I’ve written before on this blog about simple gifts and “The Sanctity of Giving.” I love gifts, and I don’t believe opting out of holiday commercialism has to mean a moratorium on giving. This week I’m sharing a few suggestions from the Tangled Nest archives: craft projects that can bring a handmade simplicity to your holiday gift-giving. There is definitely still time to make anything listed below. It’s a curious paradox–when I’m super-busy, pausing to create something by hand makes me feel calmer instead of busier.
- Homemade Knitting Needles and a Pretty Scarf Pattern
- Hot Rice Bags with Fleece Covers to warm up your bed and your toes on those cold winter nights.
- My Favorite Knitted Hat Pattern
- DIY Rubber Stamp Labels – this post was about using them for jam jars, but think of the holiday possibilities!
- Sewing Simple Drawstring Gift Bags
(And when there just isn’t time for homemade, take a look at my 2011 holiday gift guide).
What are you making as gifts this holiday season?
Some felted animals for ornaments, with homemade Christmas cards…and some baked goods…have already received the first homemade gift, a jar of blueberry-and-lime jam from a local friend; yum!
I love those bags and the labels!
My daughter is looking for presents to make. I’ll send this link her way. Thanks!
I’m upcycling cotton velvet drapes to make a cape for my friend’s very theatrical son. First step, overdye the revolting salmon pink to a dark brown.
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