For those people who find it difficult to shop for Christmas presents, the Fair City Homemakers presented other options during Wednesday’s Christmas in July event at the Washington Parish Fairgrounds.

There were demonstrations on how individuals can make homemade presents and gifts from items easily found around the house or outdoors.

Approximately 40 people turned out for the demonstrations. Proceeds from the annual event benefit the association’s various community service projects.

“The purpose of the event was to give people an idea for Christmas so you can get your Christmas projects started and to use your imagination,” Homemakers Council of Washington Parish President Jackie Smith said. “You see what you can make with little of nothing.”

Franklinton’s Monica Simmons displayed her Christmas wreath constructed from driftwood and decorated with berries. She also displayed Christmas gift bags, stockings and Santa Claus socks made from regular socks and ornaments made from clothespins.

“All of the stuff is very easy to make and is cheap,” Simmons said. “It’s just your imagination. I usually see something and add my little twist to it.”

Simmons said she gathered the items for the wreath from her time spent outdoors.

“I love nature. My boyfriend has a dozer service, and when he is on the dozer, I’m gathering vines from the trees in the woods. When I went to the river, I started gathering driftwood and added a few berries. I normally do all natural things.”

Lorell Morris demonstrated how she made all glass party trays.

“It takes about two hours for all the glue to set. It makes a perfect gift,” Morris said.

Mount Hermon’s Susan McNeese also displayed her Styrofoam wreath. It was made out of small boxes gathered from around the house. She also added Christmas balls to the wreath.

“Use your trash to make your boxes for the wreath,” McNeese said. “The boxes are glued on and the bow is mesh.”

McNeese also demonstrated making artificial plants.

“Pipe cleaners are good for tying bows,” McNeese said. “Your first impression for how things might turn out is usually right. The more you analyze it, it doesn’t work.”

Smith displayed a Cat in the Hat wreath constructed out of cardboard.

Janet Stevens showed her layered sand candles and a spice rack out of mason jars.

Pauline Creel showed how earrings can be made out of paper.

Vicki Schilling showed her thunder gourd, which make a sound like thunder when the string underneath is pulled.