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

Embroidered hearts, and other things.

Apart from the flu/cold/virus that I've had for the past 3 weeks, I've also seem to be bitten by the embroidery bug.

Some how the crafts that I was supposed to do for today, didn't get done. But I haven't been lying in bed, reading books, or resting. No siree!!!

I've been working on some hearts, and other things.  I'm hoping to be able to swap this unfinished heart (soon to be finished) for another one.

Or maybe this other one, which is very unfinished.

I've also been working on these little brooches that will go on the Etsy store very soon.

And this needle book for my friend Ute.

So yes I've been sitting in the sofa for much longer than usual, but I've been "sort of" productive (at least my brain is totally convinced about that).

I'm hoping this bug will go away really soon (not the embroidery bug, the other one), so I can feel "normal" again.

In the meantime I wish you a marvelous weekend.
Giova