The modern handmade movement has reached a new high in the Dayton area, with three events planned for this holiday season.

We offer a closer look at these area events at which you can support local vendors and buy handmade gifts for your family and friends.

Handmade Holiday Dayton 2012

Handmade Holiday Dayton 2012 will take place from 5-10 p.m. Friday, Dec. 7, and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8, at the Yellow Cab building, located at 700 E. Fourth St., in Dayton.

More than 30 artisan vendors — including 5 Orange Potatoes, which offers handmade, plush animals sewn together from thrifted sweaters and vintage fabric; and Inspired Gardens, which sells outdoor garden art — will be present.

At the event, attendees may get themed photos — such as an “ugly Christmas sweater” photo — taken by Mugshot Studios. These photos will be printed and sold on-site.

The event also will feature raffle prizes from area establishments, including a $100 gift card for Thai 9 restaurant; a free private lesson or free admission to a class, valued at $40, from Sew Dayton; and a hat with a $100 value from BRIM. Raffle tickets cost $1 each, with special prices for packages of tickets.

In addition, the first 25 purchasers each day will receive a “swag bag” full of handmade items donated from participating vendors and other local organizations.

Handmade Holiday Dayton 2012, which is admission free and open to the public, is a fundraiser for the Yellow Cab building, a community arts space. The event is hosted by a team of seven people, including artisan vendors, appreciators of handmade items, a representative from the Yellow Cab building and a graphic designer.

“This year will definitely be the biggest show yet,” said Lissa Lush, an event team member. “That’s because we have had so much support from the community. … There really isn’t any need …to go to a big-box store any more like Target and Wal-Mart.”

For more information, go to www.facebook.com/events/304381006344863/.

Urban Holiday

The first Urban Holiday will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 7, at the K12 Gallery for Young People, located at 510 E. Third St., in Dayton.

Fourteen vendors — including Tiarella’s Clutch, which makes handmade bags out of recycled materials; and Miss Motleys, which offers sewed, knitted and crocheted items such as fingerless gloves — will take part in the event.

Also during the event, attendees may view the exhibition “American Immigration: A Local Perspective” and artwork by students of Horizon Science Academy Dayton Elementary School, on display at the gallery.

Urban Holiday is hosted by the Handmade Dayton Etsy team, a local organization. It is admission free, and open to the public.

“We painted a sign that said ‘Don’t go to the mall. Shop handmade.’,” said Julie Crusenberry, one of the leaders of the Handmade Dayton Etsy team. “It’s kind of like a call to action for people who are shopping this holiday season. Support your local community by buying handmade.”

For more information, go to www.facebook.com/events/332358646862363/.

Crafty Christmas

Crafty Christmas, held for the first time this year, will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 15, at the Black Oak Swim Club, located at 1570 Ambridge, in Centerville.

Twenty vendors — including Ellie & Liv, which makes handmade hair accessories for girls of all ages; and The Wild Prairie, which sells soap and other body items — will be on hand.

A free raffle for handmade items will be part of the event. Refreshments will be available; some will be free, while others, including handmade chili, will be on sale.

Crafty Christmas, hosted by the Handmade Dayton Etsy team, is admission free and open to the public.

“It’s family friendly, and we want to provide a holiday atmosphere,” Crusenberry said of the event.

For more information, go to www.facebook.com/home.php#!/events/555442137805839/.