Tim Hauser and Todd Rank display a selection of the sports team- themes on gazing balls they make at the Tama county Career development Center. These and other gift ideas are available at the center in downtown Tama. News-Herald/ John Speer

Running out of ideas for Christmas gifts this year? Shopping locally at all the fine merchants can certainly fill those needs.

And don’t overlook the unique offerings made by consumers at the Career Development Center in downtown Tama.

Featured in the photos here are the popular gazing balls which they’ve been creating for seven years, staff member Berlene Wobeter says.

These yard ornaments, which could also make a great interior decor item, won’t shatter like the glass ones – at least not the objects themselves.

If you’re unfamiliar, they’re crafted from used bowling balls.

Designs are applied to the surface using colored pieces of glass and mirror. They are grouted after the pieces are affixed.

Some of the most popular are the school and sports themed gazing balls, but colorful ones in a variety of designs are available for purchase.

The Career Development Center has a variety of gift items some of which include yard lanterns made from bottles, gourd bird houses, neck pillows, note cards, hair pin bars and jewelry.

Consumers at the center also welcome piece work from businesses. Staff member Missy Massengale says some of the work they do includes newsletter and envelope stuffing, shredding of business records and light assembly work.

Todd Rank grouts an Iowa Hawkeye gazing ball at the Tama County Career Development Center on Tuesday, Dec. 11. Many gazing balls and other unique gift items are created at the center in downtown Tama.