Friday, June 18, 2010

Handmade Holidays

Today's post is the first in a series I'll be writing over the next six months. I know it's early to start thinking about the end of the year and all that it entails but I like preparing for things before hand. Enough gets shoved at me without notice, I try and control what I can.

This year, I want to do at least 90% of our gifts to give and get handmade. Either by me or another doesn't really matter. I want to choose gifts to give infused with love and hardwork. If I make the gifts I need time to plan it out and make it in semi-secret. The other ten percent will be things I just don't have the ability to make, like art and school supplies. And possibly underwear (though I actually do know how to make those).

So far, I have planned to make the kids each a pillowcase. I already have the fabric for Cordelia's. I found cute blue manatee fabric. Manatees are her favorite. For some bakers in my life, I'll be making some homemade vanilla extract that I'll gift in pretty bottles. I have to start it now because it takes a good six months to marinate before use.

Those are the only things solidly on the gift list. I'm debating making a felt board with lots of pieces which will be a group gift. Possibly drawing a coloring book. Amelia and Max may get new quilts. I might upcycle some clothes for new things in the dress-up boxes and possibly make our own version of pillow pals. I might try my hand at homemade jelly candies, too. The soap I've been wanting to make might get given as gifts if I get around to making it.

It's early, I know, but has anyone else started thinking of creating a Handmade Holiday this year?

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Every year I plan on giving handmade gifts - some years I do pretty good at planning and getting things done, some not so good. It's never too early to start.

MareMare said...

I always give some handmade gifts, but never quite as many as I want to! I did decide today that I will definitely be making lap sized(ish) quilts for my sil and 3 nephews. I have the fabric for my sil's in my stash and maybe 70% of the fabric for the boys' quilts. Not too bad, now if I can only get to work before december!