Handmade Holidays

[Kat]

Harmony's thread got me thinking about Christmas and what we'll be doing for gifts. We have far less money than we have had in previous years due to the baby coming and my only working part-time, so I am planning on making some things. Here are some ideas I've had:

American doll clothes:

http://www.agplaythings.com/AG%20Patterns/DollDressPatterns.html

Name signs for bedrooms:

http://www.lilblueboo.com/2011/05/accidental-painting.html

Hair Posies:

http://notsoidlehands.blogspot.com/2010/04/freecycle-friday-repurposed-clothes.html

Lego Crayons:

http://www.crystalandcomp.com/2011/03/lego-crayons-a-birthday-party-favor-plus-free-printable-and-other-resources/

Cute monkey:

http://mmmcrafts.blogspot.com/2008/07/drum-roll-pleasemolly-monkey-pattern.html

Or owl:

http://www.makeit-loveit.com/2010/12/snuggly-owl-for-sewing-republic.html

I also thought about making a paper airplane kit in a binder for my nephew. I'd include printable instructions for different planes found on the internet and some thin weight paper from my scrap booking supplies (I don't really scrapbook anymore)

What are some of your ideas? Include links if you have them! :)

[redfox]

God grief! Christmas?!? My peas just bloomed... please don't make me think about Christmas yet... however, I think you rock! Those are great ideas. We usually give away home canned yummies & other food items, baked goods, etc.

[Kat]

Haha! I know, redfox, but it takes time to make things, and I am thinking that I will be pretty useless the first few months after the baby is born, what with lack of sleep inducing me into a zombie-like stupor and all ;)

I'd love to learn how to can and share the gift of summer's bounty. I don't know why, but I am kind of afraid of it. I think I am worried that 1) I'll put away a million jars of something that tastes bad or 2) I'll do it wrong and make everyone sick. I need to get past the fear and just give it a shot. If I fail, I fail. I can always try again, right? (well, unless I am dead from botchulism) :laff:

[redfox]

Canning is not hard. And, start with simple stuff - raspberry jam, apple sauce, etc. I canned baby food! Apples & plums pureed together. Taste it before you can it, you'll know. I bet there are classes in your area...