It’s June 25th and you know what that means: only six months left until Christmas!
Hey, I heard that! Don’t move on to the next blog before giving me a chance to explain.
Like so many others, I have grand plans when it comes to the holidays. I always intend to make X number of gifts. Of course, this impulse typically hits around Thanksgiving and the fact of the matter is that there’s just not enough time to make something for everyone in those last few weeks leading up to Dec. 25.
This year, however, I’m starting earlier — and I’m dragging you, dear reader, along with me. Welcome to the Crafty Christmas Countdown! It’s the six-month (more or less) plan to make the 2008 holidays filled with a few more handmade things and a few less manufactured gifts. I’ll be posting regularly not only my progress but also tons of gift ideas for everyone on your list with links to patterns, free tutorials and even ready-made gifts by other crafters.
Feel free to grab the graphic to post on your own blog or site. I’m also looking for gift ideas to feature, so zip an email to me at mac (at) flourishes dot com with your great idea. Now, on with the crafty gifting!
Everyone has someone on her list who could use a little pampering. (Heck, most of us probably could!) Start with a spa towel wrap, courtesy of this tutorial at CraftStylish. Think how great this would be with a towel that matches the recipient’s decor, or even her favorite color. You can even make a matching hair-wrap towel with the tute here. Add a great bath bomb or salts (like the all-natural Bergamot-Rose Bath Bomb from Dustpan Alley). One of my favorite stress relievers is a scented eye pillow and Amy Butler makes it easy to make one for gifting with a free pattern. (Click on the link, then the Free Pattern link on the site.) While you’re at it, make a few extras to stick in stockings or to have on hand when you need a little something to give that’s more personal than a gift card to the coffee shop.
25 June, 10:23 pm
I’d love to be able to give more handmade presents. But I don’t know if I can drag myself to start soooo early. It’s such a good idea though.
Here, kick me in the pants, Mary! I need it to get going!
Kukys last blog post..More of the Little Story
25 June, 10:52 pm
oh you gotta be kidding! i think i just recovered from last christmas a week ago. but i suppose you are right. here we go again. i’m coming. kicking and screaming (not really).
heidis last blog post..new wall art
25 June, 11:27 pm
Ok Mary!
Can’t wait to see the ideas:)
I would love to be early this year!!!
Really like Amy Butler designs…
Smiles,
kayellen
kayellens last blog post..Many Thanks!
25 June, 11:52 pm
Yeah, I’m the same. I can’t seem to start this early. I should since it’s winter here lol and I definitely wont’ feel like doing it in the summertime when we could be outside enjoying the weather lol. However, I am looking forward to seeing what you find lol. I’ll let you do all the hard work. Will these be levels of craftiness? I love the sewing projects but I’m not that advanced at it.
Christis last blog post..I Must Be Nuts!
26 June, 12:55 am
I am so with you! I was just thinking about this the other day and how I really need to get my gift list together for loved ones of things I want to make. I better get started early since my sister-in-law has asked me to help out with seven sets of hand-embroidered kitchen towels….I have to come up with the designs and all. Fun! Well, it is fun, but with all the other stuff I am wanting to get done, I need to get started, like, last week!
Can’t wait to see all you’ve got planned!
26 June, 3:47 am
OK – this is such a wonderful idea – can’t wait to go along on the ride with you!
Ambers last blog post..Re-arranging
26 June, 9:54 am
You are ambitious! If I can get ambitious, I’ll join in the fun. I need a plan first of all – what to make for who. Last year I ended up making several Christmas gifts even though I started fairly late – if I get going early, maybe I can make most of them this year.
26 June, 11:28 am
WHAT?! My kids just got out for summer vacation yesterday. Let me get through the next few months before talkin’ Christmas!!
Lis Garretts last blog post..excuses
26 June, 8:04 pm
Ohhhh wonderful! I can’t wait to get the Amy B freebie!! My mother did handmade gifts starting the day after Christmas last year, and did a wonderful job! I got TWO pairs of knitted wool socks…
sadiras last blog post..Decorate…
27 June, 1:35 pm
cool idea, good planning!
3 July, 1:15 pm
Soulemama just featured a very cute sewn folder that holds note cards, stamps, etc., for taking those “thank you notes to be written” on the go with you. She didn’t post a tutorial or anything, but the idea is great, and it looks pretty easy to replicate. I think it would make a great gift, filled with some stamps and pretty stationery, for anyone on your list.
http://www.soulemama.com/soulemama/2008/07/gratitude.html
Tinas last blog post..Learning to crochet
6 July, 11:04 am
I am definitely with you on the Holiday Gift Mission. I am also going to be on the lookut on Flickr for a group that has lots of project ideas!
Nicoles last blog post..I love this patio!
11 August, 11:54 pm
You are so funny! I have been thinking the same thing! So much to do for the upcoming holidays. I need to make some Halloween costumes, tree skirts, stockings…in addition to presents! Thank goodness I started buying supplies for this coming Christmas last Christmas!