Hobby Centers Make Great Holiday Gifts for Growing Legions of Crafters

(ARA) - Homemade presents have always ranked high with holiday gift-givers and receivers alike. But this year, with 8 out of ten American households claiming at least one family member engaged in a craft or hobby, supplying these talented gift-givers with the supplies, tools and furniture to support their leisure-time projects is certain to be popular.

The typical crafter spends an average of 7.5 hours a week pursuing his or her interest, according to the Hobby Industry Association (HIA); and the craft and hobby industry is projected to reach $32 billion in sales after four straight years of double-digit growth.

What’s the reason for the surge in sewing, scrapbooking and cross-stitching? Crafts are favorite hands-on activities for Americans eager to stay home for security, togetherness and some good, old-fashioned entertainment. Handiwork is soothing and satisfying. And in a complex world where few daily projects reach completion, crafts offer a fulfilling sense of “a job well done” at day’s end.

In fact, the HIA reports that 74 percent of women polled find it relaxing to pursue a craft, and two-thirds like to give the projects they make as gifts. But men and legions of young people are also adding their numbers to the growing group of people taking up a craft or hobby to enrich their leisure hours. Celebrities too, such as Julia Roberts, Nicole Kidman and even Madonna, are sewing and knitting up a storm.

In response to this growing interest in crafts, Sauder has introduced a line of furnishings designed to accommodate the many facets of at-home handiwork. The company’s Crafts Center collection features three designs created to serve the needs of a wide range of hobbyists.

The highlight of the new Sauder collection is a mobile craft center that features a drop leaf extension to provide extra workspace for sewing or crafts. Three storage bins also provide plenty of space for stashing yarn, scrapbook supplies or other accessories. Sauder’s craft armoire has a space-saving cabinet that conceals craft supplies and more behind louver-detailed door panels. A drop-leaf extension serves as an additional work surface, and a center shelf also features a power strip with convenient electrical access for a sewing machine. The mobile worktable by Sauder is a great fit for crafters who only have a small space or the corner of a room to devote to their hobby. With two drop-leaf extensions, this piece folds into a small cabinet when not in use.

Sauder's new Craft Centers collection features traditional styling and a variety of finishes including warm Spiced Pine, rich American Cherry and casual Antiqued White. Good-looking enough for the family room, the new designs are also scaled to fit a compact hobby room or nook, providing the organized and disorganized hobbyist alike “a place for everything and everything in its place.”

For information about Sauder products, visit www.sauder.com or call the toll-free customer hotline at (800) 523-3987.

Courtesy of ARA Content

You can purchase this and other fine Sauder products at the following locations: Stacks and Stacks, Walmart

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