by Tawny
Tis the season to haul out the gluegun and glitter. Pom poms and paint. Construction paper chains and handcrafted snowflakes.
Ahhh, its holiday crafty time! I remember in gradeschool, this was the fun time of year. Lessons were shorter so we had more time to create. I'm a big fan of creativity, so I was always excited. I remember making gifts for my parents, cards and other fun things. Did you ever do the paper bag Santa's? Cottom ball beard and a fingerpainted face. Ahhh, the memories!
So, obviously I love to craft. I'm a huge scrapbooking fiend,
and this time of year is my call to creativity. (Okay, I admit it, I hear the call all year round, but this is the time of year that I drag everyone off to listen to it with me). I nag my kids to come make decorations for the house with me. One of my favorites is a papercrafted Christmas Tree, with loops of paper and lots of pretty sparklies.
Another thing I love making are ornaments. Michaels sells clear glass ornaments that are wonderful to fill with glitter, or to paint, or to glue bits and pieces of pretties to. Last year, we discovered the fun of making ornaments out of CDs. We
always buy CDs in bulk, so we took a half dozen and glued scrapbook paper to them, added glitter (do you see a theme here?) and ribbon to hang them from the tree. I loved it! My daughter made some for her 4H group, too, using wraping paper.
This year, we're making gifts, too. My husband cut a 4x4 into blocks for me to paint, and I've covered them with pictures and, yes, glitter. I also created calenders for all the
grandparents this year using the kids pictures. One year I decorated candles, using pretty paper and ribbon... but they caught on fire (go figure) so this is my next candle-type project -something in jars that is less likely to shock the recipient with a possible bonfire.
Tis the season to haul out the gluegun and glitter. Pom poms and paint. Construction paper chains and handcrafted snowflakes.
Ahhh, its holiday crafty time! I remember in gradeschool, this was the fun time of year. Lessons were shorter so we had more time to create. I'm a big fan of creativity, so I was always excited. I remember making gifts for my parents, cards and other fun things. Did you ever do the paper bag Santa's? Cottom ball beard and a fingerpainted face. Ahhh, the memories!So, obviously I love to craft. I'm a huge scrapbooking fiend,
and this time of year is my call to creativity. (Okay, I admit it, I hear the call all year round, but this is the time of year that I drag everyone off to listen to it with me). I nag my kids to come make decorations for the house with me. One of my favorites is a papercrafted Christmas Tree, with loops of paper and lots of pretty sparklies.Another thing I love making are ornaments. Michaels sells clear glass ornaments that are wonderful to fill with glitter, or to paint, or to glue bits and pieces of pretties to. Last year, we discovered the fun of making ornaments out of CDs. We
always buy CDs in bulk, so we took a half dozen and glued scrapbook paper to them, added glitter (do you see a theme here?) and ribbon to hang them from the tree. I loved it! My daughter made some for her 4H group, too, using wraping paper.This year, we're making gifts, too. My husband cut a 4x4 into blocks for me to paint, and I've covered them with pictures and, yes, glitter. I also created calenders for all the
grandparents this year using the kids pictures. One year I decorated candles, using pretty paper and ribbon... but they caught on fire (go figure) so this is my next candle-type project -something in jars that is less likely to shock the recipient with a possible bonfire. I have to admit, as much as I love to make crafty things, I'm not so sure people like getting them. One year I helped my brother move and was hauling out all the stuff he'd stored in his garage. I found all the crafty type gifts I'd made him s
till in their giftboxes. He claims he loved me enough to keep them and that should count for something. So a lot of times, if I'm not sure the person will really like the gift, I resort to turning my creative impulses into the kitchen. Almond toffee, fudge, cookies. Oh, yeah!So how about you? Are you a creative crafter who hauls out the glitter this time of year? Do you make your own gifts? Do you like receiving crafted gifts?
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122 comments:
no not really creative but i can send ecard lol
My breath caught for a moment when I saw the 0 comments, but alas - I too late for the GR :( Congrats Kim!
When I was first married, we hadn't two extra pennies to spend on gifts - so we made gifts for family. One year it was candies layered in a glass jar so as to be picturesque (and tasty - at least in theory), the next year we did needlepoint projects. At least one of the needlepoint projects came back to us in later years so I guess it wasn't as well-received as we'd have liked.
I burned out on the glittery crafty things when I was a cub scout & girl scout leader. Too many glue gun burns :)
However, those ornaments made by my kids in their early years definitely have a place in my heart, and on my tree. They always get a place of honor becuase they make me remember when those tall adults were short little guys.
Yay on the GR, Kim!
I used to be crafty... but now I don't really have time for it. [Well that and I used to do it for competitions, so that was motivation in and of itself :P]
My favorite thing I learned, hands down, was silk painting. And since so few people do it everyone was always so impressed ;)
YAY Kim :-) Happy Rooster Sitting. And LOL on the ecard sending.
Oooh, Donna! The layered candies sound so pretty. And I wish I knew how to needlepoint. I've seen such stunning projects and am in awe. And yeah, its a little disheartening when the projects don't bring the recipient the same joy as you put into it, isn't it?
I love the handmade ornaments. I have all the little things my girls have made and like you, they mean so much to me!
Limecello - you did craft competitions? Tell me more!!! And wow on silk painting. I've seen a few pieces and it's such an elegant and beautiful art.
Congrats Kim enjoy your day with him
Great post Tawny I am not a crafty person but when my children were young we used to make lots of Chrissy things at this time of the year mostly with paper and yes glitter and I still have a lot of them on the tree now.
Jayden and I will probably sit down next week and try our hand at some more things for the tree simple things like chain with crepe paper I should have more time next week LOL.
Every year I do make Christmas fruit cakes for friends usually 4 to 6 of them dpending on how much time I have. I have made 5 this year and I have to make 2 boiled Chrissy puddings yet one for us and one for a friend.
I do love getting presents that are hand made they are really special.
Thanks again to everyone for the congrats Corey is a cutie and Bec is getting induced tonight more fun.
Have Fun
Helen
I've always wanted to be one of those crafty people that I see shopping at JoAnn's and Michaels. I have some scrapbooking supplies, but I haven't started. I wish I could sew, I would love to make some Christmas stockings. I won't be making gifts any time soon. I'm not a baker, so I can't even give cookies or pies.
Congrats on the GR, Kim.
I'm not crafty. But I love looking at all the supplies for arts and crafts. Glitter, fancy scissors, colored markers and pretty papers. It looks like it would add up to a lot of fun. The problem is nobody in life would appreciate the end product. So I just look at the catalogs and dream!
I don't make the crafty type of gifts. I just bake and make candy.
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My kids loved to do all kinds of crafty projects when they were little. I was never a crafty person but I would buy the kids all the supplies and they would make up their decorations which we would put all over the house. I have to say I do much prefer baked goods over something I have to store. A plate of Christmas cookies never goes to waste in our house.
Seems like I am not alone in feeling a failure to be able to create my own gifts.
I have tried in the past but they looked so sad and pathetic, I couldn't bear to send them to anyone !
I used to have time to make ornaments, do needle point and embroider. Now, I just have time to knit during my work lunch break. I prefer to read when I relax at home
I love to do crafts for presents! Most of the time, I knot or crochet something (a scarf, hat, bag) for my family members, sometimes I write them individual stories or a poem (depending on my mood). Last year, I drew a lighthouse for my sister; this year I'm thinking of creating a lighthouse picture for her out of felt (she's really into lighthouses).
I used to be very crafty and did all sorts of projects. No time now. And no space!
So these days I indulge my creative cooking genes at this time of year. I like to give home-made goodies as gifts to neighbors and the mailman, etc. This year I'm making yummy Ginger-pumpkin and Raspberry White Chocolate Scones.
Now I'm hungry!
But I LOVE the handmade ornaments the kids bring home from school, etc. for the tree. They're my favorites, along with all my nutcrackers.
I don't do much crafting these days, but I still love the homemade ornaments my kids have made over the years. They get a kick out of them, too when we decorate the tree.
I usually make cookies and other baked goods for my friends and co-workers. So I guess you could say I'm crafting, but in the kitchen...no glitter, of course. :)
I don't do as many crafts as I used to do but I've made stockings, ornaments, etc. as gifts for many years. Now most of my craftiness is in the kitchen. I'll be handing out, and shipping off, many gift packages of cookies, chocolates, fudges and, yes JT, turtles. :)
My granddaughters of the heart (who used to be my neighbors) and their mom drove down from Charlotte last night and today I'm having a Christmas baking day for the girls and eight of their friends from my town. Ten teen and pre-teen girls invading my kitchen! It will be chaotic, loud, messy and FUN! :)
Working on a craft that you enjoy (key word, there!) must release some kind of feel-good chemicals in the brain, because it's just so relaxing! But if you feel like you're just not "good enough" at what you're doing--bad, bad! Find another craft, quick!
I like to hook rugs, and I love doing all those messy projects with the kiddos, they love anything with glitter, and dipping big pretzel sticks into chocolate and then sprinkles. I have beautiful scrapbooks waiting to be filled up, but I never quite "find the time" so it must not be my thing. If I had the room, I think I would love pottery. I really enjoyed it in high school.
I've emptied my curio cabinet of all my collectible objects and am filling it with the homemade things the girls give me. There's nothing better than a project from school. :)
Congrats on the GR Kim, maybe you can talk him into making you some crafty ornaments.
So how about you? Are you a creative crafter who hauls out the glitter this time of year? Do you make your own gifts? Do you like receiving crafted gifts?
Once upon a time I was a crafty person but it has been years.
I used to make gifts including string art and clocks. The clocks are so easy and just about everyone uses clocks. I like receiving hand crafted gifts, I prefer them not to be paper because it doesn't keep well. I usually keep anything given to me if it is at all possible.
PJ, have fun with the girls! We did Christmas cookie decorating at my sister's house last week. It is messy, but always fun!
What a clever post, Tawny, and how talented you are!
I used to make all sorts of crafty things. For a number of years I created by own Christmas cards and made our ornaments. I find doing "crafty" activities very restful.
I also scrapbook, but since I've been so heavily into my writing, I've found little time to do the kind of scrapbooking I want. It takes an enormous amount of time!
LOL, on the e-cards, Kim, and congrats on beating Donna out for the chook! Hehehehehe
I'm with Tawny, Limecello. I want to hear more about craft competitions. How, where, when? Very intriguing.
Helen, what's a boiled Christmas pudding?
Whoopt news -- my granddaughter arrived on the 11th -- Emma Maria! Any news about yours?
Ooops, sorry, I missed that, Helen. Corey's arrived? And another one right away. What special Christmas gifts! Talk about being crafty LOL.
I am not crafty at all, and I never give a home-gift. I am ambivalent to receiving them as well, because some people think they are astounding at what they do, and honestly they are not...
However, it is the intention that counts in the bottom, and they did work for your gift!
Tawny, I always knew you were a crafty little devil....
But it didn't involve glitter...
No, wait...maybe some glitter :-)
Anyway, I grew up crafty for sure. I've mentioned before a memory of my Mom and me sitting at the table fashioning ornaments from felt and sticks and TP cardboard holders. I still have one litte drum from that.
I also have a glass ornament given by a co-worker that she had "swirled" in paint to make it the prettiest combo of violet/lavender. It still hangs on my tree today.
Nowadays, my craft is baking which like PJ (sans teenagers) I am going to do today.
And kim h ....congrats on the GR. Watch your email account...the crafty bird may well start sending ecards to his flock.... :0
I used to make craft gifts, like plastic canvas, when I had more free time,but I just try to make cookies just for a few special people each year.
Hey, it takes a delicate touch to send that ecard, Kim! And an even more delicate touch to capture the GR. Dip his feet in paint and make chicken track pictures!
limecello, I am so jealous! Silk painting is gorgeous and requires patience as well as talent. Tell us about the competitions and you must post some photos of your work.
Before I was bitten by the writing bug I did a lot more needlework. I have a room dedicated to it in my house with all of my supplies, worktable and sewing machine.
I used to do embroidery, crewel, cross stitch, candlewicking, rug hooking and tatting. Now I get one quilt done per year and give it to one member of my family for Christmas. Last year was a flannel and black denim bear paw quilt for my brother, James. This year it is a dogwood pattern for his wife, Mindy. They pick the pattern and I do the quilt. Trust me, they have all picked enough patterns for another 50 years of quilts! I hope I can hold out!
My Mom has custody of all the ornaments we did as kids and we get a big kick out of seeing them on her tree. My niece and nephews get a bigger kick out of it. And of course THEIR ornaments have the place of honor on the tree now.
Once the grandkids arrive the kids become superfluous! Congrats to Helen and Jo and your new arrivals - Emma and Corey! Let us know about the next one, Helen!
Ditto what limecello said--not as much time to be crafty. On the other hand, my kids are starting to be old enough to be crafty, so the tree's covered with their efforts (totally cute, I think!) And we just might have to start doing crafty stuff at home, too... As for receiving crafty gifts, they can be extremely cool, and of course, I'll always support gifts I can eat! ;)
Congrats on the GR, kim!
Cool post, Tawny. I love that paper Christmas tree. I do like crafting, but I'm not all that good at it so it doesn't happen often. Something I used to do and don't seem to have time for anymore is cross-stitching.
Congrat Kim on getting the GR today. Take good care of him, he had a lot of rest yesterday.
Tawney you must be a very crafty person. I am not good with those kind of things. I do piece some quilts and sew some, but thats about it. My younger sister is pretty good at it. She has made some beautiful ornaments over the years.
Congrats Jo and Helen on your new members of the family, what a precious gift!!!
Jane, I wish I could sew too. I'd love to be able to make clothes and costumes.
I was hiding behind the door when the craft genes were handed out. But I do love receiving handmade gifts. I cherish them because they were made with heart and given with love. Such gifts are always more special to me than a store-bought present.
Woot, Kim, on catching the GR! :>
Tawny, I love scrapbooking. My BFF is a Close to My Heart consultant so I get the stamps and cool papers and stuff. I like that best because if I go to Michaels or AC Moore, I either get overwhelmed or get an inflated sense of just how much time I have and buy too much. :>
I love crafty things. As someone else said, it's difficult if it requires special storage, but otherwise, I love getting them. I of course adore food gifts...(Unless they contain green peppers to which I'm allergic, but that's not really a Christmas thing, so I'm usually safe!) Grins.
Donna I love the idea of the candies in the jar.
I love to do cross stitch too. The colors are so vivid and brilliant and the patterns so intricate. :> I like to paint too. As with our other pals here, it takes writing time, so I don't do as much as I used to!
Oh, Helen, congrats again on Corey, and Jo, congrats on Emma. Oooh, babies!!! LURVE the babies...
Congrats, Kim, on nabbing him so quickly, 'fore Donna could finish her comments.
I enjoy admiring and receiving handmade crafty gifts, but I don't have an artistic bone in my body. I love colors, but I'm an admirer not an art creator. My only crafty contribution to the family are in the card I make for my daughter for Valentine's Day and the photo ornament I make for the tree.
Tawny, your idea of a CD ornament is fab. Can I steal it???? (Pretty please, cherry on top?)
Many, many congratulations to you, Helen and to your family!!
Jo, many, many congratulations to you for Emma.
Oh, I love doing crafty stuff. I just never actually show them or the like because I'm not all that good at it. Therefore, they are not gifts. LOL :) Just for my own little pleasure and all. :)
Lois
Oh! Oh!
I had another memory.
When I was in kindergarten (ahem...a while back)we made Santa heads from balloons.
The teacher blew up the balloon then we took pink paper mache(?sp) and covered the baloon. Once it hardened, we used red tissue paper and cotton balls to glue a Santy hat on him. Cotton for his beard and tiny blue glass ornaments for eyes and a red one for his nose.
That Santa head came out for YEARS at Christmas time.
I liked my Santa (sigh)
I used to be crafty, loved to make gifts for everyone but nowadays with so many relatives I only make my own Christmas cards for everyone.
Eva, I like making cards too. I especially like making Hannukah cards because I have a lot of friends and neighbors who celebrate it and the cards in the Hallmark are just lame. :>
JT, I remember making balloon animals w/ the papier mache, but not Santa. Too cute!
Yay Helen, another glitter supporter!
The fruitcake sounds fun! I've always heard jokes about fruitcake but have a friend who makes the most incredible ones (all I've tasted) so figure the jokes are wrong *g* Good stuff! I've never had boiled pudding, though--it sounds so intriguing.
and Congrats for Corey and Bec :-)
Jane, my SIL's sister (is that a SILL?) makes the most incredible felt stockings. Like you, I can't sew but I do have major stocking envy when I see them.
Sue, finding people to appreciate the gifts is definitely a challenge. I kind of feel the same way about going into a craft store as I do going into an office supply store - it like... OMG WOW!!!
Minna, baking and making candy rock! What a lovely tablescape.
LOL Maureen. Cookies never last in my house, either. I wish people made me more goodies, edible and otherwise. Because I'm so crafty (btw, HAHA JoanieT) they tend to NOT make me stuff. Well, except for Beth :-) She usually makes me gorgeous beaded goodies.
Tawny, my sister, I feel that way about office supplies. "Oooh, look at the toys!"
Laurie, I have knitting envy. Someday I'm going to show up at Auntie Cindy's door with a bag of yarn and beg her to teach me! Did you ever make the snowflake ornaments? I think mine are crocheted - my Grampa made them for me LOL
Margay, the lighthouse drawing and felt rendition sound fabulous! I think gifts like yours are the bestest (although I admit, I do love my laptop gift LOL)
I'm not really crafty so I usually go Michael's craft store and buy the packaged kids crafts that come with all the supplies.
Christmas cookies are the homemade gifts I enjoy making and giving. Love trying out new recipes this time of year.
I love to make things all year round, but there just something about this season that makes me what to do more. Usually, I hand make all of my Christmas cards. Unfortunately, this year just got away from, so that didn't happen. The dh and I always make cookies/bars/fudge/breads for neighbors and friends. I always seem to get second requests for the oreo cheesecake bon bons. My BIL just loves those things!
I do going into an office supply store - it like... OMG WOW!!!
I LOVE Staples!
I'm like in Nirvana. Why yes, I need a jumbo bag of rubber bands, because, yanno...I might need to band something.
And envelopes! I love envelopes and binder clips, and pens and highlighters and don't even get me started on Post it notes!
Deb, space is a premium, isn't it?! Your scones sound incredible! I've never made scones, but would love to give them a try. You've made me hungry, too!!
Oh hey, we got my husband an Army nutcracker last year. It was so cute until he tried to crack a nut with it LOL.
Gannon, did you know they make edible glitter?? Yes, I've used it LOL. And I definitely consider goodies out of the kitchen crafting. They are so beautiful and even better, edible :-)
PJ, I'd love to see pictures of your stockings and ornaments, etc. I'm a glutton for new ideas!
I love having a kids baking day. We usually do that with my girls, my nephews and this year would have been my niece's first - except we're going out of town and figured it would be crazy to bake a ton then leave :( Have fun for me, okay!
Jo
Congrats on the birth of Emma aren't they just the best little babies.
As for the boiled pudding I think they are originally called plum puddings they are made of mixed fruit they are made in a cloth or a steamer tin and boiled for 6 hours then another 2 hours on the day you are using them some people pour brandy on them a set them alight not me though I love mine with custard or cream or brandied custard. yummy.
PJ
I hope you have a fun day today with all of your young friends they are are to learn a lot of nice receipes from you.
I used to knit a lot as well but don't seem to have the time like I used to I find holding a book comfortabler these days in any spare time I have.
Have Fun
Helen
Sadly, I am not a creative type person as far as presents go, but I love to make personal cards to send to family and friends. Since I don't have personal crafting abilities, I love to receive presents that are made by family members or friends as they have a special meaning for me since someone took the time to make the item. As you can tell, holidays are very sentimental for me.
Hi, Tawny! I'm no scrapbooker, but I do love handmade gifts. I'm more into baking cookies than glue & glitter but one year I made my mother in law an afghan. (Oh, okay, so it took me five years, but I had a baby in there somewhere so I get some slack.)
Anyway, it was particularly meaningful because my mother in law's own mother had passed away shortly before I married into the family, leaving behind a collection of beautiful wooden knitting needles. My mother in law didn't knit but she knew I did so she gave me her mother's needles. I figured the first thing I knitted ought to be for her. so I made her the Five Year Afghan. (And a grandbaby. Don't forget the grandbaby.)
I can't claim it's the most beautiful or well-made blanket in the world, but my mother in law still chokes up when she tells people where she got it. Which makes me feel like a million bucks. She has a way with doing that, though. I'm very lucky that way.
I don't like to make gifts but do like to receive them.
Yes! I am a serious crafter! Your blog is right up my alley! Love it all! Making cards, scrapbooking, drawing, painting, jewelry making, etc. My craft area is bulging with everything crafty! Ha, ha!
I work at an art/office supply store and I am in heaven! Best job I have ever had!
The kids have all left and I'm ready for a full body massage! Too bad there's nobody here to give me one. I think I'll substitute a hot bath instead...and maybe a glass of wine. :)
Everyone had a great time. We made 300+ cookies and used about 12 pounds of chocolate. This year's menu was cherry snowball cookies, cinnamon sugar butter cookies, peppermint crunch bark, oreo bark, good doggie dog biscuits, Jello pastel cookies, Frosted cut-out sugar cookies, Oreo truffles, peanut butter cup cookies, tiger's butter and chocolate dipped pretzels.
At the end of the party I give each girl a cookbook with recipes for everything we've made that year. Last Christmas they started a tradition of signing the cover of everyone's cookbook (like yearbooks). They have such fun doing that. Once they finish the signing they get to pick a gift from Santa's Boot then they gather their goodies and are on their way. We also take a group photo in front of the Christmas tree and I send a copy to each girl with their Christmas card. It's a lot of work but such a good time for everyone, me included.
Wow PJ. And here I am drooping after only jam thumbprints, toffee brownies, Cherry Lemon bars, White Chocolate/Cranberry drops and finishing up...get ready for it...turtle cookies!
And the best I get to treat myself with? Doing laundry!
Hey, Helen, I turn my back and you have another grandson! Huge congratulations!
Kim, congrats on the rooster!
Tawny, what a great post. Sadly, I am the un-craftiest person I know. I can't even cut gift wrapping straight. It's really tragic. And ouch to the brother! ;-)
I love arts and crafts. I painted a heart-shaped box and glued pearl letters to spell her name on it for the beautiful necklace and earrings the husband bought for his sister's birthday. I love homemade gifts.
I think it's been rumored here and in other places that I am a "craft-free zone." Sad but true. I'm very envious of all your skills, Tawny!
Along with crafts, baking is a disaster for me. I'm so in awe of PJ and Joanie and others here in the Lair who can whip up all those fabulous goodies. If you need a volunteer to test your products, call me!
Strangely enough, however, I am actually capable of canning. I've made chutney and bread & butter pickles and sundried tomatoes in olive oil and other yummy goodies for Christmas gifts in the past. Go figure!
Congrats, kim! Hope you had a creative day with the GR!
Hey Tawny! I love the crafts, but don't get to do it as often as I'd like. Today we are having one of our rare Pacific NW snowstorms, so we made a fun and unusual craft in our house -- SNOW ICE CREAM! The children were astonished that this actually tasted really good (as if mixing cream, sugar, and vanilla might not taste good?). Anyway, the kids are breathing down my neck so I better run, but I hope you're enjoying all that glitter!
hugs!
Tawny said: "Someday I'm going to show up at Auntie Cindy's door with a bag of yarn and beg her to teach me!"
Just show up, darlin! No need to bring yarn, because "she who dies with the most yarn wins" and I am definitely in the running! LOL!
Sadly, the knitting and crocheting have fallen way off this year as I've concentrated on writing. But I've still got plenty of yarn!
Susan, your story of the wooden knitting needles brought a tear to yer olde Aunty's eye. I inherited all my mom's knitting needles since I was the only one she managed to teach the skill. Only one set was wooden, and my Yorkie Unholy Terrier ATE them a couple of years ago! I actually prefer the metal needles because I like the sound they make. I know, I know.....
AC
Gillian, YES! It has to be enjoyable. My aunt does lovely pottery and I love the results, but would get icked out doing it (things squishing in my fingers isn't something I enjoy LOL) Like you say- wanting, enjoying and being inspired by what you create is key!
Sorry to bail everyone - I intened to be here most of the day playing on the blog but my daughters 'short little recital' turned out to be 3 hours. If there's ever a 'long involved recital' I'm taking a sleeping bag *g*
Dianna, I always thought string art was so cool. I never took art classes in school, but did envy them during the string art time. My brother draws and is incredible - he had neighbors buying his drawings when he was like 4, so to me, art was never my thing since he could do it better and faster for me LOL. But finding the right craft - I love it! Unfortunately, my favorite medium is paper since I scrapbook LOL
Oh, Jo! I hear you on the time scrapbooking takes. But I have a method *g* (shocked?) I have a scrap desk in the same room that I write - so when I get stuck, or need to let the story germinate, or find myself staring off in space, I shift to whatever scrapbook project in progress I have and do it for awhile. Its still creative and something about the hands on focus really helps me with writing.
Like you, I usually make my own cards, too. But this year got away from me and I didn't :-(
LOL Nathalie... good point on the lack of astounding qualities. That would be why I hesitate to give my stuff away :-) Except to family, and them... well, I always give them something store-bought too so its not a total loss.
Tawny, I always knew you were a crafty little devil....
But it didn't involve glitter...
JoanieT, didn't you know spent most of my formative years in Las Vegas? Everything is better with glitter!!!
I'll bet the ornament you made with your mom is one of your favorites, huh? Its the memory that makes it extra special. And the one your friend made sounds lovely. I've done the swirl paint before and its so cool! I used glitter paint, of course *g*
But baking rocks. I might have to turn a day or two into treat days here. I'm thinking a few loaves of cranberry bread, maybe some cookies. all this food talk is making me crave them.
Dina, I remember plastic canvas! I was so jealous because a friend had an entire Barbie bedroom suite made of that! I think I was in my 20s LOL.
Louisa, I adore quilts. A good friend of mine makes cover quilts (she transfers photos of book covers to the quilt square) and has promised that when I have 24 covers, I get one. I'm so impatiently excited! The flannel and black denim sound gorgeous - I'll bet its nicely masculine and so warm.
And yeah, I was pretty much kicked to the curb once my daughter arrived (she's the oldest grandchild on both sides).
Aww, Fedora, I'll bet your child-made ornament covered tree is adorable.
Trish, I would love to see your cross-stich sometime. I'm just lousy with anything that requires thread/yarn/fabric of any kind *sigh*
I am an art teacher and am crafty but like receiving unique but not handmade gifts.
I did some crafting when I was much younger, but I'm sorry to say that today I don't have the talent at all. lol Or, maybe it's patience. I do like to get handmade gifts and goodies to eat, too since I can't cook either.
Kim, congrats on grabbing the rooster! Donna, better luck next time.
We are not a family adept at crafts, by and large. We enjoy receiving handmade gifts, but I shudder to think what I would turn out with a glue gun. I envy you, Tawny, for being good at it.
The boy made ornaments at various stages in his elementary school career, and we'll always treasure those.
Donna, I used to do needlepoint, but only on a canvas with a pattern printed on it! Still, I love needlepoint. And candles. Yours sound beautiful.
Limecello, silk painting? How cool!
Sue A. wrote: I'm not crafty. But I love looking at all the supplies for arts and crafts. Glitter, fancy scissors, colored markers and pretty papers. It looks like it would add up to a lot of fun
I hear you, Sue! I love to wander around in Michaels or Home Depot or Lowe's just because I see so much potential all around me. My imagination takes things and says, "wow, wouldn't this be fabulous?" and then my common sense replies, "yes, in the hands of someone who knows what to do with it." *g*
Deb Marlowe--raspberry white chocolate scones? Oh, my word, how yummy! I have a serious weakness for scones. Also for clotted cream, which is easier to find here than it once was. How did you ever come up with something like that?
PJ, your baking day sounds like pure holiday chaos and huge fun. My brother-in-law's family did that for their sons when the boys were little and always had a blast in their minuscule kitchen.
The dh has made his Christmas cards (linoleum block prints) since long before we met. However, the demands of his job often turn the Christmas cards into New Year's cards, especially for our friends overseas. The design is a family collaboration, which he then transfers to the linoleum block, carves, and prints. It's a massive operation.
So far this year, we have a design. *g*
Helen, congratulations on your family's new little one and best wishes for a smooth delivery ahead.
Jo, congratulations to you, too!
Babies at Christmas--how wonderful!
I love crafting. I work at Michaels and near Christmas my paycheck goes right back to the store with all of the things I buy. I always make ornaments or some other gift for everyone on my list. I personalize them by adding their name, favourite colour or a theme that they like. This year we had alot of things going on my craft room looks like a tornado hit it, so I didn't get very far in making what I wanted so everyone is getting cookie mix jar. Next year I'm planning on making most of my gifts.
I love to make decorations and gifts! This year I made my mom a beaded bracelet and I'm making my MIL a calendar - which Tawny knows since she's helping me make it *g* She is a scrapbooking Queen! Her layouts, cards and gifts are so gorgeous!
I'm also hoping to make some of the blocks like Tawny made but I might make mine seasonal. I haven't decided yet :-)
We just put up our Christmas decorations today and I love going through all the handmade ornaments from the kids! I have a hard time throwing any of them out *g*
No, I'm not too creative. I do know how to crochete and weave, but I haven't done either in a while.
Virginia, I admit it, I adore creativity. I've always wanted to be able to make my living creatively but it wasn't until I found writing that I figured out how *g* I consider sewing and quilting incredibly creative -e specially since I'm so bad at them (isn't always the things that challege us that we consider better?) I'm sure yours are wonderful.
Crianlarich ROFL about hiding behind the door! You are the kind of person I love making pressies for *g* Its so amazing to be appreciated, and there really is so much love put into the little crafts.
Ah man, Jeanne. You have a CTMH in? You lucky girl. I'm not much of a stamper but my aunt is so I've started incorporating some of it into my scrapbooks and its so cool.
But yeah, it all takes lots of time. I'm always over-ambitious and think I can get so much done. I even designated one day a week just to craft, but always seem to be catching up on other things-altho I do try to make sure I do at least one little thing on that day.
Keira, I'm glad you like the CD ornament idea! Yes, please use it! I'm sure I got it from a magazine or somewhere :-)
And aren't homemade Valenines cards so fun?! The sheer decadence of them is wonderful and hey --lots of glitter!
Lois, anything that brings us pleasure is meant to have a place in our lives ;-) I'm glad crafty things give you happy smiles!
Ooooooohhhhhhh Paper Mache!!! Messy fun! Joan, that has to be such a cute Santa :-D That is so cool!
Eva, it IS hard to make gifts for everyone -you'd have to start in January just to keep up if you have a big family LOL.
Jeanne, I see an office supply store visit at the next conference. I really do!!! You, Me, and JoanieT!
Hey, Crianlarich, I've been to you (or at least the town named after you in Scotland!). You are very beautiful ;-)
Hi there! Sorry I missed you all a couple of days. Not up to par!
I have two left hands, honestly! I've little patience when it comes to crafts! I leave that to the craft shows and get them from there! I do crochet doilies tho! And have made some in the Christmas colors and Christmas thread they have. I haven't done one in a while so now I'm motivated to do that. But they make wonderful gifts and look so beautiful to put out for the holidays under lamps and the like on tables. (Doilies are crocheting with small needles using the threads. Each line is different pattern. Some may remember by the 'pineapple' designs. They have all kinds of designs now).
Leslie, I love the packaged kids crafts - especially the stepping stones :-)
Buffie, oreo cheesecake bonbons? Do tell :-)
I'm so in the mood for fudge, now, too. Todays' blog has been very bad for my diet!
Helen, wouldn't it be a cool trick to be able to knit WHILE reading a book? Its like the best of all worlds LOL
Shari I love cards. My family actually gets offended if they get a storebought cards these days. And I love the energy of the holidays- its that warmth and sentiment that means so much to me -- and obviously you too :-)
Awwwww Susan - the five year afghan (and the baby) had to be such incredible gift! I'm sure your MIL adores it. Thats such a beautiful story.
Estella - I love receiving gifts too ;-)
Oh man, Michele, I wouldn't have a paycheck to bring home if I worked in a place like yours! You lucky girl, you!! I'd also need a much bigger craft desk LOL
PJ it sounds like an incredible day!!! and such YUMMY food. What a wonderful custom! I hope you have a lovely, relaxing bath and glass of wine to celebrate!
Anna, really? You can't cut straight? I can't draw straight :-)
Jill, what a lovely gift idea! I'm sure it was a gorgeous box to hold such a special present!!
Kate, I tried canning and I'm betting you're more sucessful at crafting than I was at it! Dismal failure - so sad :-(
Kirsten - Snow Ice Cream? HOW FUN!!! That is so cool, I've never even heard of it but wow, what a way to have a great time (will you email me the recipe? I'm going to find snow next week and this would be so great for the kids).
AC - YAY... count on me showing up in the new year ;-)
WOW, bad doggie on eating those knitting needles. I hope the dog wasn't too sick?
And you know, I inherited my MIL's knitting stuff - and a partially knitted duck pillow she'd been making for my youngest daughter. I kept it all, vowing that someday I'd learn how to finish it.
Some may remember by the 'pineapple' designs. They have all kinds of designs now).
Oh, wow Caffey! I've never met anybody else who knew about the pineapple design doilies! That's how I learned to crochet with the tiny needle and string. My Mom had two books of patterns featuring Pineapple designs. She even crocheted a tablecloth of it!
Hey Tawny, for the snow ice cream, just get some clean snow (very important -- avoid the yellow stuff, yanno!), and mix together some cream, sugar, and vanilla. I don't know the exact proportions. Use a lot of sugar and you can't go wrong. Pour it over the snow. Voila! :-)
I'm sure there's a technical way to go about this, but my kids loved it just like that. They said it tasted like a milkshake. :-)
Traveler, being an art teacher must be filled with a LOT of crafty moments, huh?
Kammie - patience isn't a requirment! I swear, I have none :-)
Nancy, I'd think ornaments in a non-crafty family would be even more special!
and LOL about wandering through Home Depot or Lowes! Thats funny. I have to admit, those stores don't get me nearly as excited as Office Depot or Michaels.
Oh man, LJ, you work at Michaels?
Big envious sigh!! WOW!!!
Beth, I can't wait to see your mom's bracelet! You do such beautiful beadwork.
Amy, You weave? Like with a loom? Oooooh cool! My husband made me a hand loom one year, but I never quite managed to finish anything on it. Definitely not my gig, although I wanted it to be! I love the woven look.
Caffey, Doilies are so lovely. They have such a warmth and charm. That is so cool that you make them.
Hey Tawny, for the snow ice cream, just get some clean snow (very important -- avoid the yellow stuff, yanno!), and mix together some cream, sugar, and vanilla. I don't know the exact proportions. Use a lot of sugar and you can't go wrong. Pour it over the snow. Voila! :-)
Avoid Yellow Snow. Check.
Lots of sugar. Check
Pour and eat. Check
Thanks, Kirsten!! I can't wait :-)
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