Christmas Cards; to make or not to make

I started this family tradition when my oldest son was one year old... so I should at this point have 13 cards, but I don't. I forgot to keep one for me. What was I thinking? At the beginning they were all handmade, I think I had more time back then? Or I had no idea paper companies were specializing in printing really nice cards. 

Since the little one was born - 5 years ago- I've been buying them instead of making them. 

 2012-2013-2014

 This is 2003, a trip to??? 

2005 - the only time there was not a picture of us

This year, and the first time I put the year on it!

This year's card is not that different, but in a way it is. I love all of them. I love seeing how my kids have changed. I love taking the time to take a picture of us just for this reason.

This one took no more than 5 minutes, it is pretty much a selfie with the iPhone, since I lost all my pics of the year. I thought for some seconds that this year I wouldn't "make" Christmas cards. I'm glad I did.

For the past 3 or 4 years I've been using Tiny Prints. I really love the quality, how easy they are to make and how very affordable they are.

Has it started to look like Christmas where you are?

May you find the time to do the things you really like doing,

Giova

Ideas for Handmade Christmas Gifts

As the holidays are approaching, I'm slowly getting in the mood. I've been trying to come up with simple ideas for handmade gifts. I hope you feel inspired to make your own. They are all more or less flat, and don't weight much (this is something I always think about, since I send so many things abroad).

If you are lucky like me, with a mother in law who makes doilies without thinking or looking, then by all means put them to good use. Simply cut a piece of fabric and embroider a favorite word, then embellish as you wish. Mine will be hanging in my tree this year.

You can also send it attached to a card. This will be a card that your friends will treasure (well not the card, the doily of course).

If you have a bunch, then why not make a string of precious doilies, then I dare you to give it away. This one will be mine to keep. Sorry friends, these doilies were given to me.

One of these days I'm going to sew them to my linen tablecloth, and they will look even more lovely. In the mean time the garland will suffice.

These I sell at Etsy (just in case you don't have time to make your own). But if you do, you can make a little brooch for your friends or family (all you need are nice fabrics, a charm, thread and needle).

A heart is always welcome in this house. So I thought it a good idea to give them as gifts. It doesn't have to be all red and green to be "Christmasy." And as always with handmade gifts, is the love and dedication that counts.

You have probably seen another needle book here. I think it is such a useful thing that I went and made one for another friend. I've kept the identity of the future owner disclosed as I don't want to ruin the almost surprise.

If all else fails, then make a card. They don't take a lot of time or effort and it is still something you made, which is the whole point. You probably saw a version here, but this one is the "official" one.

OK so what are you waiting for?? Don't wait until the last minute to start working on your gifts.
Go and make things for the people you love, I'm pretty sure everyone will be more than happy.

Have a wonderful start of the week.
Giova