writing christmas lists

I realize the weather up here near Seattle has been strange with unseasonably warm days but really it feels like it's still October with regards to time. Whoever had the idea to throw us American's three holidays in a row was obviously off their rocker. While I love the boomerang feeling of going from September to January with the speed of light, it means that the months of fall go by in a whirlwind. I never feel caught up with life until February. And I think February is a little late to start thinking of Christmas presents unless I'm 10 months early. And we know that would never be the case. Seriously.

Dave left for England on Sunday which left the house feeling very empty yesterday. When the children arrived home from school on Monday we made ourselves comfortable in the living room. I found some paper, pens and craft books/magazines to inspire us into creating a hand made Christmas list. With our attempt to put the soul back into Christmas it would mean no Amazon wish list gifts this year.

And luckily this arrived in the mail yesterday.

This cover is the inspiration for my afternoon with the children. 200 gift ideas is just the motivation to start working on Christmas.

Cerys didn't seem too interested in the crafty side of the books but instead starting copying the Japanese characters onto her paper.

Keiran also couldn't resist a blank piece of paper in front of him.

I took the lead and started to make some suggestions. They would agree positively to most things although still focused on their work in front of them. I will admit that I am normally pretty lousy about helping the children to make gifts. Each year I think about doing something with them but it usually gets pushed aside as more pressing issues takes the place of making gifts. I think the economy has been a gentle reminder to get me off the procrastination wagon and help my two children to craft.

Here's the beginning of our list:

Embroidered Monogram (this months Ready Made magazine) -take fabric, place it in an embroidery hoop, have child sew the first letter of the person's name that they are giving it to.

Watercolor bookmarks with finger knitted yarn for the loop.

We cut strips from Keiran's watercolor painting that the school gives us each June. I folded it in half with Keiran's help and stuck it together with some double sided tap. Keiran used a hole punch and we tied his finger knitted yarn through the hole. He is giving one set of three to his uncle in Seattle.


He made another set to send to his uncle in Iraq.

Also on our list:

Felted ball (from Cerys to her neice)

Herbal Tea in jars

Felted wool Hot Pads (made from recycled sweaters, CRAFT zine)

Paper Mache Vase
Hopefully this biokleen jug will look something similar to this one once I figure out the right gluten free paper mache paste. Jacki suggested potato starch.

Tonight we are going to attempt to make the vase. I don't know why but I've never made paper mache as adult. The last time I remember was at a girl scout camp years ago. I remember it being goopy and kind of gross. If it still is, the children are going to love it.

Linn also has some lovely holiday gift ideas. It's December 2nd and we have 23 days left until Christmas. Gulp. What handmade gifts are you making this year?

Comments

[Alexis]

Great ideas! Thanks! I feel like I'm already falling behind...

[Cassandra]

Bags, blankets, ornaments, and dolls! My current project (when I can pull my nose out of the Twilight series) are Robot and Spaceboy from Wee Wonderfuls for my nephews.

[Sarah]

I'm so very happy. My girls have squirreled themselves away and already FINISHED their handmade gifts!! What a new world for me. Here's a gift that I used to make with the girls: take a mason jar. put a few sprigs of greenery from the christmas tree and a few cranberries in it. Fill it almost all the way with water. Drop in a little tea light candle. Put on the lid. Tie a ribbon around. Instant floating candle. Quite beautiful.

Glad you found a use for some of those paintings. We have used a lot of ours over the years too.

[Amy]

Your pictures are amazing! I long to be there with you, huddled in the craft room sequestered for days! The stories are marvelous too. (Just like you--tee hee) xo Amy

[Katie]

Calendars, scrapbooks, photo portfolio for my father-in-law photographer, aprons, cards...so looking forward to a homemade Christmas this year!

I've never commented before, but I love your blog. Came across it on Dandelion Bones.

[sandy]

I'm going to do a post on homemade gifts too! Love your ideas ...

[Gin53]

My son and I are making a snowman wall hanging for his grandparents. He cut a hat, head, eyes, mouth, and pipe out of felted wool (from thrift store sweaters) - all his idea. I'm attaching them to a larger background piece of red felt (also a sweater) and we'll attach a twig and ribbon to the top for hanging.

I also bought some art frames at the thrift store. I'm going to hint loudly that I would like my kids to fill them with artwork as a gift to me!

Thank you so much for all of your inspiration!

[Dawn]

Wonderful ideas! I love the watercolor/finger knitted bookmarks. I'll be making some acorn people, and my kids just decorated some candles with beeswax cut-outs last night.

[Liz]

You guys are one big creative family! And I know what you mean about three holidays. Yikes. We've got four Christmas parties on our calander already. Whew. I'm tired.

[Tonya]

My handmade goodies came straight out of the kitchen this year. I did tomato sauce and blueberry lime jam. Several gift baskets are being made with sauce, store bought pasta, (a baguette will be added the day of gift giving), jam, and scone mix. Smaller basket versions are being put together too- theme of pasta night or breakfast.
Oh, and our tenants are getting home baked cookies.

[mandi]

oh- i'm so glad you asked! i'm crafting away over here and i'd love to stop and talk (ok-brag) about it ; ). sister is getting a knitted merino wool scarflette, sis-n-law an apron, all gmothers (there's 4 of 'em) are getting quilted pillows with the middle panel being a drawing by my daughter, reusable sandwich bags for my brother (takes his lunch to work daily),for my husband's office beer bread and granola...and for the grandads...i'm stumped. i'm sure something edible will suffice!

[Tammie]

those bookmarks are beautiful.

[Tracey]

Well done getting things started, that is always the hard part. I was fortunate to have a quiet November workwise and so got off to an early start on my projects. I am making bags and pouches for all the girls in the family and embroidered Christmas decorations for the ladies in my sewing group. Boys??

[Christine]

You've picked some great things for the kids to do! I'm not making any gifts. I can't get over the fear my family will hate it.

Christine

[Betts]

I wanna craft too! Can I come over?

I agree with your observation about two many holidays too close together. Whew!

[earthmama]

You kick so much ass, BTW! Always come here for inspiration...AND you get me...EVERY SINGLE TIME!!

I LOVE your blog and here's JUST HOW MUCH---you've been tagged!

Rules:

1. link to the person that tagged you, and post the rules on your blog.

2. share 7 random and/or weird facts about yourself.

3. tag 7 people at the end of your post, and include links to their blogs.

4. let each person know they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

[sherry]

If you haven't already started the paper mache---You can use watered down white glue as your paste and avoid a lot of the gloopyness (and it's gluten-free--right?) If you use a starch based paste, use mix it with warm water (it makes it more pleasant to use.)

[Erlthegirl]

Paper mache as an adult = gross! :) but fun. I always pull up my paper strips and then, using two fingers, lightly scrape all the big chunks off back into the schmutz before applying the strip to the project. Good luck with that vase; it's beautiful!

Oh - and for gifts this year, I knitted the hubby a scarf (and am knitting myself one too, oops!), I'm making infused vodka (do this every year), salted caramels, spiced pecans, chocolate truffles, and a few lunch bags. Now...if only I can grab myself a day to devote to some of this...