Every year instead of buying Christmas presents for my loved ones, I make most of the gifts I give, to varying degrees of success. If you are interested in opting out of the commercialism associated with the holidays, pledge to either buy handmade or make your own gifts. While it's true that most people are less than thrilled with hand-made expressions of devotion (including but not limited to the time I gave everyone DVDs of the Star Wars holiday special, which involved buying it off eBay, borrowing a VCR and computer capable of converting it to a digital medium, and copying it for each person, all of which took forever), don't let that stop you. It's significantly better for the environment, and, as I said before, failure is just part of the process. Eventually I hope to make something that my friends will treasure.
Here are some ideas to get us started:
For the kids
- Felt penguin
- Stuffed bear
- Letters on small canvases that spell their name (Nylonthread did this for Thea one year and it turned out beautifully; also check out her etsy shop for some gorgeous jewelry)
- Mix cds (Does anyone else miss the mix tape as much as I do?)
- Bath bombs
Who else has some good ideas?
10 comments:
You're inspirational. I think I might make some bath bombs. Another easy (ish) thing are spice rubs, there are lots of recipes online. Check 2nd hand shops for the jars, etc that'll hold them.
while looking around at bath bomb recipes I found a recipe for a sugar rub for the bath
I love the bath bomb and sugar rub ideas...might make some of those this year. I usually knit a few gifts (scarfs, purses, blanket, poncho). I made plum jam this year and am giving as gifts. A couple of years ago we made homemade felt wreaths and gave as gifts. Fun and loved the outcome.
I did the super-easy version of moral consumerism this year and bought all my presents with etsy. I didn't have the stress of having to be creative outside of the job that pays me to be creative, but knew I was supporting independent artists! Here's what I coveted for myself:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=15607158
Good for you! I have been thinking of making sock slippers from those sox used for monkey dolls. Also want to make a large folding (involves hinges and a screwdriver I suppose)felt board for the kids to do story boards. I have some story items from local teaching tools place. And I did get some fair trade knit wear for the kids this week-end. It is motivational to hear you talking it up, the reuse, recycle, reduce thing. So important. More all the time. Tick tick.
Sugar rub: great idea!
Felt wreath: I'm totally looking up how one does that. That would be a fun thing to do with the kids.
Abigail: Is that a hint?
Nonna: That picture of you is ADORABLE.
MIX TAPES! I love them, I miss them, I wish people still made them.
kelly, I was skeptical about home-made stuffed animals, until I saw one in real life. a former coworker of ours showed me a cat and little girl that her brother and mother made for her (resptictively) and they ares super cute and hilarious at the same time. I didn't realize how much potential there is...but then again, there is potential in everything...it just takes a little human spirit! good luck!!!!
i've proceeded with ordering 10 prints of one of my favorite photos i took. i'm not sure if i'll frame them before i mail them or not. it would make shipping a lot more sensitive and difficult. and yes, wtf am i doing awake?
framed drawings by your little matisse or picasso are a fan favorite at my house...
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