Homemade for the Holiday

It's crunch time. Next Tuesday a lot of us will be engaged in holiday traveling, parties and family time. No one really wants to still be thinking about Christmas lists and gifts. So, let's be proactive. This is my first year on the early shopping plan and so far, it is working quite well. I'm just about done.

If you checked out Christmas Thoughts part one or two, you have an idea of the Indie Nation companies I'm supporting this holiday. For a few of my loves, I want to make something from my heart. Being the creative I am, I spend time every week making something. Whether it's a new dish, a new post, sewing project, or what have you, I love cultivating new skills. I swear Pinterest will have you feeling like you can change the world, one do- it- yourself project at a time.

For the month of December I opted to learn a few new skills in the areas of soap and candle making, and accessories. By the way, I am working on an accessories line so learning about new techniques and products has become a sideline.

After some trial and error, I came up with a short list of projects to work on, that would be great for gifts. Interest planted the idea and a little further research had me crafting before I knew it. Now, it's your turn.

My favorite DIY gift ideas:
Soap Making - peaceful and great for all skin types or the love in your life who hangs on to stress. Wanna try? A pumpkin and a princess blog offers a great recipe.

Leather projects- A professor offered up a bunch of leather scraps from the design studio while I was in college. Refusing to throw them out, I decided to recycle them into something awesome, like day clutches for my young professionals.Check out this awesome DIY on A Pair & a Spare blog.

Keeping on the Aromatherapy track, scented, colored candles can easily be made through a candle making kit or completely from scratch as this Something Turquoise Blog tutorial demonstrates.

What girl doesn't need and love cute head accessories? A few pieces of fabric will have your girls super cute on their worst hair days, thanks to you :).

Finally, the tried and true gift baskets for the major players on your list. This year I have included store bought and handmade gifts for my favorites. Make the basket a theme based off the person. For example, as a reader, a basket of good books and poetry would light up my life. Or, everyone knows accessories are mandatory in all aspects of my life, so a basket of different earthy gems or materials to make my own would make my heart skip.


Have fun with your gifting this year. Make the person you are shopping for smile, that's what the holiday is all about. It's always the thought that counts so get creative! You may just find a new hidden talent :).

Let me know what you' are making this year. Do you find yourself enjoying buying or building a gift more?