Handmade Gifts

Every year, I usually always give some handmade gifts. But this year especially, it's all about stretching the pocketbook and trying to use what has already been packed into this house in 5 short years. We've been on a roller coaster for at least 2 years now with Jon's automotive related job and we'll see how much longer we can ride with the Big 3 problems coming to a head here. My Dad has had to take unpaid days off, my brother just lost his job and my future sister-in-law's plant may shut down soon too. So needless to say, we are all planning a simpler Christmas this year - which really, isn't that what's it's all about?

Firstly, what do you get an 89 year old (my Grandpa)? He has plenty of sweaters, pajamas, slippers, etc... Every year, we try to find creative ways to give him scratch off lottery tickets and rolls of quarters for the casino. So this year, I made him his own personalized Advent Calendar. I had this fabric hanger with 20 pockets on it so I had the calendar start on December 6th (St. Nick's Day for any of you Catholics out there). I painted the numbers on and filled it with the tickets, rolls of quarters, his favorite candies, word searches and gift cards to McDonald's and Walgreens and sent it off. From what I have heard, he loves it!!!

Next, while at a craft fair this summer I saw this cool idea that I knew I'd want to try - making abstract garden art with old dishes/glasses. I had some old dishes in the basement and some broken dishes and bowls. With Jon's help yesterday, we also dug up an old light fixture (which he painted), some buttons, river rock, a doorknob. You need a strong epoxy to adhere everything together. Then, you adhere a hockey puck on the back that you have drilled a hole in to accept a strong metal rod that goes in the ground so the "flower" sits at a 90 degree angle! I always go with the rule of thumb that I only give gifts that I would like enough for myself... I really like these so I hope others will too.Of course I am giving some of my mini foldout scrapbooks I posted about a while ago and certainly some jewelry... like the necklace below that reminds me of my sister-in-law.(The pendant is from Joan Miller)Stay tuned.. I hope to get some new things loaded on Etsy tonight...