Archive: Holiday Gift Guide 2011

December 23, 2011

Gift Guide: Last Minute Gifts

If you're like me, then you thrive under a little pressure and now is the optimum time to start crafting those last minute gifts, just in time for xmas. If you're not like me, don't worry, here are some projects that you can get done real quick!

If you have some conductive thread handy, then a pair of DIY iPhone Gloves would make a great gift for the cold-handed smart phone users in your life.

Got a few extra zip ties laying around? You can always make a Zip Tie Basket and fill it with crafty stuff.

You may have some bacon just sitting in your refrigerator, why not make some Bacon Jam and jar it and give it as a gift?

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December 16, 2011

Gift Guide: Green Thumb

Here are my gift suggestion for someone who loves to garden: make sure the sun shines. A lot. And that it rains, preferably at the right time to make seeds grow but not so much that they get moldy. Simple, right??

Not helpful you say? Well, since gardeners are at the mercy of the elements, here are some suggestions for gifts that will please, rain or shine!

Thumb feeling green? Any gardener loves having a bit of greenery inside, so these DIY kokedama string gardens are perfect!

The Woolly Pocket is another wonderful way to bring a piece of the garden somewhere it might ordinarily have trouble rooting. There are indoor and outdoor versions of the pocket, so you can have ferns in your shower or succulents in your stairwell!

I absolutely love my Regional Garden Planting/Harvest Guide Perpetual Calendar. Krank Press has versions for most regions of the United States, and you can use it to remind you what to plant (or look for at the farmer's market) all year.

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December 15, 2011

Gift Guide: For the Fellas

It is difficult to write a gift guide for all guys without overgeneralizing them. So allow me to get specific. This is a gift guide for a certain kind of man. He's sweet and he's smart and he loves you. Lish introduced me to him last week. Consider this the guide to perfect gifts for Handmade Ryan Gosling. "Hey girl, I know you worry that when people click on your gift guide they will just look at the photos and skim the words you wrote. But I promise, it's really good."

Ryan always makes sure he can help you out when you are in a jam. If you locked your keys in the house, Ryan wouldn't want you to late to the craft fair planning meeting. He'd have the front door open in a jiffy, thanks to the Beginners Lock-Picking Blend Set you gave him.

Most men wouldn't understand why you need a full length mirror. But not Ryan. He totally gets it, and feels awful that the mirror in his apartment is so awkward. He really wanted the one you found on Pinterest, too. But he was thrilled when you scored one at the thrift store that is just like the mirror from CB2.

Ryan really loves doing craft projects with you, but sometimes he wants to work on projects on his own. When he opened the Gakken Mini Electric Guitar Kit, he couldn't wait to build it. "The sooner it's done, the sooner I can write a song about how you are really great at giving presents," he said.

Ryan has really good taste in music. And he loves listening to his favorite playlists when he heads out on his bike to pick up the thai food you ordered. The earbuds used to get tangled with the strap of his messenger bag, but he doesn't have that problem any more since you got him that awesome Wooden Ear Bud Holder from that amazing woodworker in Georgia.

Ryan is always wearing the Paracord Survival Belt you got him from Etsy. The texture and color are super hip and rugged. And he loves know that if something crazy went down, he'd be able to save your life with 80' of rope.

Ryan is really nice, but if he were too sweet, you would get very bored of him. That's why you are so supportive when he wants to go on a mountain bike ride. And you didn't get him this Garmin Edge 500 GPS because you want to track his every move when he's not near you. You got it for him because like most geeks, he loves data and numbers and coordinates.

December 14, 2011

Gift Guide: Crafty Wrapping

This isn't your traditional gift guide, since the items listed here aren't actually meant to be given as gifts, but rather, they are meant to help you present your gift in a beautiful way. Some of these cards, paper and bows are for you to make, while others you can purchase. Happy wrapping!

Paper Reindeer Tag with Moving Legs This adorable card project comes with PDFs, making it fairly simple to make yet precious to give for the holidays.

Hello Lucky Holiday Cards
Hello Lucky has a huge assortment of beautifully crafted holiday cards, and they are offering us a 15% discount! Code: CRAFT Expires: 12/31/11

Canvas and Burlap Gift Bows
These gorgeous craft-your-own bows are perfect all year 'round.

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December 13, 2011

Gift Guide: En Masse

Whether you have a bunch of lovely co-workers (as I do!), a gaggle of cousins, or just want to gift everyone in your book club, here are some ideas for quick and easy mass gifts.

Gathered Scarf:

Our own Brookelynn's amazing gathered scarf tutorial will allow you to keep your friends warm and stylish all winter long.

Citrus Curd:

In the dark of winter, citrus offers a taste of sunshine. Whip up a batch of tasty lemon, grapefruit, or lime curd following these recipes for citrus curd three ways on Good Life Eats.

Tiny knits:

Don't have time to knit anything? Yes, you do! Try some of Mochimochi Land's tiny knitted things.

Truffles:

Impress everyone on your list with this tasty Mexican chocolate truffle recipe.

Liqueurs:

I've got a bottle of limoncello quietly infusing on top of my kitchen cabinets, but there are dozens of intriguing homemade liqueurs you can make!

December 9, 2011

Gift Guide: Crafty Experiences (Classes, Retreats & Vacations)

One of my favorite kinds of gifts to give and receive are the ones that aren't things, but rather experiences. Classes, retreats and workshops are a great way to give someone the inspiration, time and space to further explore their crafty side. We often get caught up in cute and fun "stuff" around this time of year, but putting funds toward these experiences can be even more rewarding and could offer someone just the resources they need to kick off a whole new crafty endeavor.

I'm including a range of craft classes that are primarily online, but be sure to check your local independent fabric, needlework or yarn shops for their class offerings and gift certificate for classes. I'm also including some art and craft-based retreats and vacations, as well as workshops geared toward creative independent businesses. There is no way to cover every experience offering in one blog post, so if you have more to suggest, please leave them in the comments!

Online Craft Classes at Craftsy
Craftsy offers a wide range of craft classes by some of your favorite crafters, including Vickie Howell, Linda Permann, Betz White, Gretchen Hirsch and more. Courses use professional videos, patterns and instructions and can be taken at your own pace. They've also started offering smaller, project-specific workshops that work similar to a craft-along. Gift certificates are available for courses.

The Crafty Chica Art Cruise
The pictures and reports I've seen from Kathy Cano-Murillo's Art Cruises always make it look like a crafty vacation dream. Crafting at sea with the Crafty Chica? Exploring the Mexican Riviera? An on-board craft room that's open 24/7? Yes, please! This wold be great fun to do with friends.


Squam Art Workshops
I've been reading about Squam Art Workshops for years, and they look like amazing experiences. An art retreat in the woods with people from all over the country sounds absolutely heavenly to me.

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December 8, 2011

Gift Guide: Bling

Accessories always make lovely gifts, but in the winter months, I think they are especially nice to brighten a bundled-up look. Here are some bling gift ideas to spark your imagination!

MAKE: This project is a good one because it uses up something that I have no use for - clip-on earrings. Over the years, I have come across some really pretty clip-on earrings, but I would never wear them, because they hurt after about an hour! By the end of the day, you've given yourself a headache.

So, take a beautiful pair of clip-on earrings and turn them into a smart little necklace pendant. Maybe your mom used to wear clip-ons and doesn't anymore? Surprise her by turning them into a necklace!

BUY: These adorable crown hairpins can make someone princess for a day. This is a fun gift for a little girl.

BUY: For those who are not a slave to the clock, give the gift of a fake watch! (Obviously, meant for those with a sense of humor.)

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December 7, 2011

Gift Guide: Food

Whether you're a foodie or know someone who is, here are a few of my favorite food-themed presents for the holidays. Get ready to get creative in the kitchen or simply sit down with a snack as you finish your handmade gifts.

Sprinkles Cupcake Mixes (pictured above)
I first went to Sprinkles in California last year and was immediately hooked. I always have a mix on hand when my crafting requires delicious cupcakes.

Rainbow Cake Earrings Rainbown cakes have been huge this year! No wonder why they'd make a cute accessory. Bloody Mary Mix from McClure's With production in Detroit and research facilities in Brooklyn, McClure's are a huge source of pride here in the Mitten. Holiday crafting will go buy VERY FAST with this spicy cocktail mix. Junior's Christmas Swirl Cheesecake I love cheesecake, so when you add a holiday theme, it tastes even better. Star Wars Cookie Cutters Star Wars cookie cutters - what else can I say?!

December 6, 2011

Gift Guide: Gifts From Around the Globe

We live in an amazing world, where anything you like can be procured from even the most obscure corner of the globe. The hardest people to shop for are those unique friends that you love the most. Don't set any boundaries or limits when searching for their perfect handmade presents.

Twin Lens Reflex Camera

Build a camera from Japanese kit maker Gakken. This 35mm camera kit comes with every piece needed for assembly, down to the very last screw. While the kit is authentically Japanese, the Maker Shed has fully translated instructions in English. Once it's made, use the handmade camera to shoot photos that are lovely, charming and quirky.

Music from Steed Lord

Exotic music comes in many forms. If you are searching for something unusual, it doesn't get much more exotic than edgy Icelandic hip-hop. iTunes makes it easy to purchase and gift albums from a huge selection of artists, including unsigned bands from the Arctic Circle, like Steed Lord.

Real Silver Imported German Glass Glitter

Indulge your favorite crafter with high-end, imported German glass glitter. This glitter from Meyer Imports is made with silver, which imparts a beautiful tarnished patina on projects. It's a small gift and a luxury splurge.

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December 5, 2011

Gift Guide: Bookworm

Give a book, and give your friends and family the gift of hours of creative fun!

Made by Hand: My Adventures in the World of Do-It-Yourself, by Mark Frauenfelder

Perfect for both the seasoned maker and the person who's just starting to get tempted to tinker, the story of Mark's travels through a year of living the DIY life is sure to inspire, amuse, and make you think twice about moving to an isolated island!

You can also get the hardcover over at the Maker Shed.

Sewing in a Straight Line: Quick and Crafty Projects You Can Make by Simply Sewing Straight, by Brett Bara

Simple, beautiful, and easy to follow, Brett Bara's book is a gentle yet stylish introduction to everything you need to know to start sewing your own modern wearables and home decor.

You can also check out the book review and project excerpt on CRAFT.

The Bust DIY Guide to Life: Making Your Way Through Every Day, by Laurie Henzel and Debbie Stoller

From DIY finger waves to building a terrarium, this book contains a wealth of ideas and instructions for just about any occasion that you can imagine. It's perfect for your mom, your teen sister, your BFF, and any other gal who always has a new project going!

Geek Dad: Awesomely Geeky Projects and Activities for Dads and Kids to Share, by Ken Denmead

Have a great dad (or uncle, or big brother) on your list? This book is full of ideas for fun, nerdy projects that will let them completely geek out with the kids!

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December 2, 2011

Gift Guide, Expectant Moms

If you are like me, you have friends and sisters expecting little bundles of joy. The babies always make out like bandits with tons of cute clothes and adorable toys, but I want to be able to pamper and spoil the moms-to-be this holiday season. So here are some great ideas for those expecting moms.

Sheep Creek's Etsy shop is filled with adorable hand-felted creatures like these sloth and sheep mobiles. So sweet.

St. Kilda Jewelry has this sweet Mama ring that any mother would love.

Your favorite children's book is always a thoughtful gift to give. The Giving Tree is my very favorite, and one I have given to a few special moms-to-be.

For the active yogi mama, some all-natural yoga mat spray will keep her clean and chemical-free.

Add a handmade yoga mat bag and this yoga mama is ready to downward dog.

As a reward for her healthy lifestyle, what woman doesn't want something as soothing as Homemade Essential Oils? Functional and sweet, these handmade goods will make anyone feel special. Just double-check that the essential oils you choose are 100% safe for pregnant women.

For the last few months of taking it easy and the first few of being awake around-the-clock, handmade bunny slippers will make the transition a little cozier.

December 1, 2011

Gift Guide: Handmade in 4-40 Hours

It's only December 1, so if you plan now, you still have plenty of time to give handmade gifts, which are always special and meaningful to the person who receives them. The following crafted items should take between 4 hours to 2 days to make.

Arctic Scarf Choose your own 7 colors to crochet this beautiful scarf - a stunning gift for just about anyone!

Sew a Stylish Laptop Bag
This laptop bag is so cute it can double as a handbag!

Mini Monsters
No two beasts are alike, and this Mini Monster Kit will help you create a perfectly unique monster for that someone special in your life.

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