Posted by StrangeBirdHandmade on 2007-10-18 23:24:24
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I really like this topic, too!
I love making gifts for those close to me. Being primarily a jewelry designer, that is mostly what I make for the women around me (I''m constantly creating new designs, so they hopefully don''t get bored with their gifts!).
Fortunately, everyone in my close circle really appreciates handmade, but on occasion when I don''t have something ready in time for a gift, I will generally whip up a handmade card and put in a gift card to the local bookshop (I try to buy local as much as possible, instead of at Borders or something). It''s quick, but it still has a personal, handmade touch that makes it a bit more special and thoughtful.
This year, I am departing from the norm. I plan on doing portraits (in my own, curiously illustrated way) of everyone on my gift list - it is a dream of mine to be a children''s book illustrator, so I''m nurturing that dream with this idea.
This last question is the one that I dread - I typically don''t start anything Christmas-gift-related until the beginning of December (which, as all you crafty ladies know, is cutting it quite close). But, this year, I''m determined to begin my Christmas crafting after Halloween (because all my energies are focused on Halloween right now), and be done the week before Christmas. Good luck with that, right?
I loved reading everyone''s replies to this post - crafty communities are the best!
Posted by E. Bess on 2004-10-13 23:40:05
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What's a "rogue workshop"? Sounds intriguing!
I've had all kinds of "yay!" moments lately. Work has been very stressful, but all of that has been offset by my recent cohabitation. Living with the right person really is fantastic. Leland, my boyfriend, is a serious "yay".
Other yays: spent a lovely fall weekend just outside of Woodstock, NY, and finished a scarf while I was there (I posted a picture in my blog). Been planning Christmas crafting, finished up a nice outline on a pesky writing project...
Yeah, overall things are pretty good. I can't complain.
Posted by zbann on 2005-11-27 02:37:19
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I also love the holidays, and try to have the entire month of December is Christmas to me. I love to see how mny other of us Christmas lovers there are.
I put up my decorations yesterday and today. Set up my tree, made two wreaths. My husband helped by staying out of my way and turning to say wow that looks great when I asked what he thinks :)
A tradition that my husband and I both like is the advent calendar. Basically I set it up and my husband opens a box for each day --starting december 1st. This year I bought a playmobile one. I keep thinking of making one--but so many other projects to do!
Another tradition that we have is we see one professional show--whether the ballet, musical or theater. This year it's the Christmas Carol--which if you're in Seattle see it at the ACT--it's terrific. This is our third time seeing their production.
Let's see on that idea we also go to the Botanical Gardens and look at the lights, we go to our city's tree lighting ceremony and other communty events.
Though I already starting my Christmas Shopping and except for baking all my Christmas crafting is done--I try to wrap presents slowly. Only one or two a day. Mainly to make sure the present is complete. Plus I love wrapping presents.
Speaking of shopping; my mom and I (and sometimes my sisters as well) do a shopping day and go out to a tea house for lunch.
My girlfriends and I do a cookie swap. I host it and serve tea, fruit, cheese, etc. This is a No husbands/boyfriends event. Doesn't have to be of course, but for us it's just a good time to get with all my women friends during the season--plus it's very practical as well.
My husband and I adopted a family from the Salvation Army. We always try to do some good during the season.
Chelsea, we have a tradition like your yelling at the cats--but it is scolding the dogs. Two dogs who love to shred paper and ribbons. Our doggy son already ate a little plastic "berry" from the wreath I was making.
Posted by kitchensqueen on 2007-12-12 20:57:18
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Finishing my Christmas crafting! I have to sew some felt play food and embroidery mini tea towels for my niece's gift, as well as assemble a garden gift set for my sister. I also have to put together a few jar gifts and make soy votives. And we have to make our Christmas cards and get them out before it's too late.
And I really need to sew some new buttons on my coat, and add some stuff to my blog, and start researching farm internships for the spring... are two days enough?
