Crafty these days

Once again, I have decided to give as many personalized gifts as possible this Holiday season. Over the past number of months I have been working on many crafty items for friends and family for birthdays, Christmas, and baby shower gifts.

I started up a beautiful baby blanket for my girlfriend who had her baby in August. I stalled on the baby sweater, and because it was for a newborn I pretty much gave up trying to get it done. I will eventually finish it, but there is no rush at the moment. So I switch to another project, which I had already had in mind for her and the baby. They decided on a nature theme for the baby's room, so I figured Bernat Satin was the way to go in the sable colour. I had used this yarn to knit my nephew a blanket, and it is wonderfully soft. If I stick with it I should have it done by the end of December.

My neices 5th birthday is coming up mid-December and I wanted to do something extra special. She is turning 5 after all. I found a plain wooden jewelry box at Michael's, and figured I would paint it in her favourite colours (pink and purple), decorate it with sparkles, stickers and her name, and finish it off with a picture of herself. It has turned out really well, there are just a few finishing touches I need to complete. Plus, to put inside, a pink handmade bracelet. I am sure she will be thrilled.

As for mom, I have been knitting items for her newly renovated kitchen, and assembling a Christmas centerpiece.

I was going to try and do some paintings for family and friends, but the time seems to be slipping away. I still plan to do them eventually, they just might not be Christmas presents.

For me, I enjoy giving personalized or small gifts, rather than the extravagant. There seems to be more thought, time, patience, and love I give something I made.