I’ll admit that I used to be a bit embarrassed giving hand-made things. They meant a lot to me, but I worried people would perceive me as a tight-arse. (Well, I AM a tight-arse, but that’s beside the point). But as time becomes more and more precious, and all the mass-produced things lose their sparkle, I am no longer embarrassed. Home made presents are gorgeous.
How wonderful when someone takes time and care, not just to create something, but to create something specifically for you? I have done the Christmas shop were you hurriedly work your way through long list, relieved when you finally find something and completely exhausted by the experience. Lost in a sea of neon lights, shopping centre stress and hundreds of other harried shoppers. Somewhere in all that, the tradition of giving something meaningful to people I love got lost. I am going to reclaim it.
This month I intend to share with you a few different handmade ideas that might sneak their way under your tree. I’ll also share some of my favourite local places and I hope you will do the same. If you have your own shop, online or otherwise, please let me know as I’d love to promote the wares of the creatives in my community. Likewise, if you have any top craft ideas that would make great presents, comment away.
I am looking forward to a month of Christmassy creating.
I can’t wait to see what you share. I’m with you, I feel tight arse giving homemade. But then i ask myself whay are there so many people at the craft markets? People do love handmade.
Zoe | A Quirky Bird recently posted…5 Fun Kid Friendly Things To Have For Breakfast
Exactly – I think it’s a bit on trend at the moment.
I am looking forward to some lovely ideas from you! My Aunty often gave me handmade gifts as a teen and I turned my nose up at them (I know, I was an obnoxious teen!!), so now I think no-one would want anything handmade. Times have also changed along with this teenager and I think people are much more open to hand made gifts now.
Clare recently posted…Bharta. Aubergine/Eggplant curry.
I was a bit the same and it does stay with you doesn’t it? My mum was queen of the homemade things but I didn’t always appreciate them as much as I should have.
I love a handmade Christmas. That’s my favourite bit of Christmas is the crafting and gift making. I find edible gifts go down well such as Sloe Gin and Sloe Gin truffles. I also make bags, purses, soft toys etc I find as long as you think about the recipient carefully you can’t go wrong. I love to receive handmade gifts as well especially edible treats.
Claire (Pillarboxblue) recently posted…Christmas Elf on the Shelf Tutorial
I think we will be making some gingerbread star stacks as presents for little class mates.
This is a great idea Robyna. I have a facebook friend who is an amazing seamstress (I met her recently at Clare Bowditch’s Sing Song Showtime, and we got chatting and she happens to live where I do) who make s gorgeous toys and is currently in the local media lot for spearheading a campaign to get local crafty people to make toys for Geeong Mums, a charity that gives to needy families,so a bit like Pip’s toys for Mirabel project. Anyway, she posted pictures of the most lovely christmas stockings yesterday and I thought, I’m not that great at sewing, I have a lot on, but I’m doing that for my little ones!
Oh, I will have to check it out – that sounds lovely.
I love giving handmade gifts, but like you, I worry how they’ll be received. I always want to give them to those who will appreciate them!
I won’t be making stuff but will be shopping local. And NOVEMBER!!! Eeeek!
I know – how did that even happen?
Ooh that sounds so exciting! I can’t wait to see what you make – home made gifts and decorations are so much fun and so lovely.
Claire recently posted…Camperdown Cruise 2015 – with a little help from my friends!
They really are – I love getting them.