Some Long Island, N.Y., Crafts Makers Find Holiday Period Unkind to Business.

By Nat Worden, Newsday, Melville, N.Y. Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News

Dec. 10--While shopping malls and department stores are hit by the post-Thanksgiving retail frenzy, Long Island's independent arts and crafts businesses offer holiday shoppers a homegrown alternative.

"I depend on holiday sales for over 50 percent of my annual business," said Therese Madonia, who makes functional pottery items -- like bowls, cups, plates and pitchers -- and does some mosaic tile work.

Madonia, a former News 12 assignment editor from Farmingville, burne