Wednesday, August 21, 2013

a handmade Christmas

For as long as I can remember I have made gifts for Christmas presents, when I say "for as long as I can remember", I seriously mean it. When I was a small child I delighted in pouring over craft books deciding what I was going to make for relatives for Christmas. It was so exciting, creating gifts for friends and family. I spotted this book on my bookcase the other day and lots of memories came flooding back, my sister and I made nearly every project in it. No wonder it's falling apart at the spine.


Over the past few years I've left things to the last minute, I haven't felt the enthusiasm that I had in years past, tending to buy more gifts than I make. This year I'm determined to start out early and turn things around and I hope that you might join me too!


I've asked a number of blogging friends to share a few ideas, traditions and gift ideas to help us along. It should be inspiring! I know a few of you might be ready to stop reading, I mean talking about Christmas in August! (would it help you to know that I had planned on sharing this series in July! Even worse huh!). But I think the earlier we start the easier December will be. This December I'm hoping to spend plenty of time with my kids, crafting and baking and hopefully enjoying some Summer rays, enjoying all those fun festive moments (staying out of those busy shops too!).


I'm not asking for a big commitment, just perhaps an hour a week, knocking one present off the list at a time. Doable right? Handmade doesn't have to mean hours and hours spent on a gift/project, it could also be buying something made by another pair of hands.


Tomorrow I'll be back, bringing you an essential tool to help with all this Handmade Christmas planning, courtesy Stella from The golden adventures of a very dark horse. Stay tuned, I'm excited!

10 comments :

  1. Great idea, I'll be reading this series with interest.

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  2. As spring comes around I start thinking about making presents. Notice I said thinking. Just today I thought "right I'd like to be done with the making part by the beginning of December". This might keep me on track.

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  3. Yip! I'm in :) I've already cut out heaps of presents for this year. I love making gifts.

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  4. Love this idea! Will be reading along :)

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  5. Yay! Am going to love this! Glad you're doing it x

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  6. good for you! my thoughts are turning that way too :o)

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  7. Oh me too I'm excited now. I have almost nothing planned so far, so inspiration would be lovely. If you wanted to do something about reusable gift wrap count me in ;o) http://growingkiwis.blogspot.co.nz/2011/12/christmas-traditions-gift-wrapping.html

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  8. I'm in!! totally need to get started :)) I'm just starting a homemade gift for my lil girls birthday in a couple of weeks....so I love this idea, I've been trying to a fully homemade christmas for a few years now, maybe this is the year :))

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  9. Brilliant. I look forward to reading more.

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  10. Louana I love your enthusiasm and love for a handmade christmas. I feel very much like you!
    ...I also think I would love to have you along as a special guest to my Sew Love Xmas workshop series closer to xmas... Or we could plot something to put on out in papakura together? I should really email u direct. just super excited right now after reading this. :)

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