'Tis the Season of Handmade Gifts in Cedar Falls

Low on cash after Black Friday? Don’t fret just yet – there are gift options in the Cedar Valley that keep the holiday spirit alive without putting the bank account to death. Homemade gifts are becoming increasingly popular, and Cedar Falls’ Main Street is just the place to unleash all of the creativity that has been hiding away all year.

Domino Necklaces:

Twisted Sisters Crafting, 702 Main St., offers over ten different classes, from basic beading to wine glass painting to soap making. The majority of the classes are under $30, which includes every supply needed (and usually leftovers!) to create the perfect gift for friends and family.

Store owner Kim Williamson-Fistler grew up with the love of making crafts and teaching others. Owning her own business allows her to do both of those passions every single day.

“Everyone says, ‘I can’t take up a craft – it’s so expensive,’ but it really isn’t,” she said.

She has great tips on a couple do-it-yourself projects anyone can handle.

Dominos aren’t just for games anymore – Williamson-Fistler proves the rectangular pieces make great necklaces, easy enough for even children to make.

How to make them:

The domino can be covered with any pattern the creator likes, whether that’s a soup can label or a cut-out from a magazine. Cut the pattern to the size desired and glue it onto the domino with Williamson-Fistler’s favorite, Glossy Accents, which is a three-dimensional gloss medium.

Next, cover the entire domino top evenly with the glue, which will dry clear, protecting the pattern. The glue will have to be spread evenly when applied to give it a smooth, almost invisible appearance.

After the domino dries, a hook can be fastened to the back, and a necklace string can be placed through the hook.

In just minutes, a Christmas present is made and ready to be wrapped and put under the tree.

Antique Button Bracelet:

Another homemade piece of jewelry was inspired by a Twister Sisters customer who recently came to Williamson-Fistler asking for a collection of antique buttons to be made into a bracelet. Buttons can be collected from anywhere, and when positioned just right on a bracelet, they’ll make a fashion statement no one can resist.

Scarves, gloves, sweaters:

As the weather gets colder, people are starting to pile on the layers. Instead of going out and buying scarves, gloves and sweaters, why not learn to make them yourself?

Crazy Girl Yarn Shop, 110 Main St., has a store full of all the colors and types of yarn any knitting enthusiast can’t get enough off. Not an enthusiast yet? Shop owner Leslie Adrian welcomes those who want to learn to knit to stop in for free lessons any time the store is open.

Visitors can learn how to knit the latest trends, from the ever-so-popular infinity scarves and slouchy hats to the cowl, a Cedar Falls favorite. Most designs can be taught in as little as twenty minutes.

“If you look at these (scarves) compared to the ones in the stores, these yarns are alive. The ones in the stores are flat, dead and cheap,” said Adrian. “It’s a really nice gift and it doesn’t cost a lot to make one yourself.”

Although the lessons are free, Crazy Girl Yarn Shop offers all of the supplies needed to start knitting at $15 and also have free patterns available for download online. If problems occur while knitting at home, bring the project in and Adrian will take the time to undo the error and help get everything back on track.

Painted Pottery:

Love pottery? , 109 Main St., is a paint-your-own pottery studio where anyone is able to create a masterpiece. Studio owner Julie Shimek, encourages people of all ages to come and personalize anything from food-safe plates and coffee mugs to wall tiles and Christmas ornaments.

“People just want to come in and paint. It’s relaxing, and it’s a fun group thing to do too,” she said. “People come in for date nights, just all kinds of things – Scout troops, bachelorette parties.”

As an appointment-free, sitting-based studio, the charge is $4 per child and $6 per adult, which covers the whole time spent creating art. The additional pricing depends on what items are chosen to paint.

“It’s pretty easy,” Shimek said. “You don’t have to have a ton of talent to paint. We have stamps, stencils and idea books so a beginner can come in and get a successful project done.”

Cards, Picture Frames and Calendars:

Twin Oaks, 123 Main St., is Cedar Falls’ go-to spot for scrapbooking. With their wide selection of paper, ribbons and embellishments, creating goodies for the holiday season has never been easier.

Not only can customers find everything needed to create customized cards, there are many other projects available that serve as unique holiday-inspired gifts.

Sheryl Brandhorst, who owns the shop along with her husband, had numerous options on display of projects such as holiday picture frames, a Christmas calendar and a little box of wishes.

Customers can purchase the items needed to make the crafts themselves, or classes are offered for those who want to learn how to create them right in the shop.

In conclusion, it’s clear a stroll down Cedar Falls’ festively decorated Main St. will provide all of the needs to create meaningful presents for loved ones just in time for the holidays.