I Do love a Handmade Christmas!

"Maybe Christmas," he thought, "doesn't come from a store.
Maybe Christmas… perhaps… means a little bit more."-the Grinch

I do love a handmade Christmas! sometimes its really hard to come up with a handmade gift idea for someone you love,..someone you WANT to take the extra time and care for.., so I would like give my thanks to everyone who posts a tutorial or shares an idea, whether it be digital, online or in-print. even though the ideas are shared to the masses, every creator puts a piece of themselves in their own creation. that said, I'm sharing my latest hand-mand Christmas Gift for giving..Its a art-form called Scherenschnitte or Paper-cutting. Plus it's something you can do that's nearly FREE and make lovely gifts for gift-giving. This was my first attempt at Scherenschnitte. This one is for my parents, and made me think of the song "I saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus". I cut my chosen design from paper I printed with sheet music of the song, and mounted it onto Christmas paper and board. The design is freely offered by the very talented and generous Cindy Ferguson
She has several beginner designs to choose from on her blog. Go check her out! her work is amazing. I am in awe of anyone who has mastered this art-form. Mine pales in comparison to hers..I'm wondering...How on Earth do they get such smooth cutting-lines in the tiniest of spaces??? You can bet I'll be giving this another try.
till next time!!

WIP Update! ;-)

So sorry for the bad pic...It was snapped in a rush!
I finally finished this set yesterday! Made from thrifted fabrics it was finished just in nick of time, before it was time to go to the family Christmas gathering!! I think they turned out pretty cute, and my MIL loved them! ;-)
I used a pattern from Pat Sloan's Farmer's Market applique quilt pattern, which is so generously available for free!!! You can find it here...Oh I wish I could get my hands on her wonderful fabrics!...I love how she puts those whimsical prints together!
Perhaps a project for myself in the New Year!(wink) ;-)

Fabric Play; A Christmas Gift in Progress

This is just one idea I'm playing around with today..It's a kitchen towel set for my
MIL..I'm planning a set of three...
None of my fabrics in my stash match very well, coming from random resources such as
thrift shops and cut clothing, and remnant bins...so we shall see if somehow a gift worthy for giving emerges!..;-)

Holiday Gift Idea

I love this idea!
One Pearl Button has posted this great tutorial for this cloche' and mitten set recycled from a thrifted cashmere sweater.

Handmade Holiday

I was excited to see Sew,Mama,Sew has already begun her Handmade Holiday series. Every day thru November she's posting new links for hand crafted ideas for holiday gift-giving. Last year was a huge success!!
I can't wait to see all the goodies she finds this year!

Linen Spray...Top of my gift list!!

I will be stitching up several laundry bags or lingerie bags for Christmas gifts this year
and I am so excited to have found the perfect companion for this gift idea!
This recipe for Linen water/spray comes from Craft Stylish......Thank You!!! Craft-Stylish! ;-)
Wouldn't it look great packaged in those glass sprinkle or spray bottles??
And—get this—it’s quick, cheap, and makes an ideal gift for those friends and family members who have everything.

You’ll need:

* large pot
* 8-ounce spray bottle
* large glass measuring cup
* mixing cup
* metal spoon
* 1/2 cup distilled water
* 3 tablespoons 100-proof vodka
* 1 tablespoon essential oil of your choice (I like sweet orange, lemongrass, or lavender)


Step 1: Sterilize your tools. Fill a large pot with water and bring to a boil. Dip the spray bottle components, measuring cup, mixing cup, and spoon into the boiling water for several seconds. Pull out (tongs often work) and allow to dry.

Step 2: In the large measuring cup, pour distilled water. Set aside. In the mixing cup, add the vodka and essential oils and mix well with the spoon. Before they have time to separate, pour the mixture into the measuring cup with the distilled water. Mix well with the spoon.

Step 3: Pour the mixture into the spray bottle and twist the top on snugly. Shake well before using and store in a dark, cool place in between use. Feel free to spritz on gamey garments, sheets, curtains, ironing, or anything else that needs a boost.

Note: Avoid darker-colored essential oils like patchouli, as the dark hue of the oil might stain whatever you spritz. Stick to lighter scents like lavender, rosemary, peppermint, or lemon verbena.