Handmade

The more I think about it, the more I love making things with my own two hands.

Pillows. Fudge. Curtains. Cookies. Cakes. Hats. Scarves. Mittens. Cards. Scrapbooks. Ornaments. Painting.

Perhaps it's the economic situation we're in, or the disdain I have for big box stores. Maybe it's just the idea that when a crafter is paid for their work, money goes straight into the hands of a consumer who values handmade, homemade, not into the abyss of corporate America, values unknown. No matter what, I think it is safe to say can feel good about buying handmade. And I feel good about making homemade.

This year, I won't have the time to make handmade gifts. And I'm bummed about it! The last few Christmas's I have given mostly handmade gifts. I made scarfs for everyone a few years ago, and last year I gave a mish-mash of hats and fingerless mittens. I've also made dozens of ornaments and these Victorian cones:

I kept this one for myself. I used the cones to house the ornaments I made, as a giftbag of sorts, but also suggested the cone itself would be a great tree ornament. I use bits of pieces of wrapping and tags from other gifts, plus supplies from craft stores. I hang my cone on our china cabinet.

Another Christmas craft I love: Santa hats! I made this green one for jamiesierraknits, my Etsy shop. Hunter is modeling the hat for me.

And after an invigorating trip to Archiver's where I actually had time to do a free make-and-take card for my mom:

I came home and took about a half hour to whip out a few Christmas cards for close friends and family. Bummed you can't see all the glitter! But, trust me, it glitters!

Happy handmade Holidays!

Halls are decked.

I put my new cabinet in the living room. Not the most ideal spot, but this house is pretty small- and I filled with craft goodies I need to keep close by my work space- the dining room and living room. I love how festive it looks, all sorts of ornamentations from different eras smooshed together. Eclectic.

On top o' the fridge you'll find my gingerbread men and women.


Cluttered dining room/craft table. Little bit of crystal, mercury glass, glitter, lace, fake berries, mish mash perfect.

The tree doesn't quite have all the ornaments on it yet, but good enough.

Dining/Craft Room again mishy mashy festive wonderfulness.

It is not hard to be inspired here! Merry Christmas!

Handmade Holiday: 'tis the season!

In between knitting projects, when my butt falls asleep (haha), I'm trying to put up some of the Christmas decorations. I am very busy, and I feel so blessed, but I am having craft withdrawl. lol. I miss scrapbooking, and making pillows... among other things. I'm sure in February I can get back to hand crafting some goodies, when knitting slows down... remind me to pull out the christmas music around Valentine's Day. :)
Having emerged myself into the world of the handmade on Etsy I have been paying special attention to the things I have made by hand myself over the last few years. I thought I'd share a few pictures here.
Last year was an ornament and knitting year. I made dozens of these embellished snowflakes and gave them to friends and family.


I also made a handful of these paper ornaments.

A few years ago I made this button tree with a styrofoam tree, vintage buttons and pearl head push pins,

And even longer ago I made this little pillow.



I have dozens of handmade things from the kids, too. I will have to share them soon, also.

Lucky Duck

I am so fortunate to live down the street from one of the vendors from my favorite occasional sale shop. Once a month the doors of Second Hand Rose open to junk-lovers from far and wide, and this December 1st I will be lucky enough to have a few of my cowls, scarves, and hats for sale there! I tell ya, I about died and went to heaven when my neighbor Susan asked if I would like to put some of my stuff in there. Truly, a fun adventure for me. Hopefully, a few people find some cowls they can't live without.

Here are a few items that will be there:
This sage colored cozy wool cowl is unbelievably soft.

And I am in love with this powder blue wool blend button cowl:


Wish me luck! And if you're in the area- go shopping!

Gift Ideas

The holiday season is upon us, and I am enjoying making Christmas gifts for people all over our country. I love Etsy so much. I thought I would post a few items I can make that are not currently listed in the ol' Etsy shop.

Chunky Soft Cowl in Charcoal. Also available in a brown red mix, bright red, turquoise and green mix, silver and taupe mix, brown, and creamy white. $35

The Super Cowl- available in a wide variety of colors, including this chartruese, and also navy, charcoal, black, red, eggplant, pale blue, ginger, cobalt, blends of brown and green, cream, light marble gray, cranberry, fig, pale pink, taupe, barley, grass, raspberry, pumpkin, spice, and more... $40

The lightweight cowl- available in aqua, purple, black, black and red blends, pink, and green blends. $25

Happy shopping!