Handmade Christmas Gifts

Ok, there's still time!  We have four full days until Christmas, so if you don't have all your Christmas shopping done - why not go handmade?  Handmade gifts are a wonderful way to show people how much you care about them.  I love handmade because as I am working on a gift, I am constantly thinking about the person I am creating for, imagining how they will enjoy the gift and often reflecting on my relationship with the person.

While there is nothing wrong with purchasing a gift, by all means, I have purchased some gifts this holiday season, but if you have the time (and trust me, some of these things don't take too much time), try going handmade.  I guarantee you will get SO much more satisfaction out of giving rather than receiving this holiday season.

Since we just had our first Christmas celebration (of three) I can reveal some of my handmade goodies.  So to inspire you - here are some of the things I have crafted over the last month for some special people in my life (more to come after Christmas #2 & #3)!!

Modern Baby Booties (for Savannah's Godparents little guy, Luca)

For these baby booties, I used the pattern from Amy Butler's: Little Stitches for Little Ones book.  I used wool suiting material for the exterior and a nice soft brown cotton for the interior lining.  The booties fasten with a velcro closure.

Ornament, Decoration or Pin Cushion (for my Mom and good friend Lara)

I LOVE how these turned out - SO cute!  These can be used as a decoration hung over a door knob anywhere in your home.  Or they can be an adorable Christmas tree ornament or they can even be hung on your bobbin winder and act as a pin cushion.  Here is the pattern for these cutie little hearts (www.thepatchworkorange.com) - the pattern is on the right side-bar.  This is a great pattern for a beginner sewer.  There are no curves in the sewing (all straight lines).  The heart is formed by the ribbon.  If you are new to sewing - give it a try!!

Pillow for the Cottage Mama's Mama

This pillow was made from Mary Engelbreit's fabric (Recipe for Friendship).  I used a fabric yo-yo to embellish the pillow.  This pillow will make a great accent in my Mom's new sewing studio!

Picture (for my father-in-law)

I got this idea from a blog I read (Little Birdie Secrets).  I love this picture and was trying to think of something creative to do with it - when I saw this idea, I knew this was it!  I used an unfinished wood plaque and painted it.  I then added scrapbooking papers and the picture with Mod Podge. The letters are stickers that I Mod Podged over and I then used a strong craft glue to ahere the felt ribbon.  I am posting this now because I'm quite sure my father-in-law doesn't read my blog (so don't show him this Gigi, if you are reading).

Giant Fleece Fish (for my daughter, Savannah)

This was an original idea I had.  I was searching around the net and didn't see many stuffed fish.  My daughter loves fish so I thought I would make her this neat one with lots of scales.  Fleece doesn't fray, so this works perfect because you don't have to finish the edges.  If you would like to make this fish for your little one, here is my tutorial: (www.thecottagehome.blogspot.com/2009/12/fleece-fish-tutorial.html ).

Cottage Mama's Note:  If you would like a tutorial for anything you see here (that I haven't already posted), please email me or leave me a comment and I would be happy to give you a "how to"!!