Handmade Holiday

There is nothing like making handmade gifts for family and friends. Here are a few simple ones even I could do! Thanks to BHG.com for the inspiration.

Sparkling Green Sensation

Paint a clear ball with acrylic paint; let dry. Apply a thin coat of crafts glue to the ball and spoon ultra-fine glitter onto the surface. Gently shake off any excess glitter. To minimize messes, work over a shallow box, a box lid, or a jelly-roll pan covered with wax paper. These would make a pretty tie-on for that special present.

Matching Pillow Set How lovely would this couple be – on my own sofa!!
What you need for the red pillow
· 1 yard of red felt
· Scraps of white felt
· Fabric glue
· Red pom-pom trim
· Matching sewing thread
· 16-inch pillow form

How to Make It
1. For the pillow front, cut a 17-1/2-inch square of red felt.
2. Cut a tree pattern twice onto the back side of the pillow front and cut out the tree-shape openings.
3. Cut a 4-1/2-x-10-1/2-inch rectangle of white felt.
4. Glue the white rectangle strip onto the back side of the pillow front, covering the tree-shape openings.
5. Cut a few pom-poms from the trim and glue them onto the trees.
6. Sew a 17-1/2-inch length of pom-pom trim across the pillow front.
7. For the pillow back, cut two 17-1/2-x-9-inch rectangles of red felt.
8. With right sides together, stitch the pillow back to the pillow front using a 1/4-inch seam allowance, overlapping the back pieces at the center back to create an opening for the pillow form.
9. Turn right side out and insert pillow form.

Note: For a more permanent pillow, substitute the fabric glue with needle and thread.
What you need for the white pillow
· 1 yard of white felt
· Scraps of red felt
· Scalloped-edge scissors
· Matching sewing thread
· Fabric glue
· 16-inch pillow form

How to Make It
1. For the pillow front, cut a 17-1/2-x-14-inch rectangle and a 17-1/2-x-4-inch rectangle of white felt.
2. Cut a 17-1/2-x-3/4-inch strip of red felt and use the scalloped-edge scissors to trim a decorative edge along one long side.
3. Sandwich the strip of red felt between the white felt rectangles and sew together using a 1/4-inch seam allowance.
4. Trace a small tree shape onto the back side of the pillow front and cut out the opening.
5. Trace a large tree shape onto red felt and cut out.
6. Cut a 4-1/2-inch long strip of white felt using the scalloped-edge scissors on each long edge.
7. Glue the white felt strip on the back side of the tree-shape opening followed by the red felt tree shape.
8. For the pillow back, cut two 17-1/2-x-9-inch rectangles of white felt.
9. With right sides together, stitch the pillow back to the pillow front using a 1/4-inch seam allowance, overlapping the pillow back pieces at the center back to create an opening for the pillow form.
10. Turn right side out and insert pillow form.Note: For a more permanent pillow, substitute the fabric glue with needle and thread.

Festive Paperweights

Glass paperweights decked out for the holidays make practical and gender-neutral gifts -- ideal for coworkers and teachers. The super simple project starts with a glass paperweight kit, available at crafts and hobby stores or online. Decorate the paperweight with scrapbooking paper, gift wrap, or an old Christmas card. Thin foam letters glued on one paper send glad tidings.

Now if you are more like me – buying handmade is another option. And there s no other place to go for spectacular handmade items other then the mother-ship of handmade, http://www.etsy.com/.

Sterling Silver snowflake by Erin ElizabethA teeny tiny Sterling Silver snowflake charm glides along Sterling Silver chain. One tiny Freshwater Pearl snowball slides alongside. The Sterling lobster clasp is framed by two Sterling Silver beads. This tiny, delicate necklace is perfect for layering or wearing on its very own! This necklace measures approximately 16 inches long, the pendant measures approximately 1/2 inch long.

Lovely Earthenware by Paloma's NestAs seen in the December 2008 issue of Better Homes and Gardens Magazine!!! Spreading the JOY of the season, this little dove bowl will find a special place in your heart.This little dish (or they have ornaments too) is perfect on an entry table, dresser or desk, to catch jewelry and all of life's little treasures, or just as a reminder to share JOY in your home and your world. A lovely gift for yourself or for someone else...Each piece is hand-crafted of fine pure white clay, and fired in our kiln; the piece has a protective matte finish applied to the surface and is designed for decorative use only.

Snowman Tray by Little Korboose
Ok, we know I love all things snowman…but this little tray is so special! All of the their plates/trays are made from melamine so it is dishwasher safe – just no microwaving with these babies!

So go ahead, pull out the glue gun or the credit card and happy hand making!