handmade gifts for christmas and celebrations 2011

whoopidoo

I use blogger and find it really easy. You could start off by blogging some of the pressies you made this year (if you took piccies?) Make sure and let us know if you do start

thebuff1

Hi there Scuzz and Whoop, it sounds like you had a lovely time making the gifts.

I so hear you all about the attitude re handmade, it has been suggested that, because I get really upset about the lack of thanks I should just not bother ( I feel that this sounds like I want totally thanks and long lasting love etc but I know you understand what I mean) and to some extent I have stopped but I enjoy taking time to find things that people really like, eg watch and listen to them throughout year and try to match their tastes to something appropriate, I just have to accept that not everyone values the effort that is put in for them.
That said whenever I send food goodies home with a work mate, her hubby always texts feedback and thanks and that means such a lot that he has bothered to do that.

I find it pointless spending time and money on stuff just so that folk can say that they have a present for someone. eg I got a voucher for a dept store that I NEVER shop in but will go just to use the voucher also I go a reed diffuser thingy, again it will possibly get used but I don't use them and may just give it away. I truly would have been happy with nothing or £5 vouchers for my wool shop or bake shop, I find it hard that if you know anything about me at all you should know I love a cookbook and what interests me...clearly my family don't know me.


I got some great ideas via this forum and made a couple of nappy cakes but the last 2 didn't even merit more than a passing thanks so will think very carefully before doing again.

Re my gifts this Christmas;

I have a few workmates that I like to remember and this year I decided to make Baileys fudge for the first time. It made a lot so a few pieces put into cellophane bags looked great and was a surprise for them.

Other gifts I gave were homemade (not by me) jam, cake and loaves or rolls that I made. I funky scarf I made has been much admired and I have been asked to make 1 for money which is a first as usually when asked and I say it will cost x, to cover the wool and maybe a £5 on top, the interest disappears!

I love to knit and always have something on the go, a friend is happily unexpectedly, expecting and I asked her what she wanted and she is happy with a blanket I planned to make it and add to a nappy cake but the wool alone has cost me £17 without the hours that it will take to make so I will consider this my gift to her.

Anyhow, moan over! it is nice to sound off to like minded folk, thanks for listening.
PS do you have the flavoured vodka recipe please? I had planned to do this in bottles for xmas and lost the recipe and do not know anyone who had tried it so would love to have your feedback and the recipe please.

scuzz

thebuff1 wrote: »

clearly my family don't know me.

I hear that! Well with my sister anyway!!!

Re: flavoured vodka, I don't have a recipe as such but:

Half bottle of the cheapest stores own vodka you can find
3 limes cut into fairly small pieces
sugar - add a smallish amount to start and taste throughout the "brewing" period and add to your liking.

I usually only leave mine about 1-2 weeks and it tastes fine.

I also have tried raspberries, blackberries (foraged), lemon, orange, chilli(yuk!) and toffee - use smashed up Werthers.

No sugar is needed with the chilli or toffee ones. The chilli was a gift to a spice loving person and they loved it but I could have thrown up:rotfl:

There is a whole thread on here somewhere about flavoured vodka, which might give you more ideas.

I need to look up the flavoured coffee.

azjh77

Okay - Am I in the right place? Hand made stuff for Christmas 2011 ? Seem to be lots of threads mentioning 'bargains' and suchlike but I'm aiming to make all my CP's for next year - no Boots soap sets for me!

My Sock monsters went down really well with my sons - I'm going to attempt a photo soon! - and I've joined my church craft club so hope to try out some new crafts over 2011.

Planning on getting better at crochet too... I think a lot of people will be getting scarves and throws for Christmas!

whoopidoo

Yes you are in the right place azjh77 - took me a while to find it too :P

thebuff1 - in previous years I would have said the same about my family and friends but this year the majority seem to have suddenly really 'got' me. I ended up with a mixed bag of crafting tools, pens, a sewing machine and various books (my other love) it was so unexpected and so lovely that the thought seemed to have gone in and you are right that's it exactly what it is - feeling like someone has thought about you. My MIL really, REALLY surprised me by having secretly spent most of the year crocheting my OH and I a blanket for our bed. Think she was most surprised at the hug and kiss she got off me Loved it!

betterlife

azjh77 wrote: »

Okay - Am I in the right place? Hand made stuff for Christmas 2011 ? Seem to be lots of threads mentioning 'bargains' and suchlike but I'm aiming to make all my CP's for next year - no Boots soap sets for me!

My Sock monsters went down really well with my sons - I'm going to attempt a photo soon! - and I've joined my church craft club so hope to try out some new crafts over 2011.

Planning on getting better at crochet too... I think a lot of people will be getting scarves and throws for Christmas!

yes you are in the right place:p there are so many other threads at the mo aimed for next xmas, it was getting a bit confusing:o but this one is for handmade gifts not just for xmas but birthdays and any other special occassions throughout the year, i made gifts last year that went down very well, so intend to get started early this year and make more , my mums birthday is in march and she does alot of sewing so im going to make her a flower pin cushion and top some long pins with hand sculpted mini butterfies, catterpillars etc.

azjh77

Cool - well Hello all fellow crafters! I've subscribed so I should be able to find you all again, and err, 'borrow' all your ideas.

Has anyone made these? Thought they looked cute and a good way of giving socks. Although I may draw the line at making my own socks....

http://pippaslongstockings.blogspot.com/2010/12/diy-sock-cupcakes.html

scuzz

whoopidoo wrote: »

I use blogger and find it really easy. You could start off by blogging some of the pressies you made this year (if you took piccies?) Make sure and let us know if you do start

Ok you've inspired me! I've just created my new blog

http://craftynewstart.blogspot.com

Only the one post so far, but will take some snaps tomorrow and build on it:)

betterlife

well done scuzz, looking good so far

whoopidoo

I'm your first follower