeting that your loved ones will cherish. For example, if you’re going for a nostalgic look, Stampin’ Up!’s Home for Christmas designer series paper, cardstock, designer buttons and accessories feature hand-drawn imagery that evoke the feelings of Christmas past.

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Show the foodies on your list how much you care by sending handmade treats and pastries wrapped in customized DIY boxes and bags decorated with ribbons, trim, twine, holiday stamp messages, red and gold die-cut shapes and more.

If you have found the perfect store-bought gifts, add personalized flair by wrapping them according to your loved one’s personality. Find original stamps, designer series paper and accessories to distinguish the gifts such as glittery and pink paper and embellishments for the girly girl and navy blue with sport-themed stamps for your sporty boy.

For expert guidance, consider gathering a group and participating in a crafting party. Independent Stampin’ Up! demonstrators hold parties designed to help build crafting skills.

More information on local demonstration is available at www.stampinup.ca.

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