ASK AMY

Dear Readers:

A few weeks back, in response to a letter from "Not a Crafting Queen," who inquired about what to do about her crafty friend's handmade gifts, I asked readers to respond by telling me about their most hideous handmade gifts.

The results are in.

First we need to stipulate that every handmade gift is a thing of beauty in its own right. We don't want to make fun of the people who create these treasures -- but surely we can laugh at these peculiar creations.

Particular favorites of mine are the crocheted or knitted toilet paper roll holders. If there was a hall of fame of classic crafts, these items would have a display case all to themselves.

Dear Amy:

I've got a gem for you. My gal pal proudly presented me with a five-foot-tall faux topiary shaped like a chicken. I accepted the chicken tree as graciously as I could.

I knew I would have to display this topiary when my friend came calling, and so I placed it on the front porch. My friend nodded approvingly, but she suggested that maybe I needed a "pair" of them, one on each side of the front door, to attain a more symmetrical balance. Let's all pray that she forgets this idea.

Christi

Dear Amy: