Handmade gifts can be lovely and special alternatives to store-bought holiday gifts. Arts and crafts bring out the creative talents of the Norfolk Craft Mafia.

"Ours is kind of just a group that we wanted to be able to draw out the more artistic and creative people in the area," explains Amber Nussbaum.

The 20-something members, like Godfather Don Corleone, have 'an offer you can’t refuse.'

"The Craft Mafia runs skill sharing workshops which are free for mafia members to attend and what we'll do is someone that's in the mafia that has a particular skill will host a workshop and share that skill with other people," Nussbaum says.

A popular item that's easy to make is marble magnets. First, choose an image for the back of your marble.  Trace around it and cut it out.  Add a dab of glue and then apply the paper.  Let it dry for a couple of hours. After that, attach a magnet and you’re done.

"You don't have to have a super fancy sewing machine or have knitted for 20 years or whatever to make a really special handmade gift," Nussbaum notes.

She adds, though, that you should start now if you’re going to make your gifts.  Some projects take longer than others.

Members of the Norfolk Craft Mafia pay $20 a year and anyone can join – whether you’re a skilled crafter or are just starting out.