Things to Make and Share

This year, we are planning to focus more on spending time with the people we love and care about rather then spending money on things to give them. But, for me, it hardly feels like Christmas if I don't have things to make and share. I've compromised on a scaled back, short list of things I will share with people that I see, rather than sending lots of packages. For me, making things is a huge part of the joy that goes along with the music, twinkley lights, and sharing good cheer.

I avoid most of the busy and stressful parts of the holidays but I often think that making some things yourself could be a good antidote to all of that. Of course if adding one more to-do will make you feel like the Grinch, then you should make yourself a cup of cocoa and take some time to relax. But, if you're like me, a small project and some good podcasts (or Christmas music, if you prefer) is the perfect way to feel the truly joyful and generous spirit of this time of year. Here of some my favorites from the archives and elsewhere.

Edible Gifts:
Hot Cocoa Mix
Chai Concentrate
Chocolate Peppermint BonBons 
Lemon Curd
Homemade Mustard

Favorite Amazing Body Products You Can Make (and people will love!):
Thanks to Ashley English/Small Measure for these recipes which I make and use all the time.
Homemade Lip Balm
Homemade Body Scrub
Homemade Body Butter

Gifts You Can Sew:
Potholder Tutorial (this would go perfectly with some edible gifts or ingredients)
Reusable Fabric Bag (excellent for wrapping)
Relaxing Eye Pillow (goes well with some homemade body products)

I just put up my festive garland which I am always tempted to leave up year round, but I like the surprise of seeing it each December.

Happy making and making merry!

A Crafty Holiday

Thanks to Angela from The Artist's House we are hopping from blog to blog to share ideas about buying handmade and making it a crafty holiday. A whole variety of bloggers are participating to inspire all of us to choose handmade.

Let me start my thoughts on this topic by confessing two things. One: I usually don't like to think about Christmas until well after Thanksgiving, around December 1. Two: I often try to make all my gifts rather than buy them.

Now, you may see the problem with these two things. Without much time to plan ahead it is hard to make all the gifts that I intend to. Usually, after a whirlwind of making that ends just before December 25, I vow that next year I will start sooner. So, here I am. I've been thinking about what I want to give for the holidays this year. I've also been thinking about what I want to make. It all comes down to handmade.

It is so important to me to give things that are made with care, by people who are fairly compensated for their work, using materials and practices that are not harmful. Whether it is made by me or someone else, giving handmade seems like the best way to ensure all of this. It frequently amazes me to realize all of the unique and carefully crafted things that people are making and the huge variety of these that you can find online, at craft fairs and holiday sales and in local shops.

Some items that I love (and would joyfully give or receive):



1. A cozy and beautiful Autumn Vine Hoodie from Anna Joyce
2. Creative and lovely Origami Reusable Food Bags from The Fabric Society
3. A Tiny House from My House Party
4.The Ocean Waves Scarf from Knit Frekkles

There are a couple of handmade gift ideas (below) that made me think of my husband, Ray. I love this card from eggagogo because its a funny way of saying that I really appreciate all of his love and support and I don't know how I would do everything that I dream of without him. He brews beer in our kitchen so I think he would appreciate this wonderfully designed Beer print from Manvsink.



Finally, I wanted to remind you that even if you are making your own handmade gifts, you still can find supplies, gift tags or seasonal cards made with care by other creative people .




1. Beautiful yarn from icelandic sheep from Woolever Farm In Maine.
2. Handmade Glass Beads from Cynthia Murphy.
3. Sweet holiday cards from Plain Jane Store.
4. Wonderfully designed letter press Love and Joy Gift Tags from Red Bird Ink.

If I haven't given you enough ideas and reasons to buy handmade, especially for the holidays, check out the previous Crafty Holiday posts and be sure to hop along tomorrow to see what Brandi has to say at brandi girl.