things to make for the holidays and have fun doing it

[flowerseverywhere]

For a while we got so fed up we did no holiday celebration at all. Now we are at a point where we do give a few gifts but have a great deal of fun.

So I thought it would be fun if we shared ideas of what we make to share with others if you do so. These candy bar wrappers would be great cute gifts for co-workers or friends, or kids teachers. You have to be disciplined enough not to eat all the candy before you give it way.

http://www.fefifofamma.com/2011/12/last-minute-christmas-presents-candy.html

I thought these little bird ornaments were super cute

http://www.bhg.com/christmas/ornaments/easy-christmas-ornaments/#page=1

and how cute are these little mice in tin beds

http://www.ohsweetbabies.com/entertainment-wee-mouse-tin-house.php

I am working on a quilt from scraps for my sister and for my mother in law I make her a whacky placemat. This year is a watermelon slice with a bite out of it!

and here is the cutest ever pencil pouch

http://www.gwennypenny.com/2011/08/pencil-pouch-tutorial.html

it would be great for a crafty kid


I also saw a cute cupcake, it had chocolate frosting, a red candy nose, two black eyes and little twisty pretzels stuck in it's head for antlers.

[Mrs-M]

Going to come back later to peruse this topic. Thanks for starting it, Flowerseverywhere.

[Tussiemussies]

Just love the bird ornaments and the mice in their little bed. The mice could also serve as a playtoy too!

Great finds, thanks for posting, I love seeing these things!

[awakenedsoul]

I found some patterns for knitted Christmas dishcloths on line. Yesterday I started a Christmas tree one, and I'm almost done. I'm going to knit a stocking pattern and Santa one next. I also found a pattern for a tiny knitted scarf that you can wear as a holiday pin. It looks easy and cute. I'm going to crochet some Christmas pot holders, too. I bought red, green, and Christmas variegated yarn to make a patchwork pattern.

[flowerseverywhere]

ok, here is a super cute hedgehog pincushion with lots of other ideas on the blog. You could also make several in different sizes to make a family

http://maker-land.blogspot.com.au/search/label/tutorials

origami monster bookmarks

http://www.ctbakerintheacres.com/2012/02/14-lovely-days-day-2.html

a pleated tote

http://www.thimble.ca/?p=2903

[fidgiegirl]

Loooooove the birdies and the mice. I would have gone nuts for those mice as a child. I loved all things miniature.

[flowerseverywhere]

Loooooove the birdies and the mice. I would have gone nuts for those mice as a child. I loved all things miniature.

yes, I had a secret little area of the yard where I had a litttle garden with houses, acorn shells for dishes etc. where I made believe.

[Mrs-M]

It's all so darling! You have a real knack for finding such wonderful sites, Flowerseverywhere!

Wish I had a few sites to add/share.

[JaneV2.0]

Here's a charming foundation-piecing pattern suitable for a holiday potholder or (reduced) card. Embellished, it would make a handsome Christmas tree. The main page (http://forestquilting.com/paperpiecing_free_pg2.html) has lots more.
http://forestquilting.com/paperpiecing_free/paperpiecing_free_pdfs/pine_with_skirt.pdf

[fidgiegirl]

yes, I had a secret little area of the yard where I had a litttle garden with houses, acorn shells for dishes etc. where I made believe.

I want to have a Fairy Garden like this! All thanks to Miss Stella and her escapades! ;)

[flowerseverywhere]

this would make a super cute present - a triple zipper pouch

http://aquilterstable.blogspot.com/2012/08/triple-zip-pouch-tutorial.html

super cute placemats

http://www.craftandfabriclinks.com/placemats/july4.html

caterpillar softie, would be great with Eric Carles book

http://craftblog.com.au/2009/04/04/caterpillar-softie-tutorial/

really cute bunny to hand sew of felt

http://hazelnutgirl.blogspot.com/2009/07/hazelnuts-felt-bunny-tutorial.html

so little time!

[frugalone]

That hedgehog pincushion is adorable!!

[Rosemary]

Ran across this today - I love it.
http://yougogirl.typepad.com/you_go_girl/2011/11/felt-squirrel-tutorialfinally.html

[flowerseverywhere]

Jane, your paperpiecing link is great. I had been thinking about making MIL a couple of small placemats. she likes to have a cup of tea and a few crackers when she sits down to read in the afternoon and those designs would look great. I am going to make a small size to put on her chairside table.

Rosemary, those little ornaments are adorable. Did you see the link to similar ones that look like owls?

I also saw a really cute stuffed owl with a pocket with three little owls in it that was in a magazine I am thinking about copying.

I also must confess that I have become so against the warehouse and big box shopping that everyone from now on is getting something homemade, no matter how small or simple when I need to give a gift. The frenzy that was black thursday and black friday sickens me- just more junk in the landfill.

[Mrs-M]

I love this thread! How I envy those who have the disposable time to their name and are able to involve themselves with the likes of. Crafting, could easily become an illness of mine, dominating all my time and taking over the entire home!

[flowerseverywhere]

rootbeer (or beer) reindeer. What a hoot to bring to a party

http://www.fingerprintsonthefridge.com/2010/11/15/handmade-christmas/

sock animals and snowmen

http://www.craftpassion.com/2012/04/how-to-sew-sock-monkey.html/2

http://www.thenshemade.com/2011/01/sock-snowmen.html

http://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Rabbit-out-of-a-Sock

http://www.craftpassion.com/2012/05/sock-bunny-sewing-tutorial.html/2

[Lainey]

I want to have a Fairy Garden like this! All thanks to Miss Stella and her escapades! ;)

oooh, now you've started it: search "Fairy Garden" on pinterest:
http://pinterest.com/search/?q=fairy+garden

I thought these were so cute I've actually made one with stuff I found at 2nd hand shops, and leftover Michaels crafts stuff.
But I think a fair-weather version would be fun tucked away in a corner of the garden would be adorable.