Countdown to Christmas!

The fun, fast-paced days of getting ready for holiday celebrations are upon us! November is the time that I concentrate on preparing some handmade gifts. I usually make something for everyone in my Studio as well as for special friends and my family members. "Handmade" gifts don't have to be huge productions, and don't have to be entirely handmade. Just some custom touches can make it special. Here are some gift ideas that are fast and fun—

Fleece Pillows and Throws

I love working with fleece because it is soft, ravel-free, and comes in fun colors and patterns. My new line of fleece for Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores is especially fun for holiday projects with penguins, snowmen, and dots and stripes among the many designs. I can make a simple throw or pillow in about an hour—a perfect project for multi-tasking while watching television.

Hot Chocolate Gift Set

For your group of favorite gals, I suggest making hot chocolate gift sets. Mix up a big batch of homemade hot chocolate mix (there are lots of recipes on the internet); package the mix in cellophane bags tied with small red ribbons and add a cute label. Print the labels on the computer and include instructions on how much of the hot chocolate mix to use in a mug of water. For the finishing touch, decorate labels with candy cane scrapbook stickers. Put the packaged hot chocolate mix into a cute mug (this year I'll be using my cute penguin mugs that I designed for Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores). Then wrap the whole thing in cellophane, tie on candy canes with a red ribbon and add a gift tag. Cute!

Gift of Photos

There's nothing more treasured than photos and it's easy to create a special, personalized gift when you showcase your photo in a hand-decorated frame. Use scrapbook supplies like my new Winter Botanicals to create a frame that's perfect for the winter season. Or, transform an unfinished frame into a fun gift for a sewer by adorning it with colorful buttons. Use a hot glue gun to adhere buttons onto the frame. Or cover the frame with seashells for an ocean lover or with twigs and small pinecones for an outdoorsman. Have a friend who likes games? Use puzzle pieces or board game pieces to cover the frame. Use your imagination to create the perfect frame for a special photograph for everyone on your gift list.

Other Ideas:

Use glass paint to paint simple designs on two wine glasses. Package glasses with a bottle of wine or sparkling cider.

Create necklaces and bracelets for women friends using a variety of beads.

Make a set of napkins and use beads or felt and buttons to create napkin holders. Package with homemade or purchased placemats.

Check through our project archives for many more fun ideas!

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