Christmas is the perfect time to get crafty, as Jasperite Erin Bayus knows.

She was inspired to start making her own hand-woven scarves to mimic one she purchased at a Winners store, and is now starting up a business called Wrapped Around You. 

Though in the past she’s made them as donations to the women’s shelter, Bayus will sell the scarves for Christmas gifts this year. To stay true to her sense of social responsibility, Bayus said she plans to donate 10 per cent of her profits to the food bank and 10 per cent to the Jasper Artists Guild.  

Sitting in front of her fireplace, Bayus, on her homemade loom, constructed of wood, shelf hangers, clothes hangers, nails and bungee cords, deftly weaves colourful yarns creating a single scarf in “two to three hours all said and done.”   

Taking one day a week off from her job at Soft Rock Café isn’t much for Bayus when it comes to doing what she loves. “I would really like to reserve my creative freedom for it, because otherwise it will seem like work and that’s not really what I’m into,” she said.  

For more information contact Bayus at 780-852-7293.  

The Fitzhugh aims to provide information about unique or handmade gifts as the holiday season approaches. Know someone in town who creates something that would make a great gift? Let us know at 780-852-4888.