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}

art is such a beautiful gift to give during the holidays, don’t you think? it’s one of those gifts that just keep on giving, and something that the recipient can look at and enjoy every day (and think of you!). accompanied with a repurposed frame from the thrift store, you can make a very special gift without breaking the bank, and their easy to ship, too!

row 1: succulent plants – $10 – a grand discovery – $30 | blue owl – $10

row 2: believe – $27 | do something good today – $25 | put a pretty dress on – £4.00

row 3:  september fox – $35 | tear drop drawing – $48 | dot print – $40

wrap up: {2011} {art} {christmas} {etsy} {gift guide} {handmade} {holiday} {ideas} {photography}

simple jewelry pieces are one of my favorite things to give (and receive!), especially when they are handmade. and you know me, give it a woodland or crafty theme and i’m all over it. these would be a wonderful gift idea for a mom, sister, best friend or wife (any one of the male variety reading this??).

row 1: sterling silver chevron – $60 | artemesia – $55 | in love with nature – $80

row 2: tiny succulent garden ring – $49 | custom name necklace – $160 | fly little bird necklace* – $68

row 3: bird’s nest ring* – $15 | conroy and wilcox – $3900 | lost button necklace – $70

*these i own myself, and can personally recommend them! their quality and beauty are outstanding. :)

wrap up: {christmas} {ghtr} {gift guide} {handmade} {ideas} {jewelry} {presents}

every year i try to make the majority of my christmas gifts. there are really two reasons for this; the first is that i love to make things. i love everything about the process, from picking out a project-to-pouring myself into it-to-getting anxious about seeing the recipient open it. it’s just all good. the second reason is that it saves us money. christmas on a budget is tough, and when you can get crafty it can save you tons. i’ve been cataloging my favorite project ideas over on pinterest, and here are a few of my favorites. i still need more ideas though! do you have any crafty gift plans?

1. pretty poufs (discovered via itty bitty impact)
2. braided leather belt
3. drawstring bag (discovered via indie pretty projects)
4. tub teas (perfect for making your own tea)
5. handmade envelope tutorial
6. reversible journal covers

wrap up: {diy} {gift} {handmade} {holiday} {ideas} {make} {pretty} {projects}

i’m already getting all jittery over christmas time, and i’m so excited to start gift shopping and getting ready for the holidays. each year i try to do something different with my wrapping paper. you know, something that’s signature. something that doesn’t even need to have a ‘from: bonnie’ sticker on it, ’cause they just know it’s from me! one year it was newspaper (embellished, of course!), another year i attached big glittery letters that represented the recipients first name. i haven’t quite decided on what i’ll do this year yet, but i’m either going to buy some beautiful handmade paper or do something diy style (see some ideas at the bottom of this post!). what about you?

wrapping paper from love, mae.

eco friendly wrapping paper from arboreal.

wrapping paper from smock shop.

ring-a-ding | chairs | daisies | chandeliers

chevron flame | winterberry birds | chevron | elderberry

snow forest | snowy pines | winter wind | birch luxury

gift wrap from the nimbus factory.

gift wrap from forma.

faux bois | birdhouse | peace, joy, love | candy canes

paper scraps + celery | paper bag gift wrap | holiday greenery | hand drawn gift wrap
and for all you do it yourselfers, here are a few more ideas! also don’t miss creature comforts super duper free printable holiday gift tag round up, it’s amazing!

wrap up: {diy} {free printable} {gift wrap} {gifts} {handmade} {holidays} {wrapping paper}

one of my favorite photographers, elle moss, recently put together this treasury, which inspired me to put together my own version of the red nosed reindeer! i couldn’t help but fall in love with the pale blues contrasted with the bold reds. the colors remind me of sitting next to a warm fire and looking out the window at a blue wintry day.

clockwise: the christmas comfort pocket box | candy canes |  let it snow | felt tag card | deer tea towel |  winter photography | santa’s reindeer | holiday deer | red cable knit wrist warmers

wrap up: {blue} {christmas} {handmade} {let it snow} {red} {reindeer}

yup, you guessed it. it’s raining here today! (it’s only the second time since may, so i’m pretty excited!)

happy cloud stud earrings | $44, rain is magical – $15

rain drop gift tags – $6 | mr. toppington’s tear drop – $4

pine drops – $28 | rain drops – $20

checkbook cover – $14 | rain drops

wrap up: {accessories} {clouds} {drops} {handmade} {rain} {weather}

evelda’s neverland is bursting at the seems with uniquely knitted beautiful accessories, and no two are the same! hand knitted, crocheted and sewn by evelda, each piece is an original design. i love the earthy tones, cozy look and eclectic feel to her shop. you can also find her on facebook and twitter!

wrap up: {accessories} {crochet} {etsy} {evelda's neverland} {handmade} {knit} {unique}