Giving the Gift of Handmade

This year for the holidays why not give a gift that is personal and from the heart.  Sure it is easy to give a gift card, or run into Target and pick up a cardigan, or hat and glove set, but why not think outside the box and give something handmade.  Here are some ideas of things that you can give this holiday season that will not only support local crafters/artist, but really make an impact on the person that you are giving that gift to.

You can give the gift of hand crafted jewelry.  How nice would it be to receive a one-of-a-kind piece.  You certainly wouldn't have to worry about someone showing up a party wearing the same jewelry as you.  

This next project is a do-it-yourself project that I did at home this weekend.  I went to Hobby Lobby and bought this sweet bird frame.  However, I wanted to make it more special and personal.  So I decided to paint it one of my favorite colors, aqua.  And what a difference it made.  See the next picture.

I also inserted a piece of scrapbook paper for that added designer touch.  Now it looks like I bought the frame at Anthropologie :)

This next handmade project was also fairly easy to make.  I bought a pack of flour sack dish towels and some iron on transfer paper.  I downloaded the image of the bee, crown, and laurel wreath, printed it on the transfer paper.  Then simply ironed it on the dish towel and, voila', created this personal gift.  The possibilities are endless with this project.  There are so many cute downloads out there.  I think this would make a great hostess gift this holiday season.  You could make a set, and wrap them in some gorgeous ribbon.  Sure beats getting a bottle of wine ;).

Last but not least, is a company called Sew Sweet.  This company is owned by a good friend of mine, who loves to craft and create as much as I do.  Her name is Missy and here are just a few of the wonderful personalized items that she can design for you.  She has a fan page on FB called Sew Sweet with lots of other items such as personalized kitchen towels and aprons, which would make perfect teacher's or hostess gifts.  Her prices are great too :)  If you would like to order something from her you can reach her via email at timissy@bellsouth.net

Enjoy shopping this holiday season, and get inspired to give the gift of handmade!

XO~Gretchen