Monday, November 9, 2009

Win, win, win

I don't know about you guys, but I always have seriously good intentions for making some adorable Christmas gifts.  Sometimes, though, the weeks seem to roll by and procrastination gets the better of me.  I am really trying to stay true to it this year.  I feel insanely inspired by some of the ideas I have seen online, and need to make them a priority. 

Some of the most precious gifts I have ever received are the ones that people spent some time and thought putting together.  I always feel so honored when someone cares enough to make something for me with their own two hands.  It also feels really good to make something for someone you love, too.  And often times, you can put something together on your own for much less that you would spend at the store.  It's a total win, win, win situation.  Here are some of the ones that have inspired me of late....

For the vintage lovers in your life: Modern Victorian Collar Scarf from ...love Meagan.  This woman is DIY-mazing.  She comes up with the cutest ways to replicate some of the latest trends.


For the trendies: Faux fur vest via p.s. I made this.  Another seriously DIY-mazing lady.




For the coffee lover: Knitted French Press Cozy.  I don't know about you, but I can always use one of these to keep my press nice and toasty!





For the contemplative one: A handmade journal from Curiously Craft.  This really doesn't look that hard, and you can totally personalize it with the cover!



Map coasters via Martha. Adorable and unisex!



Homemade infused vodkas.  Seriously the easiest thing in the world to make.  I have done this numerous times, and it is always a big hit!  I mean, who doesn't like a little holiday cheer, right!?!



You can keep it pretty standard (lemon, mango, cherry) or mix it up a bit (lavender, honey, mint, basil, etc!).  Just have fun with it and be creative.  They have some great instructions here.  They also include a recipe for bacon vodka (yuk!) for the meat lover in your life.  I have used regular ball jars, but recycled wine bottles work great as well!  There are also some great recipes out there for homemade Irish Creme, Kahlua, & Lemoncello - all worth a try and bound to please. 

Another extremely easy recipe......this is one of my own.  Every year, I make a couple big batches of bath salts - they are perfect for stuffing stockings with, for bringing as a little hostess gift, or really, for just having around your own house.  They are also ridiculously easy to make!  You can also head to the Goodwill, or to Ikea to pick up some adorable glass jars to store them in. 


What you will need: Epsom or sea salts & essential oil. 

Put some parchment paper on a cookie sheet.  Spread the epsom or sea salts over the parchment paper.  Use a dropper to drop the essential oils all over the salts.  Let dry overnight.  Put the salts into the decorative jars, and you are all set to go.  (my new idea for this year is to use little Vietnamese "Pho" spoons instead of the wooden scoops - super cute, right?)

Don't forget to check out the motherload of DIY goodness for some more inspiration - www.designspongeonline.com and www.marthastewart.com.  I have so much love for them both!!

Also, if you guys have some other inspirations you are using I would LOVE to hear about them.  I am always looking for new craft/diy ideas.  Thanks and  Happy Monday!  Here's to a productive week! 

9 comments:

  1. Thanks for some really great ideas! Yes I love that Maegan idea of the ruffled scarf - she is so freaking brilliant at simple and cool accessories.

    The flavored vodkas are also pretty genius! I'm totally posting about these!

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  2. omg Maegan is just way too incredible! She always comes up with the most fantastic things, and she makes it look so simple! Always such an inspiration!!

    awesome post! great ideas! Hope you have a great Monday ;)

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  3. so excited about all these ideas. last year i DIY'd all my christmas presents and it really made the whole christmas season so much better and less stressful.

    i'm totally making the french press cozy for a friend...but since i can't knit, i saw the idea on design*sponge to just cut off the sleeves of old sweaters and sew up the edge. genius for those who are non-knitters.

    good luck with present-making!

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  4. Lauren, I totally saw that trick, too. Let me know how it works out! And chic n cheap- the vodkas are always a hit!! Happy Monday!!

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  5. Well now I am overwhelmed with ideas for gift-making. I hate Christmas shopping...but I love shopping for DIY projects. This solves my problem!

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  6. really good ideas here! and i love the first two DIY items...

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  7. Oh wow, what great ideas, love them all!

    Oh just saw Lauren's comment, what a great idea.
    xxx

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  8. Why oh why can't I be DIY talented? I wish Maegan would sell her creations! ah ha

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  9. Wow, these are all so amazing!! I have a feeling I'm going to be spending some time making these.

    lululetty.blogspot.com

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