Handmade friendship bracelet

It was so grey yesterday I thought I was not going to be able to take any pictures. Fortunately I found out, there is some sort of light in our tiny balcony. Unfortunately I almost freeze into unconsciousness. Just kidding, but sort of ;) You can get a Colombian out of their country, but you can never get the warm weather out of their soul!

I've already made similar bracelets to sell before, and now I have these ones ready on the Etsy shop. I thought it was a good idea to offer gifts for 10 and under, don't you agree?  So you can look these up and also the handmade notebooks I made here.

I also wanted to share the idea with you here. Traditionally, friendship bracelets are weaved, but as I don't have much time lately I decided to take a big short cut.

Maybe you have some lovely fabric lying around waiting for the perfect moment? Or maybe you have some cute buttons or charms you have been collecting for ages? Whatever the case, I think you might find some inspiration from these bracelets. ** As always do make them for your friends and family, but please respect my idea, thank you!

This above is just an idea of what you might need, but I think it all narrows down to your own personal taste, and also what you have at hand. The beautiful wrapped cotton was purchased here.

There is no wrong or right way of making these bracelets. I just wanted to share them with you as I'm an avid promoter of the handmade gift. I always think this kind of gift is so much nicer than anything mass produced. Anything that you can make with your hands is always filled with love, no matter what it is.

Wishing you a great weekend ahead, may it be filled with nice walks, lots of tea and some crafty time!
Giova.

DIY- Handmade notebooks for watercolors or sketching

For the next few weeks I'll be sharing some crafty ideas that can be easily made and just in time for Christmas. I know my favorite presents are always handmade things (not the ones I mentioned on the giveaway), but really there is something so incredible about handmade things. The love, time and dedication that goes into a gift, makes it so much more valuable than anything store bought.

After visiting this mill, I knew this was bound to happen (pun intended). What else was I going to do with the lovely "zaansch bord" I bought there?

I recently made a little notebook of scraps of paper that I learned at this e-course, but actually I learned this very easy binding technique here. Igloo letterpress sells "make your own notebook kits" if you want things already cut out for you.

  What you'll need:

• thick paper for the cover (obviously these were purchased at the paper mill)
• a bookbinder's awl (if you have one)otherwise a thick needle will do. My awl is a little one and  apparently for children, I can't think why you would let children use these, as I actually pierced myself with it, and boy does it hurt
• paper for sketching or watercolors (I got Canson's Montval 185gm)
• x-acto knife or scissors to cut the paper
• linen thread
• thick needle
• and things to decorate the cover such as rubber stamps, scraps of fabrics,beads, stamps, etc…)

First: Cut the paper in the desired size and fold . This instructions that follow are for 3 holes, but you can add as many holes as you like.

Top left to right: Make 3 holes with the awl, 3 cms apart, and insert needle on the first hole leaving a long piece of thread in the back (I like how the long strands look). Then insert needle on either hole bringing it to the back.

Lower left to right: Insert needle on last hole and then insert needle in the center hole. That way both strands end up together.

Tie a knot and then tie another knot, this time include the strand that goes from lower hole to upper hole, that way they're tied together.

Personalize the cover, that way you'll be adding an extra touch to the notebooks. For this one I made I rubber stamp and added some beads to the thread.

Have some beautiful stamps? Well sew them on to the cover. I used my sewing machine, but it can be sewn by hand.

Lately I'm a bit obsessed with scraps of fabric, and I think this indigo dyed piece, looks rather nice. You can always add the person's name or initials or a word to the cover, anything goes really, it just means taking the extra step.

I hope you like them and give them a go. They are really easy to make, and I'm sure the recipient would be delighted, I know I would be.

As I mentioned on the giveaway there was a present missing. This is it! One of these notebooks (winner gets to pick which one) will be included. I hope you decide to join in, all you need is to answer my question here on the blog or on the Facebook page.

Have a fantastic and very crafty weekend, and see you monday for another handmade gift idea!!
Giova.
P.S: These will be included in The Flat Project as they are perfect for sending via mail. Light and flat (just my type).

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