Handmade Holidays: The Beginning

By Elizabeth

Every year I try to give at least one handmade Christmas present -- the fall weather seems to switch my crafty mojo into high gear so I always get excited about making stuff at this time of year.  

As part of my continued thriftiness, this year I am going to try to make as many of my holiday gifts as I can -- I'm not going to make EVERYTHING, because it's really important to me that even home made gifts are GOOD gifts, and there's nothing on earth that I could make that my step father would want, for example. But I do have a lot of ideas and I'm looking forward to putting my giant mountain of fabric scraps to good use.  

I'm off to a good start - my best friend has a birthday in November and I made her this coffee sleeve and a french press cozy, using the pattern here for a coffee sleeve and then just adapting it a bit for the french press. (Um, Sara, if you're reading this, act surprised come November 24th, eh? Thanks!)

If you're not feeling the craftiness, you can get all this stuff by the dozens over at Etsy, but hopefully you'll get inspired to make at least something this year. I've got big plans for pillows, a fabric advent calendar, camera straps, cards, and whatever else I can dream up. Speaking of which, here's a great list of free patterns and lots of fun ideas!

So, what are you going to make this year? Got any more home made gift ideas for me?

Comments

[La Petite Chic]

They're both darling! I love the mix of fabrics on the french press cozy.

[Kristie]

I love the coffee sleeve. Gah, I wish I was this crafty!

I think I'm going to make some dark chocolate dipped pretzel rods with sprinkles to add to my gifts.

[Krist]

Thanks for the great link Elizabeth! I've been knitting leg warmers, scarves and hats out of some really yummy yarn! Always love your ideas.

[Manda]

I really think I'm going to try this! Who needs sleep when you can stay up all night making stocking stuffers!! :)

[Christina]

YES! Thank you- those coffee sleeves will make prefect stocking suffers for my family of Starbucks addicts- that little button just makes it.

[BUNNYSLIPPERS]

There is an awesome sock monkey tutorial out there too, if you have any kids on your list.