| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| grace gerber |
Posted - Nov 02 2008 : 08:13:28 AM
Now that the holidays are racing toward us - I am wondering what has been your favorite handmade gift to give or receive???
Please share as much info on it as you would like because I think all of us need new ideas for this holiday season. It is now more then ever important to share items made from the heart and hands...
Grace Gerber
Larkspur Funny Farm and Fiber Art Studio
Where the spirits are high and the fiber is deep
http://www.larkspurfunnyfarm.etsy.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.blogspot.com
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| 25 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| dkelewae |
Posted - Dec 26 2008 : 3:14:42 PM
I didn't receive any handmade gifts yet, but so far hubby & son both loved their fleece blankets I made them, and hubby adores the scarf I knit for him and has been bragging to everyone how his wife made it for him.
We'll be having our Christmas with my older kiddos and grandsweeties on Jan 3rd. Sure hope they all like the things I made for them.
Diana
Farmgirl Sister #272
St. Peters MO
Country Girl trapped in the city!
http://farmgirldreams.blogspot.com/ |
| eskimobirdlady |
Posted - Dec 26 2008 : 3:07:34 PM
we didnt really do christmas this year becasue of sons surgery and finding out that hubby needs major surgery as soon as it can be scheduled but i did contact an old friend of his who sent 2 bottles of homemade, 6 yr old, concord grape wine! i do not like wine but tasted it and it was so nummy! i dont knwo if any of you remember the cartoon dog that when fed a treat would hug himself and float into the air and back down, but i truly wondered if hubby was gonna do that! i would say that tops any gift i could have gotten for him! peace connie in alaska |
| prairielandherbs |
Posted - Dec 26 2008 : 12:05:28 PM
So? How did the homemade gifts go over? Did anyone recieve any really fantastic homemade gifts???
I think my "guys" all liked the hats and jams, which makes me happy. :) My 7 year old nephew went nuts over his orange and blue wristwarmers and wore them all day. :) it was delighfully gratifying to see. |
| Tammy Claxton |
Posted - Dec 22 2008 : 2:04:13 PM
All this talk about jelly! I'm hungry now...lol
Crafty Bay Farmgirl Chapter
"What doesn't kill you will only make you stronger"
Farmgirl #152
http://countryintheburbs.blogspot.com/
http://bigdogmom130.etsy.com |
| grace gerber |
Posted - Dec 20 2008 : 7:08:13 PM
I am with you Debby - it requires time and thought to make a gift. I just read an article about how "Homemade" had in past times a bad idea attached to it but now it is trendy and is getting better press.
Today when I was not out in the goat barn I made homemade "Rum Balls", Creme De Monte Mints, Honey and Milk Carmel Corn and put the finishing touches on my Seed Saver Journals... Even without enough sleep (goat birthing time) I still feel alive when I know I am making something special for someone.
Stand proud - give Homemade Gifts 
Grace Gerber
Larkspur Funny Farm and Fiber Art Studio
Where the spirits are high and the fiber is deep
http://www.larkspurfunnyfarm.etsy.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.blogspot.com
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| debaccuardi |
Posted - Dec 19 2008 : 7:36:31 PM
I always try to knit a couple of presents each year. This year I am snowed in so pretty much everyone is receiving handmade gifts this year--knit hats, socks or scarves (some handspun) for nieces and moms. SILs will be getting a basket of herbal goodies (honey face mask, calendula ointment, herbal tea and bath tea) mand for the men in the family wet felted scarves.
Next year I have lots more herb plans. I love that I actually have time to do this. There have been too many years where I feel like I am buying presents that may be enjoyed but are impersonal.
http://debaccuardi.typepad.com |
| prairielandherbs |
Posted - Dec 19 2008 : 09:11:32 AM
For those of you looking for "guy" gifts - I've been making hats. For my brother, my ex, my nephews (age 18 and 7). For the older fellows, I used this pattern:
http://knitting-and.com/knitting/patterns/hats/manly-hat.htm - i love it!!!
For the younger boys, I used this pattern - it makes a very "cool" hip/trendy hat even teens will wear.
If you want to see what I came up with there are pics on my blog:
http://girlwithasword.blogspot.com/
I can knit the London Beanie in about 2 hours with slightly less than 100 yards of yarn, so it's great to use up smaller skeins and doesn't take long!
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| eskimobirdlady |
Posted - Dec 14 2008 : 7:39:45 PM
that tree sounds really cool. could you post a pic of it please? peace connie in alaska |
| jumpingjuliet |
Posted - Dec 14 2008 : 11:00:00 AM
I absolutely love this thread! I am so inspired. I love the lego blanket idea. I am dreading when Paul is old enough to play with legos. I dread toys with small parts. They are always all over the place. That is why I love the lego mat idea.
My family always made handmade gifts. My mom sewed pillows and blankets for on our beds and made pajama bags to keep our jammies in and cross stitced ornaments with a picture of each of our horses on them. My great uncle who is a wonderful woodworker made me a 2 story farmhouse for my barbies. I loved it. He even made furniture for it and kitchen cabinets and a dishwasher. Above the fireplace he hung my worst school picture ever. When I dig it out of my mom's attic to ship it out here I will have to update the photo. My Great grandma wallpapered it with scraps from her house so it is like a miniature of hers. The upholstery on the couch was fabric from things she has made and they did such a beautiful job. They made my brothers a machine shed to keep their toy tractors in. I used to climb in it and take naps. Next to my doll house It loots like a farm. My one Gram crocheted sweaters and such. The other knitted blankets and sweaters.
I married into a family that goes overboard with expensive gifts. They can afford it but it gets old. I am going back to my roots and making gifts or giving simple SB gifts that they could really use. For my niece I got carried away because I was enjoying making girly things. I found an easel at a thrift shop for her and I am making a cute little ruffly craft apron for her. I also made a fleece blanket with pom pom trim, and a pair of fleece mittens to match. For my son (he's 3) I am outfitting his big boy room so he can move in on New Years. The deal was he could not have a big boy room until he used the potty like a big boy and no more diapers. We finally are there (YAY!!!) I am going to make him a cover for his headboard out of old jeans. The iron bed is a bit girly. He wanted an airplane.I found Texaco plane banks at a secondhand shop. They will hang from his ceiling.
For most of our friends and family I am giving HM apple butter, apple sauce, and pomegranate jelly. I was hoping to throw in homemade butter and bread too but I don't think I will get that far this year. (Note my post in the kitchen section about bread making). I am also making cinnamon ornaments and wall hangings for each family. Some have the letters of their last name and Gingerbread people for each family member. My parents' has horses and a heart with their name. Some individuals are just getting ornaments. I am making a simple flannel quilt for my friend's new baby. I am also candying pecans for a few people. I better get cracking. :P ( I couldn't help myself)
Next year I found a great idea for recycling old sweaters. Felt them and then make totes out of them. Just cut the arms off and cut around the neck to make handles, and stitch the bottom closed. You just blanket stitch the cut edges and can use the sleeves to make pockets.I am going to get started with this early in the year so I can keep my eyes open for sweaters all year long.
My son painted wooden birdhouses for each of his grandmas. We found a box of plaster of paris ornaments at a rummage sale. He is painting those for his aunts and uncles.
I hope you all get your projects done in time to sit and enjoy yourselves. The procrastinator that I am I will be at it till the last minute.:)
Merry Christmas
Becky
I am one with my inner farm girl! |
| grace gerber |
Posted - Dec 14 2008 : 09:17:44 AM
The tree sounds wonderful - it sure would be something my deer and goats could not bother. I at one time would decorate the Pino Pine that stands infront of my house but I have learned first the geese would pull the light blubs off where they could reach them, then the crows and magpies with pull off the ribbon bows, then the howling wind would carry the ornaments off to Kansas - so now I let Mother Nature decorate. Today she has graced the tree with snow covered branchs, branchs full of cones and there are five leftover nests sitting gently deep in the lush greens. I do love the sound of your Wire Tree and how creative you are to make it.
Keep up those creative ideas - we still have some time to dig in our stashs are pull out some incredible gifts.
Grace Gerber
Larkspur Funny Farm and Fiber Art Studio
Where the spirits are high and the fiber is deep
http://www.larkspurfunnyfarm.etsy.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.blogspot.com
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| windypines |
Posted - Dec 14 2008 : 04:08:58 AM
No the barb wire tree is not for the cows. I take a piece of rebar for the trunk, flat bar and horse shoes for the base and make branches out of barb wire, rusty of course. Make a star for the top out of wire too. Turn out pretty neat. I have made several and either gave away or sold. Still don't have any for me. This one will be going to my sister. She ordered one. I am going to try a piece of t-post for the trunk. See if my husband thinks it will be too heavy. Can't find the rebar I thought I had.
Michele |
| Room To Grow |
Posted - Dec 13 2008 : 4:02:58 PM
Anything canned or recipes in a jar
Deborah
we have moved to our farm...and love it |
| dutchy |
Posted - Dec 13 2008 : 12:56:54 PM
There are SO many wonderful things in this post, I have subscribed to it, and will keep it that way.
AM going to try some of these, YAY!!
Hugs from Marian/Dutchy, a farmgirl from the Netherlands :)
My personal blog:
http://just-me-a-dutch-girl.blogspot.com/
Again new creations added, too cute lol. Come and check it out!!
http://princess-of-pink-creations.blogspot.com/
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| K-Falls Farmgirl |
Posted - Dec 13 2008 : 12:28:36 PM
My sister makes Almond roca..every year OMG it is soooooooooooo yummy. Can't wait to get up to Washington to get my share this year...usually she mailed it to me and I kinda think she was afraid it would cost too much to mail.. kept getting less & less and I had to savor each piece, But I talked to her yesterdy & she said she made plenty.. not sure what that means.. I guess I will see....
http://www.k-fallsfarmgirl.blogspot.com/
Cheryl #309
Farm girl sister
Enjoy the little things in life....someday you'll look back and realize they were the big things. |
| eskimobirdlady |
Posted - Dec 13 2008 : 12:19:17 PM
michelle, a barbed wire chirstmas tree? is that to pur in the pasture for the cows to enjoy?? lol
peace connie in alaska |
| windypines |
Posted - Dec 13 2008 : 04:21:55 AM
How is everyone coming on their gift list? Mine is slowly getting done. Got a fleece blanket left to tie, a sign to make, a barb wire Christmas tree to make, I hope to mix up some meat rubs, and then wrap??? Oh ya and make that Christmas card, I do have envelopes addressed, so that will be quick! I hope to be done this coming week, so I can sit back and enjoy??????
Good luck to all
Michele |
| dutchy |
Posted - Dec 11 2008 : 1:38:28 PM
These all sound SO wonderful and thoughtful!
I love hand/home made gifts. I guess all these would be my favorite, since I don't get gifts anymore, lol.
When my mom was alive we bought presents because mom could not use her hands to make things anymore. But when I was growing up she used to knit me beautiful sweaters etc. for Sinterklaas (Dec.5). And she also made my dresses and skirts herself.
I have many pictures of me wearing them and I remember I always got compliments from the other kids and the teachers :)
Would LOVE to receive a hand made gift, but alas. SO I will make something for myself I guess :)
OH I DID!! I made the stockings yay!!
Hugs from Marian/Dutchy, a farmgirl from the Netherlands :)
My personal blog:
http://just-me-a-dutch-girl.blogspot.com/
Again new creations added, too cute lol. Come and check it out!!
http://princess-of-pink-creations.blogspot.com/
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| grace gerber |
Posted - Dec 11 2008 : 10:48:50 AM
Great to see this thread back around.
Thought I would share a couple of the items I have completed for gifts. I sewed some large shopping bags out of natural colored cotton canvas, then sewed on three felt sheep all natural colored (came from my sheep) and today I will embellish with hand stitching on the top "The BAA's Full"
I have taken some recycled wool jackets and cut out circles for the body of sheep and then made some cute heads, filled them with lavendar that was grown here on the farm. I now have a flock of "Lavendar Lambs"
I have also completed my seed savor journals - which I have sold for a couple of years now but never had any left to give to family and friends so I made a ton and might even place them on my Etsy Site.
I hand stamped cards, note pads and stationary for the writers in the family.
I still have not gotten the aprons done but hoping for this weekend.
So, tell me more of what you are all doing - I still have a good 10 days to whip up some more goodies.....
Grace Gerber
Larkspur Funny Farm and Fiber Art Studio
Where the spirits are high and the fiber is deep
http://www.larkspurfunnyfarm.etsy.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.blogspot.com
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| crafter |
Posted - Dec 11 2008 : 09:50:48 AM
I try to make Christmas gifts each year for family and co-workers. Some of the past years it was Chocolate Chip Cheescakes, wine bags that I made with a bottle of wine, and this year is the best(and easiest) apron and Christmas cookie book! So many projects so little time!!
Have a Country Day |
| mothergoose |
Posted - Nov 12 2008 : 05:25:46 AM
Hello once again.Gifts for boys.These are some that has worked over the years.Every year we gave our our oldest son a set of leggos for his birthday.I took a large sheet ,made a channel along each side and slid a "pool noodle" into each channel.The leggos stayed on the sheet.Great for me + the kids.The sheet could be painted with roads (the kids could even help with markers).When they were older my husband took a sheet of plywood ,cut off the corners,added 2" molding and we painted it.Leggos never fell off the table.We put it on metal saw horses.The other 2 boys got fishing stuff.A fishing apron, a fishing fanny pack,modified to fit small adjustible plastic fishing or craft boxes.The boys loved them ,had their gear at hand .Personal gardening apron.Also each year each had his own jar of pickles.Husband:1 year I painted a small dorm fridge with craft sponge painting + stencils for him to put his food + drinks in .That way he got to enjoy special fruits+ organic soft drinks or juice when he got home.They were not all gone.No one ever noticed the fridge and it was in plain sight.I covered boxes measured to fit the shelves in his office.I organized his shed for him.I customised jars + cans with lids to store screws ect.Marked what was inside each.Sew a caddy that fits in white paint bucket for tools , art ,knitting ,BBQ tools ect. Give someone their own cherry tomato plant ect,Paint their name on pot.Have Fun!!! |
| Celticheart |
Posted - Nov 11 2008 : 9:19:02 PM
We have a big family too. We started a new Christmas Eve tradition a few years ago for the adults that everybody loves. Everybody brings 1 generic gift--about $20 value. After all the kiddies do their thing and Santa comes, it's the adults turn. We all get into a big circle and one person reads the Wright family story. It's kind of cute if you've never heard of it. In the story every time the words right, left or across are read that's how you pass the gifts. It's hysterical! Especially across. When the story is over the gift you have is yours.
"Nature always has the last laugh." Mrs. Greenthumbs
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| Bonne |
Posted - Nov 11 2008 : 2:29:36 PM
My neighbor who comes from a large Kansas farm family says when they get together during the holidays, rather than buying gifts for each other and the countless grandkids , each family brings an assortment of handmade goodies to put in the "pot", and they play BINGO. Winners get to choose a gift from the Pot. She spends spare time during the year knitting caps and dishcloths for the BINGO pot, and usually picks up some homemade soap from me to bring for that.
Thanks for the homemade caramelcorn recipe Mothergoose! that sounds yummy 
 http://bonne1313.blogspot.com/ BLOG
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| Sandra K. Licher |
Posted - Nov 11 2008 : 12:22:07 PM
Oh...this is great you gals! I am having to really budget this year and trying to make everything homemade too. My daughter and I always exchange homemade things and last year she made me a beautiful knited scarf. This year I have to finish a baby afghan for my new little grandson and then my son called last night and they are expecting again! I better get busy! I am also making a stepstool that I bought for $3.00 and hooking a wool cover for it with my other grandson's name on it. I already made peach jam and garlic dill pickles this fall and of course I will make chex mix and cookies too. I like the idea of decoupaged boxes and the "rub" recipes are very much appreciated for the guys! My sons love the pickles and the chex mix every year and I've made them all scarves in the past so I could really use some ideas for the guys. They're not campers or I would make that sleeping bag liner from fleece....that's a great idea! I think I will start making those "family" baskets for the parents and then homemade things for the grandchildren. I just can't afford to buy for all of them...they keep propagating like rabbits! What did I start? LOL! Anymore ideas for the guys? Thanks a bunch for all these wonderful ideas! Oh, I make the spiced tea with the orange drink mix too...that's an old one! Years ago I made little magnets from a bottle cap and a pop top to look like a frying pan. I glued the pop top to the bottle cap, painted them black, put some white in the middle inside of the bottle cap and then some yellow inside the white and a magnet on the back...they looked like a black frying pan with an egg in it. They were cute! I've made afghans too, crocheted, but it's a little late to start that now plus those cost a lot in yarn. I have a friend who makes candle wraps from felted wool with a matching pad to sit on and then you get one of those big candles at the dollar store and there ya go! I'll have to see if I can get the patterns from her or find some on the web. I'll write more when I get more ideas or remember past gifts I have made.
Sam in AR..... "It's a great life if you don't weaken!"
Farmgirl Sister #226
www.farmgirlsam.blogspot.com |
| prairielandherbs |
Posted - Nov 11 2008 : 10:20:20 AM
This is NOT my idea, I saw it on another forum, but I thought it was real cute. I get bulk spices very inexpeinsively from ameriherb.com (Just call them to order, their website is horrible but their prices are great)
Spice Bags for Warm Winter Drinks
8 sticks cinnamon, broken into small pieces
2 whole nutmegs, crushed
1/3 cup whole cloves
1/3 cup minced dried orange peel (or 1/4 cup ground)
1/4 cup whole allspice berries
Combine all the ingredients in a bowl. Tie in sachets of 1 tablespoon each in a double thickness of cheesecloth; transfer to an airtight container. One sachet of the mixture will flavor 1 quart of cider, tea or wine.
To use, simmer 1 quart of the chosen beverage with 1 sachet for 20 minutes; ladle into mugs. If desired, add a garnish like a cinnamon stick, orange/lemon or apple slice, etc. |
| windypines |
Posted - Nov 11 2008 : 04:05:46 AM
Made my list, yesterday at work, of good ideas. Thanks for all the great ideas from everyone. I am very excited to get working on Christmas presents. We have done homemade presents alot, but coming up with new ideas is hard. Especially for men.
Again thanks to everyone.
Michele |
