A handmade Christmas

from JoeUser Forums

Instead of buying gifts for family and friends this year, I'm making them.

I'm making primitive stitchery pillows and wall hangings, I'm hand painting mason jars and putting scented candles in them, I'm making wood signs for people's front doors and I'm concocting my very own potpourri.

I spent $40 earlier today on supplies, and I figure I have enough stuff to make 20 gifts.  So far I've finished one mason jar to completion, and I'm halfway through another one.  I'm tea-staining a batch of muslin, and I'm sketching out some pattern ideas for signs and pillow fronts.

I'm not doing it simply to be frugal, although that is part of the plan (I want to give things to more people this year than ever before)... I'm doing it because I honestly think that getting a hand made, one-of-a-kind gift is much more pleasing, for both the recipient and the giver.  Instead of spending hours trying to find a gift that suits someone's personality and decor, I can come up with a design myself that 'fits' almost perfectly.

So, girls (and a couple of guys too), be on the lookout for parcels arriving in December, and know that in them is a gift for you, made with Dharma's love.

art
517 views 14 replies
Reply #1 from JoeUser Forums Top
I'm doing it because I honestly think that getting a hand made, one-of-a-kind gift is much more pleasing, for both the recipient and the giver.
I concur with this absolutley. Good for you, dharmagirl!
Reply #2 from JoeUser Forums Top
I LOVE this idea... I hand make cards for bithdays and the like, and I often find that people really appreciate them. I love making one of a kind gifts, it helps me get out some creativity!
Start11 - Customize the Start Menu and Taskbar in Windows 10/11.
Reply #3 from JoeUser Forums Top

Why thank you kindly, Sir Steven!  Are you angling for a gift, perhaps? , I'm kidding...but I will make you something if you'd like.  A 'Hot Head' beanie, perhaps?

Joey - It makes me feel creatively satiated too!

Reply #4 from JoeUser Forums Top


I am making my gifts too!!!

I even started a website idea based off of it:
http://designerletters.joeknowledge.com
Reply #5 from JoeUser Forums Top
No bribe intended--just a clean motive from the heart, even though a bleeding one!
Reply #6 from JoeUser Forums Top
Great Idea dharma,
It is so hard to find anything premade that actually has some emotional value for gifts.
Reply #7 from JoeUser Forums Top

Great Idea dharma,

Thanks, Geez!  So, can I put you down for a beanie?

Reply #8 from JoeUser Forums Top

Karen, Christmas was always about making things when I was growing up.  I was always so excited to see my family open the presents that I worked so hard to make.  I hope you encourage your kids to make things too.  I have some projects I am going to help my boys with.  Last year the favorite gift amongst the grandparents was an artwork binder from my older son.  He got the idea from the school binder I made for him.  He drew a picture and put it on a 3 ring binder for each of his granparents.  He also drew some pictures for them and included a 3 hole punch.  Now he sends them artwork and they 3 hole punch it and keep it in their artwork binder.  They love it and he is very proud.


I am one who still believes it is the thought that counts and what is more thoughtful than making something with your own hands.  Your gift recipients will be very lucky this Christmas and I'm sure they will cherish their handmade treasures.

Reply #9 from JoeUser Forums Top

Your gift recipients will be very lucky this Christmas and I'm sure they will cherish their handmade treasures.


Good, 'cos I's going to finish up yours today! 


I love making things, I really do.  I have a head full of ideas and a basket full of supplies, and it seems that the more stuff I work on the more stuff I come up with!


Oh, and the gift giving isn't expected to be reciprocal.  Just so you know.

Reply #10 from JoeUser Forums Top
You have such a kind heart Karen.  What is your email address?  I clicked on the link in your blog and it pointed me to Yahoo.
Reply #11 from JoeUser Forums Top
you never fail to amaze me.....kudos for your efforts. i am big on handmade cards every year, but I always end up wimping out before I get all the gifts finished.
Reply #12 from JoeUser Forums Top

I always end up wimping out before I get all the gifts finished.

That's why I'm starting early this year. That way I have plenty of time to get stuff finished, even if I get sidetracked or lose momentum.

Jill, my email is [email protected]

 

Reply #13 from JoeUser Forums Top
you've got mail dharma.
Reply #14 from JoeUser Forums Top
I'm doing it because I honestly think that getting a hand made, one-of-a-kind gift is much more pleasing, for both the recipient and the giver.


Fabulous idea Dharma. And very telling you your personality I believe. A gift from the heart, one with some personality and inspiration behind it, means infinitely more than the random item off the store shelf.