Imagination runs rampant in area craft stores

Jennifer Prosser

Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2000 | 3:55 a.m.

Jennifer Prosser

VEGAS.COM

Adore crafts, but don't have the time to break out the glue gun and paintbrushes and do it yourself? Let our crafters do it for you. The handiwork of locals and out-of-state vendors can be found throughout the valley. Witness creativity at its finest in these area craft stores.

Homemade Heaven: A treasure trove of craft items, holiday and otherwise, Homemade Heaven is just that. Items range from the seasonal topsy-turvy doll, which changes clothes with the seasons, to porcelain napkin ladies to antiques such as grandfather clocks and Tiffany-style lamps, and are priced from $2.50 to more than $500. The store makes good use of its small space with the booth system, which allows individual crafters to display their wares. Don't miss the "snowing" tree in the window. You'll want to buy all your Christmas ornaments here. (2803 N. Green Valley Parkway, at Sunset Road near Albertsons, 702-454-4872)

Country Bears & Hares: Cozy and inviting, Country Bears & Hares is jam-packed with holiday merchandise. Trees adorned with ornaments are everywhere. At $5, the bear in red satin is a steal. Other seasonal items include the gingerbread resin collection, currently at a discount of 10 percent, and snowmen aplenty. A great selection of 4th of July merchandise is available, and Halloween items are reduced 50-60 percent. The selection of bears is enviable and includes the popular line of Boyd's bears, but the stand-out here is the handcrafted furniture - shelves, curios, benches, tables and more. Prices may be a little more expensive (a small shelf will run you $80, for example), but the furniture is sturdy and well-made. (1000 N. Green Valley Parkway #540, in the Smith's shopping center, 702-990-2327)

The Quilted Bear: This is our local craft megastore. With 400 craft booths and 26,000 square feet, locals and crafters from as far away as Hawaii take up residence in the shop across from the Boulevard Mall. They've got it all here - hand-crafted jewelry and clothing, wire racks and baskets, quilts, homemade fruit spreads, miniature ornaments, dolls - the list goes on and on. There's even a section devoted entirely to teddy bears bigger than most other craft shops. Most unusual items include vintage stitchery, toilet paper cozies and genuine Cow-Pie Clocks. Many vendors take special orders for personalized gifts; inquire at the front desk. Gift certificates are also available. (3661 S. Maryland Parkway, in the Maryland Square Shopping Center, 702-369-8186)

The Quilted Bear will feature Santa's live reindeer on Dec. 11 from 2-8 p.m., including baby Rudolph. Santa Claus will be on hand for photos, and special discounts will be available.

Persnickety - A Country Store: Don't let the small size fool you - Persnickety is chock full of wooden figures, bath items, inspirational wall hangings and candles. But the main attraction here is the bears. Stuffed bears. Ceramic bears. Bears of all shaped and sizes. Yes, Persnickety is definitely a bear lover's paradise. Our favorite is the Christmas ornament bear in a gingerbread suit, $9.99. The store also carries a line of pet lover's ornaments and is a great place to pick up inexpensive stocking stuffers and gifts. (7231 S. Eastern Ave., at Warm Springs near Sears Hardware, 702-897-9883)

Christmas Goose Country Gifts & Collectibles:This shop can't decide if it wants to be a craft store, art gallery or quilting emporium, so it does all three with ease. Although the focus is more on collectibles than crafts, Country Goose contains a great mish-mash of items. Holiday items include classic Pooh ornaments, a Christmas village complete with elves loading Santa's sleigh and a snowman's holiday party. Boyd's bears are also sold here, as well as calendars, candles, soaps, body lotions and plates. A gallery contains the works of Thomas Kinkade, and the adjoining quilt shop has everything you'll need to make your own. Prices seem a little higher (probably due to the collectibles), but look in on the store if you're near it. (4750 W. Sahara, at Decatur near Vons and Jamba Juice, 702-877-1158)

Other craft stores

Check out these retail chains for additional craft items:

JoAnn Etc.: An expanded version of JoAnn Fabrics, Etc. features several seasonal items, including wooden figures, wreathes, embroidered dishtowels and more, which are slashed dramatically after the holidays. Home accents such as vases, candlesticks and glass dishes are available throughout the year. For those do-it-yourselfers, there's a complete line of crafting accessories. (Various locations, but try 3890 S. Maryland Parkway, near Boulevard Mall, 702-791-0900)

Michaels: Although Michaels caters to the serious crafter, there's no better place to put together a gift basket for the creative ones on your list. Discount coupons are available in the paper most Sundays, making the deal even sweeter. Other gift ideas include hobby and craft books, latch hook kits and art supplies. (Various locations; try 3265 E. Tropicana, at Pecos, 702-456-0504, or 2550 S. Decatur, at Sahara, 702-876-1630)

Mole Hole: This is the best place for collectibles in Vegas, if you can afford it. Although the merchandise can get pricey, Mole Hole offers some oil lamps, liquid thermometers and animal collectibles for under $50. Those with more expensive tastes will love the antique kaleidoscopes and nutcrackers. And don't miss artist Christopher Radko's line of holiday ornaments; the Mole Hole's own spokesman is adorable at $38. (Various locations, but try the stores at the Boulevard Mall, 3528 S. Maryland Parkway, 702-732-8949, or at the Galleria, 1300 W. Sunset Road, Henderson, 702-434-0202)

It's not a craft store, but a good cause just the same. Opportunity Village's Magical Forest is a feast for the eyes, with more than one million white lights and displays donated by local businesses. A few small craft booths, featuring handmade ornaments, stockings and other holiday items, are set up on the lot of Community College of Southern Nevada's Jones and Torrey Pines campus, as are food vendors, holiday displays, a train ride and a gingerbread raffle. Both kids and adults will love it. All proceeds benefit the mentally handicapped. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for children under 12. The Magical Forest is open through Dec. 31. Call 702-255-8733 for more information.