Holiday Gift-Making Guide: From Ornaments to Personalized Keepsakes

Westchester offers a variety of hands-on holiday workshops this holiday season, providing perfect opportunities for those interested in crafting personalized gifts. Activities include printmaking, sewing, felting, ceramics, candle making, and more. Participants of all ages can explore creative techniques and produce one-of-a-kind keepsakes suitable for gifting or personal enjoyment.

December 6, 2025
Printmaking Without a Press
Presented by KinoSaito
This hands-on workshop introduces low-tech printmaking methods that can be done at home: intaglio and relief printmaking techniques. Participants experiment with color and texture, producing original prints suitable for framing or gifting. 1pm.

December 7, 14 or 21, 2025
Abstract Sewing
Presented by KinoSaito
KinoSaito’s abstract sewing workshop invites participants to treat fabric, thread and simple stitches as drawing tools. The session emphasizes experimentation over perfection, producing small textile works that function as art pieces or unique handmade gifts. 1pm.

December 7, 2025
Seasonal Felted Ornaments
Presented by Hammond Museum & Japanese Stroll Garden
This felting workshop at the Hammond Museum teaches needle-felting techniques to sculpt small soft ornaments. Participants shape wool into seasonal motifs that can hang on trees or serve as decorative accents in the home.

December 7, 2025
Ceramic Ornaments
Presented by Pelham Art Center
Pelham Art Center’s ceramic ornament class guides participants through forming, decorating and glazing small clay pieces. The session emphasizes simple shapes and surface designs, resulting in kiln-fired ornaments ready to hang or give.

December 13, 2025
Second Saturdays: Printmaking & Paper Plate Fish
Presented by ArtsWestchester
ArtsWestchester’s Second Saturdays program introduces children aged 5-12 to themes on display in the gallery’s current exhibition. In December, two projects produce personal keepsakes or heartfelt gifts: printmaking using clever carving techniques, and colorful paper plate fish. A third workshop focused on playful writing led by Westchester Poet Laureate Phylisha Villanueva will also take place. 12pm.

December 16, 2025
Linotype Workshop
Presented by Rye Arts Center
Rye Arts Center’s linotype workshop introduces relief printing techniques using carved blocks and ink. Attendees design and print their own images or cards, gaining experience with a traditional medium that lends itself to limited-edition gifts. 6:30pm.

December 18
Handmade Wrapping Paper Workshop for Adults
Presented by New Rochelle Public Library
What’s the perfect gift without the perfect presentation? Participants at New Rochelle Public Library’s handmade wrapping paper workshop will learn how to make wrapping paper with stencils and gel plates. Guests will take home their handmade paper at the end of the workshop. 10am.

December 18, 2025
Sip & Create: Candle Making
Presented by ArtsWestchester
With step-by-step guidance from an expert instructor, participating adults create a personalized candle with winter-inspired scents like pine needles and sugar cookies while enjoying a relaxed, creative atmosphere. Students leave with finished candles ideal for holiday gifts or personal enjoyment. 7pm.

Other ArtsNews Holiday 2025 Events Guides:

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