Dave Mundt wrote:
Greetings and Salutations...
snip
I would also protest (loudly) at the concept that it is tacky
to make gifts oneself. That is an annoying lie, pushed by the retail
industry and the folks out there that are "craft challenged". The
fact of the matter is that it is EASY to simply throw money at the
problem and pick up a vase or toy or bowl. It is far more meaningful
to throw time and talents at the problem to create something unique
for the recipient. (grumble, grumble, grumble).

Dave, Thanks for the great reply. For clarification, I was only saying
"tacky" in that these gifts are last minute. While we do have people in
our family who, upon opening a gift say, "oh, you made this" in a way
that it is clear they think a purchased gift is better. These are the
people we especially give hand made gifts to.
I am a homebuilder by trade and in addition to pottery and woodworking
we also have dabbled in glass blowing, stained glass, and my wife has
done numerous other things, beading, knitting, and so on. Needless to
say handmade gifts are the norm rather than the exception for us. One
year we used scraps from jobs (mahoghany decks, teak, cedar, and so on)
and made 35 dove tailed boxes with stained glass lids for gifts. We just
try to change it up each year.
My theory is, spend 400.00 on a leigh jig, another router for the
router box, and make gifts. After the holiday I get the jig, and another
router for my collection!! My theory this year was to get a new mini
lathe but I am going to try to make do with my old lathe for another year.

Thanks again for the great reply and oodles of precious information. It
is all being put to use, in addition to all the other great info in this
thread as we speak.

Mark