Handmade Holiday

Do you like this photo? I made it myself. I didn't just pay a graphic designer to do it for me. Doesn't that make you appreciate it more? The answer to that question is "yes", and this is exactly my point. Never mind that I couldn't size it correctly to fit in the parameters. That is not the point!

People will truely love the gifts you give them this year if you make them. Now I know this sounds ridiculous, so maybe you don't make gifts for everyone. Maybe, make a gift for at least one person. We all have someone we know that we could make something for and they would love. And not just your mom, someone else too. Before you blow me off, it's easier than you think. The internet is full of resources, and so is the library, a book store, a craft store, the supermarket, thrift stores, and hardware stores. People are dying for you to get creative in their name. It's way trendier than buying them a new ipod or Starbucks giftcard.

To give you further inspiration I'll show you what I'm going to make and give out, and no it isn't scarves.

It's a hand-covered light switch! What man on your list wouldn't want these through out his house? All you need is glue and an old issue of Maxim. This is proof that there is a craft for every creative comfort level. A gift doesn't have to be expensive to be amazing.

I could go on with more examples but you get the point.

(I apologize if that example was too graphic)

Despite my winning argument if you still don't think giftmaking is for you, then buy a handmade gift. There are tons of options there. And if you don't mind I'd like to take a minute to plead this case. When items are made by hand they are just, so, amazing. Crafters are passionate and inspired by their world, and they put every bit of their heart into their work. Then you buy it, give it to someone, and you all share in the joy! Unique gifts have character and personality, like the real-life person you give it to. Because artisans are regaining popularity the recipient of your gift will find you more hip and socially aware. And finding a selfish reason to do something is so much more rewarding. 

Seriously, I am going to cut myself off now, but I do encourage you to act on what I've written. Go to the locally owned gift shop in town. Or go online and search "handmade gifts." I can make it even easier for you. Go to http://www.etsy.com/ or http://www.artfire.com/

I can also do you one better. Buy a handmade gift and have all the proceeds go to charity. http://www.rightasrain.org/

I'm shutting myself off now.

                    
http://how2dostuff.blogspot.com/2006/02/how-to-make-secret-hollow-book.html

OK, seriously, get out of here now.

New Tricks from Old Friends

Those were the good old days, when people used to get together and sew. Now sewing is an individualized sport. I spend most of my days solo in my sewing studio, longing for the stimulation of other like minds. That is one of the reasons I decided to ask some crafty friends of mine to sew scarves for me. It has been really fun for me to show them how I do what I do. They each took my instruction and then went their own way with it. You can see all of the results on my etsy site. Each one of us five girls has a style all our own.

During this project I kept very open to how other people might do things and I picked up a few new tricks. I'm so glad I did it because it has helped me to keep my own style fresh and ever-evolving. When you are on your own and in your routine, sometimes you don't realize what you are doing is becoming very "routine." 

One day Lauren and I were comparing scarves. I noticed that she sewed on her four-hole buttons in two straight lines. I sew mine in an "x." We both laughed at ourselves because neither of us had thought to do it the other way, but it was such a simple concept. Likewise when I saw the scarves from Cassandra I noticed they had a soft, fuzzy texture. I really liked the chunky grain on this light fabric she used. I asked her where she got it. She said that she had taken sweatshirt fabric and turned it inside out. I smiled as I thought, "no kidding, sweatshirt in reverse." You know I'm going to take that idea and go places with it.

I'm beginning to realize how important it is to have friends, and share ideas. The more tips I learn, the more I'm working and thinking, "What can I turn upside-down or inside-out? What material haven't I used yet?"

I often have to remind myself that it is OK not to innovate all the time. Being open-minded can make you so much better at being you. I mainly apply this thought to my sewing, but it works for life too. I don't do anything any better than anyone else, just different.