New York Crafters Trimming Christmas Trees with Handmade Ornaments

Whether your taste turns to the whimsical or the ornate, the talented people at New York Crafters can help trim your tree and make your holidays brighter. Buy one for the woman who makes you laugh, the teacher who works wonders, or treat yourself. You know the hard-to-buy-for person on your list won't get duplicates of these one-of-a-kind, individually hand crafted miniature works of art!

Sue Radcliffe of Suzie's Frosty Friends makes hand painted and decorated glass ornaments, ranging from the wacky to the simply wonderful. She uses feathers and fabric, creating hats, scarves, and ties on her wide range of characters. Check out her wide range of affordable gifts at http://www.suziesfrostyfriends.com/

Rick Smith of The Scroller & Toler works wonders with a scroll saw. His hand cut wood is formed into 3-D images inspired by nature. Choose realistic bears, wolves, or deer in wooded settings, or go for his more colorful hand painted penguin trio. Rick also takes special orders, so stop by his website http://thescrollerandtoler.com/ and place your order soon.

Robyn Warne hand paints her whimsical designs on wood and glass ornaments. Designs range from traditional gingerbread trains and angels to trendy sweet 16 dresses and wedding cakes. Robyn Warne Designs also creates custom designs on glass or hand cut wood ornaments. See all of her ornament options at http://www.robynwarne.com/.

Thelma Hamilton paints her heart out, creating entire families of snow people on a single glass ball. Get one that represents your family, or give one to the newly-married couple that you love best. Whether you want to honor your sister's new home or the hair dresser that always makes you look like a million, Thelma's the artist for you. Check out all her designs at http://www.thelmalhamilton.com/.

For some over-the-top fancy Victorian style ornaments, you won't want to miss Peg Cherre's amazing Second Wind Jewelry creations. . Using glass beads and lots of attention to detail, Peg creates ornaments that will draw oohs and ahhs, whether they're on your tree or displayed year-round on ornament stands. See all of her current offerings at http://www.secondwindjewelry.com.

Still haven't seen just what you're looking for? New York Crafter's isn't done yet!

Owner of Whimsical Creations, Melanie Adey, makes the sweetest little ornaments of polymer clay! Choose an adorable version of Rudolph, a baby in a bunting, a Santa whose cheeks beg to be pinched. Her little folks are so cute, it's hard to believe that she individually creates each one herself. Contact her at melanieadey@hotmail.com or visit her Etsy shop etsy.com/shop/melaniescrafts.

If you want to demonstrate both your care for the earth and your holiday spirit, pick one of Tom Zachman's fused glass ornaments. Tom uses recycled glass to make all of his creations, turning others' cast offs into one-of-a-kind art. He's happy to show you his raw materials; you'll be amazed at how he changes it! Contact Tom Zachman Recycled/Fused Glass at tzachman@rochester.rr.com or call him at 585.203.7785 or visit his blog at: tomzachmanfusedrecycledglass.blogspot.com.

These seven talented people do all of their handiwork in New York State. Scattered across the Empire State, you'll find many of them online and also at art and craft shows for the rest of the year. Don't delay in making your selections - most of these ornaments are created only one time, never to be seen again.