There's a revival of a tradition which was on hold for seven years. For the three decades it was originally in operation, Santa's Workshop in St. Marys was constantly in search of a place to call home.

"They would be in a store, somebody's house," says Nicole Lowther, one of three coordinators of the holiday crafts store. "We didn't have a place to have it. Once the buildings ran out, Santa's Workshop ran out."

Until this year. It's now in the historic building that's the home of Alexander Creel, the original founder of St. Marys. And for this weekend and next, it houses display tables for everything from homemade purses to homemade framed drawings.

And, in this tight economy, people looking for new and less-expensive gift ideas might find an alternative in these hand-crafted items.

"A homemade gift is a lot better than a store-bought gift," says Joanna Wheeler, one of the dealers. "You know that whoever you bought it from put his heart and soul into it."

"We're all independent business owners and crafters," Lowther says. "We've all been shopping between ourselves, and we hope people shop from hometown businesses. Everyone here is from this area."

And the money stays there. Proceeds from the sale go to non-profit groups, including organizations for the needy, meaning people who buy gifts here, give twice.

Santa's workshop is located at the foot of Sreel street in St. Marys, along the Ohio River.

It's open this and next Friday from 9 A.M. to 4 P.M..and this Saturday, from 9 A.M. to 7 P.M...including during and after the St. Mary's Christmas parade. Santa will be greeting patrons from 10-1 Saturday morning.

And speaking of the Christmas parade...if you come to the parade, which gets under way at 6 P.M., we hope you'll bring along a new, un-wrapped toy for "Toys for Tots".

WTAP personalities will be taking part in the St. Marys Christmas parade, collecting your donations.