With the holidays upon us, it’s time to start thinking about gifts. Chances are you don’t want to give those special people in your life just any present, though.  The best gifts are unique and irreplaceable—and homemade crafts fit that description perfectly.

No need to travel far if you want to make one-of-a-kind gifts and holiday décor.  Take a trip to The Dragonfly Shops & Gardens in Old Towne, and you can choose from many fun-to-make items.

“We are holding a wide variety of classes this holiday season,” says Beth Davidson, owner of the Dragonfly and the creative force behind the crafting classes held throughout the week at the shop.  “There is something for everyone here—from living wreaths to mounted staghorn ferns to charm bracelets.”

Here is a sample of the classes you can take at the Dragonfly this November and December.

Crystal Suncatcher - Christmas Tree
Nov 7: 11 - 11:30 am  /  Nov 9: 9:30 - 10 am
Cost: $15
In this quick, fun class, make a suncatcher sure to dazzle the home and garden.  The metal tree is adorned with green and clear crystals and shares the sentiments: Joy, Love, Peace, Family & Christmas.

Succulent Grapevine Wreath
Nov 10: 11 am - 12 pm  /  Dec 1: 11:30 am - 12:30 pm
Cost: $65 - all materials included
Perfect for the holiday season, this 10-inch grapevine wreath creates a unique, long-lasting living centerpiece that can be adorned     with seasonal ribbon and décor.

Macramé Plant Hanger
Nov 14: 1:30 - 4 pm
Cost: $35, terra-cotta pot included
Join the macramé craze and make a trendy macramé plant hanger.  You’ll learn a few simple knots and decorate your creation with     eye-catching beads.

Staghorn Ferns - Mounting on a Plank
Nov 23: 11:30 am - 1 pm
Cost: $65 - all materials included
Impress the gardeners in your life by mounting a Staghorn Fern and creating a living work of art. You’ll learn how to attach the fern to a wooden plank and decorate it with moss and beads.

Bath Bombs with Essential Oils
Nov 24: 1 - 2 pm  /  Dec 21: 1:30 - 3:30 pm
If you’re looking for unique stocking stuffers, handmade bath bombs are the perfect gift. Learn all about the benefits of essential oils.     Then make your own batch of pretty, fragrant bath bombs.

Succulent Rain Chain
Nov 23: 1 - 4:30 pm  /  Dec 1: 1 - 4:30 pm
Create a functional piece of garden art in this inspiring workshop when you make a rain chain from small, galvanized buckets.  Learn how to wire wrap the beads into the chain, and then     plant your masterpiece with lovely succulents.

This is just a sampling of what the Dragonfly has to offer this holiday season.  Other fun crafting classes include windchimes, trinket dishes, succulent jewelry, terrariums, birdbaths, birdfeeders, and more.  Check out the calendar here:  www.DragonflyShopsAndGardens.com/calendar.html

The shop is also available for private events.

If you want to give back in the spirit of the holiday season while crafting holiday gifts and décor, check out the Craft for a Cause Make and Take on Nov. 30 at the Dragonfly.  Proceeds will support Shine the Light, an organization providing direct services to victims of human trafficking in Orange County.