Monday, November 2, 2009

Handmade Holidays

I hate rushing Christmas. I complain when stores pull out the displays earlier and earlier every year. Decorations before Thanksgiving?! No.Thank.You.

For the last few years, I've said I was going mostly handmade for Christmas. Then I don't. Because, well, I'm famous for my procrastination. But also, when you refuse to think of Christmas until a month before - time has a way of flying away. I've done a few handmade things. Lap quilts. Kitchen themed baskets. A small wall hanging. But this year, I want to do more. I'm sick of plastic. I'm sick of consumerism (though I admit, every year I get caught up in the rush and sales and excitement).

The Husband and I have already talked about it (I know! Before Thanksgiving!!) We are determined to make more this year. Now, really, I should have started right around January 1st of last year. But November 1st will have to do.

I'll be logging my inspirations over at my tumblr: A Ribbon at a Time and I hope to be posting my completions here on a semi-regular basis. I hope you'll follow along and also share your holiday journeys.

4 comments:

Sara said...

Ah, Crystal, you know I'm up to the challenge. :D Jon was lamenting the fact that we couldn't get J&J a bunch of new toys this Christmas. I was all all PFTPHT! they are getting new cherry twin beds from Jon, new afghans from me. newly painted rooms, new matresses and sheets...It will be a great Christmas! I've also gotten most of the yarn for my Christmas gifts to the nieces, almost finished with my sister's gift and all I have left is my mom and dad. Handmade is the best.

gardenofsimple said...

ha! You are WAY ahead of me!! I haven't made anything yet! What we aren't doing handmade, we're hoping to do second hand (for those who wouldn't be 'offended') we found Evan an electric guitar and amp for 50 dollars, our friend Sammy has a degree in (um, something) so he's certified to build and refurbish guitars. So he's going to make it nice for us.

We're at a loss for the rest of the gifts - I've been scouring the internet and we're hitting the library this weekend.

Sara said...

Didn't say I'd made anything, just that I have the stuff. LOL Jon has to move all the power tools back to the garage to make the beds. Otherwise, we have the wood and all the other little things that he needs for his woodworking projects.

Worsted is the weight of the yarn...Lace, Fingering, DK, Sport, Worsted, Bulky...is the order of thickness of the yarn. Most projects like afghans and such are worked with worsted weight yarn. I like worsted or bulky, that way the projects work up quick and I can get them done quick. Sport is usually used for baby items. Lace is for those beautiful drapey shawls. Fingering and DK are usually used for socks. DK is also a good transition yarn for me, since it works up nicely in a lot of things for the kids, like Jesse's spidey hat and fingerless mittens. That was a DK yarn.

Good luck on your items. Can't wait to see what your creativity comes up with!

kiki said...

I always say I'm going to do hand-made, and then I don't.

You're inspiring me. I'll try to come up with some creative ideas before thanksgiving!

I have a friend who does infused vodkas for friends and family. Buy a few pretty bottles and fill them with things like apricots, jalepenos, plums, lemon, etc. and then pour vodka over it and let it sit for several weeks before giving it as a gift. I don't know a lot of people who drink much, so I don't think I'll be doing it - but I thought it was creative.