I have been advocating a handmade Christmas this year. Too much emphasis has been put on buy, buy, buy. Kids had lists of toys a mile long. Some of the things they want aren't even toys anymore. Adults seem to think they need every gadget that comes up on their TV screen. I get so tired of this "giveme" world I could just cry. The true meaning of Christmas is lost among the beeps, buzzes and multitude of cell phone ring tones. So this year I am trying to encourage others to have a handmade Christmas. I have half a dozen projects in the works myself. Some are going to be gifts, some I'm hoping to sell.
Yesterday was warm enough to open the windows for ventilation and work on some spray paint projects. I have a big box of pine cones I managed to wrestle away from the squirrels last year. Since pink and white seem to be popular Christmas colors I thought I'd give it a try. The pictures don't show it well, but these pretty cones are sprayed white and have pastel green and pink glitter on them. It is the fine glitter that doesn't show up in big ugly clumps, which I hate. That's why it's not popping off the screen at you, just subtle sparkles in green and pink. Just what to do with these pretties hasn't been determined yet. I have visions of a shabby chic wreath or garland.
I also started a knitting project for a family gift. That was frustrating. I only had to tear it out and start over twice - so far....
How about you? What projects do you have going? If there aren't any, you'd better get going. The holidays are only a few weeks away!
18 comments:
Hello Sandy,
Wonderful post. My daughter and I are both making most of our gifts this yr. I would rather recieve a gift made than anything.I really love gifts I can eat...LOL...yummmmmm. I love the pinecones. They are beautiful.I have some really big pine trees that have huge cones.We are right now getting the tail end of Hurrican Ida,I hope she left me some cones.LOL.You have a lovely blog and I thank you for finding and stoping by my blog.XXOO Marie Antionette
that's a gorgeous picture of the pine cones! i love pine cones. they always smell good in the bag in the store but seems to not smell like that once i get them home. hmmmm.
i need about 1,000 xmas cards if i want to send to EVERYONE - and that includes my blogging buddies. YIKES! not to mention 4 places where i sell them. do you think i can do that??????
got tons of compliments on the necklace. i wear it all the time!
hugs,
Good Morning Sandy!
Love these pincones, they look so wintery and elegant. I love the white and you can just see the sparkle of the glitter added to them. They are just devine. I would make a garland for my mantel if they were mine. They are just the perfect size and shape.
I to am making some of my Christmas gifts this year. At least for most of the adults and one of the little ones. You are so lucky to be able to knit. I would so love to learn, but alas I am told I have two left hands, and am a hopeless case. I love looking at others work though. It is just beautiful.
Happy Tuesday sweetie. Country hugs, Sherry
This is such a wonderful post!!! I could not agree with you more!!!! I have five little boys and they are all just obsessed this year with Christmas gifts!!
Hugs,
Amy
Hi Sandy,
Soo happy you stopped by .. I really enjoy meeting new bloggie friends .. Your handmade goodies are adorable ... I too, have been getting things ready for the holidays .. handmade gifts are the BeSt !! I so agree with you on all the gimme' stuff .. It's soo out of control .. We big people can be as bad as the wee ones when it comes to wanting .. Hoping you have a wonderful, happy day ~
hugs ~tea~xo
Amen! Our family "policy" for gifts is three gifts each, because Jesus received three gifts. We give something to wear, something to read and something to play with.
As to making gifts, I'm hoping to get some things done, like scarves and tote bags. I also give homemade jams and jellies each year.
Happy Handmade Christmas!
I have to admit that I was once one of those grannys that bought a lot of storebought stuff. But due to our financial situation last year, I decided to make a few things instead. I found that not only did I get a lot of satisfaction from the work that I did, but the kids and grandkids enjoyed it too. So from now on it's HANDMADE from me.
This year, for the adults, I'm making a basket up with an apron, a gingerbread doll and a "gingerbread cookies in a jar". All made by me!
HI Sandy - thanks for stopping by my blog today and thanks for the nice comments. I AM absolutely advocating a handmade Christmas this year - my products in my shop actually are promoting the same thing.
Your blog is lovely - I will be back!
Sandy, thanks for visiting me this morning. I love finding new blogs, and can't wait to look through your old posts. I have been working away on Christmas also. I agree completely that Christmas is losing its meaning. I love handmade. I made a beautiful pinecone wreath this weekend. I will post a picture today. I can't wait to see what else you create. Have a lovely day.
xxoo Valare
Hi Sandy, Like you I am trying to do a handmade Christmas. I so enjoy making gifts for special family and friends.
I have been enjoying your blog and I'm so glad you stopped by mine.
Karen
Hi, Sandy!
We had a handmade Christmas last year. We had so much fun, and it counteracted the "give me get day" attiude that can prevade Christmas Day. I love the cones!
Nancy
Gifts that come from the heart and not the store shelves carry within them a piece of the soul that creates them.
Thanks for the early morning visit... it is good to know I'm not the only one up before the sun.
Enjoy your weekend.
Susan
Hi Sandy,
Glad you found my blog!
I think a handmade Christmas is a great idea. Since I make things it works for me. I think a handmade gift is the best.
Love the pinecones you are working on.
Have a great weekend,
Rosemary
We'll be using pine cones on the mantle. Christmas is so commercial anymore ... I don't craft or sew, which leaves me at the mercy of stores.
Have a lovely day. Come enter our TRIPLE GIVEAWAY, if you haven't. TTFN ~ Marydon
Hi Sandy,
I'm with you... a handmade Christmas is so nice and means so much more than the latest Gizmo of the year!
Thank you for stopping by my blog and commenting on the Veterans Day post. I don't know who the other service men are in the photo along with my dad. I really enjoyed hearing about your father in the service, it touched my sentimental heart very much.
Have a wonderful weekend.
~Tracie
Hi Sandy!
Thanks so much for stopping by my blog! I hope you visit again soon.
I love your idea about handmade gifts. I have been thinking about taking up knitting again. I haven't done it for years. Right now I have my hands full with remodeling this house...
Penny
If I was better organized, I would have started gifts for Christmas last year. Some of my sons favorite gifts from me have been their own scrapbooks, I was so surprised and overjoyed by how much they continue to enjoy them.
But I am a very s l o w crafter.
Hi Sandy, thanks for finding my blog and for your sweet words. I'm making something similar too for Christmas. Have a great day, Theresa
Post a Comment