Thanks for the crafty support, all. We actually have a basement full of crafts - enough to start our own craft store! The kids use it all the time. Everything from beads, jewelry parts, tons of scrapbook stuff, soap making kids, candle kits, and on and on and on. It was just a time issue for me this winter but I wanted to be in on the exchanges! So far, the little houses for Toots were made by my sister and her husband and the ornaments for Donna were made by my daughter. So, at least the crafts are made within the same family - no outsourcing. Except for those goodies I sent to my SoWal valentine this year - those were definitely not made by anyone in my family, but we sure know how to eat them so that makes them special.
But oh will I be ready for the Christmas exchange! I already have the plan...
I don't think it matters who makes it. by next year, I'll probably buy all my exchange thingys. I'll be over it, but not willing to give it up entirely! don't want to be left out of any gift giving and receiving!!!

and one from a real special teacher