hello lovelies! as promised, today i’m sharing with you a few of the handmade gifts i received over christmas. not to state the obvious, but handmade gifts are my favorite! the time and thought that everyone put into these absolutely blows me away- and i’ve got to admit, i’ve got some pretty talented friends and family!

reversible handmade market bag made by my mom- isn’t it beautiful? i used it just yesterday at our farmer’s market and it was so perfect for the occasion. it’s easy to carry and the little pocket on the front is perfect for quick cash. (find the pattern here!)

i love love love my new crocheted toboggan by my friend lindsay- it’s so soft and cozy. :)

laptop sleeve handmade by my mom! she also bought a matching amy butler laptop skin to match it. brilliant, right? (find the pattern here!)

hand-stamped calendar index cards for the entire year, handmade by my dear friend callie. perfect to jot down daily lists, prayer reminders or to do’s!

another absolutely amazing project by my sweet momma- an ipad case with matching amy butler skin. (find the pattern here!)

all natural handmade soap by my friend, deidre. they smells sooo good!

a rice and lavender neck wrap handmade by friend, amber. pop this in the microwave and your warm and cozy in no time!

thank you everyone for all of your incredibly thoughtful and beautiful gifts!

wrap up: {christmas} {gifts} {handmade} {ideas} {patterns}

sunshine printable – free!

campers printable – free!

moths printable – $4

don’t get snippy – $3.99

do the impossible printable – free!

mushroom printable – $3.50

still looking for a last minute gift idea? here are a few printable art pieces that would make beautiful gifts! paired with a new frame or even a re-purposed thrift frame, these would make a classy gift in minutes.

wrap up: {art} {christmas} {gifts} {idea} {last minute} {pdf} {printable}

printable calendar and matching gift tag

2012 printable calendar

the owl and pussycat calendar

cd case calendar

vintage flowers calendar | botanicals desk calendar

2012 printable calendar

looking for a last minute gift? try one of these beautiful printable calendars! i think a gift that someone can look at all year long is especially thoughtful, and these are so pretty i bet they’ll want to hold on to them after the year is over!

wrap up: {2012} {calendar} {christmas} {download} {gifts} {pdf} {printable} {quick}

untitled by abby trys again

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quick bread in a bottle | book marks | neck scarf | bath bombs

still feeling crafty? here are few quick and easy do it yourself christmas gift ideas!

i have made several gifts this year but can’t post them here in efforts to keep them a surprise to my family! i’ll share with you all the little goodies from this year afterwards. did you make many of your gifts? if so, what did you make? please share!

wrap up: {christmas} {diy} {easy} {gifts} {ideas} {quick}

happy monday, friends! i just can’t believe that this is the last week before Christmas, can you? i still have gifts to wrap (and make!), but we are home in north carolina with our family and it feels so wonderful. this week will be full of beautiful projects and downloads to inspire you, and today’s is no exception!

amy from thank you cards shop has kindly made several free printables for your Christmas season! thank you cards, gift tags, bookmarks and even recipe cards! they will make your gifts prettier and your wrapping easier. they would also make fabulous stocking stuffers!

head on over to the thank you cards shop blog for all the downloads!

wrap up: {bookmarks} {christmas} {download} {free} {holiday} {printable} {shop} {thank you cards}

Whether for your own mother or for a growing family in your life, this pretty keepsake ornament is a thoughtful handmade holiday gift. Inside the glass bulb are the names of each member of the family (pets included!) written or printed on little paper banners. The holiday and year are also included on a banner – a festive way to mark and remember this holiday season.

Materials

1 clear glass bulb ornament with hook

as many paper banners as needed, in complimentary colors

a fine-tipped pen

Directions

Measure the opening of the bulb to make sure paper banners will fit inside without crumpling. Cut out as many paper banners as needed for each name. I also included one banner to mark the year, and another banner I left blank for decoration.

Gently fold the banner in half and lightly pinch the crease – just enough so that that banner stays shut, but not so much that it is permanently creased shut.

Re-open the banner and write the name of a family member. Repeat for each family member. Write the holiday and year on one banner if you desire, and leave another blank. I included one glittering bronze banner to leave blank.

Gently, partially fold the banners again, and drop inside the ornament. Once all paper banners are inside, replace the cap of the ornament.

Shake gently to release banners from each other’s folds if needed, and package in a protective box for gift-giving.

Out to find ways to make life simpler, Ashley is tackling life one DIY project at a time. Learning as she goes, she also spends her days writing Indie Pretty Projects and creating for her Etsy shop.

wrap up: {ashley pahl} {christmas} {diy} {family} {keepsake} {ornament}

happy friday, friends! today will be the last gift guide, as next week is dedicated to free downloads and christmas diy projects. have a beautiful weekend! xox

if you’re not in school yourself, most all of us have a someone in our lives who is. whether it’s high school or college, here are some handmade gift ideas for the student- rock on education!

row 1: off to college embroidery pattern – $5 | square shaped leather backpack – $150 | yoga mat bag – $19.50

row 2: a.c. slater card – $3.50 | 2012 planner – $30 | bike pannier bags – $120

row 3: natural wood pencil holder – $10 | wood pencil holder – $59 | canvas messenger bag – $65

wrap up: {2011} {christmas} {college} {education} {gift guide} {high school} {school} {student}