Gooseberry Patch

In the Mood to Bake?

As the holidays draw closer, we know we'll be spending at least a few days baking up goodies to share with family, friends and folks who've been extra nice all year long. Maybe you have the same plans, or are headed to a cookie swap this year? If so, this week's Cookbook of the Week couldn't have come at a better time.

Say hello to...

Christmas Cookies!

 

Let's take a look at the chapters inside...

When we were gathering all of our favorite cookie recipes from cooks just like you, we wanted to make sure we covered all of your favorite types of treats - Frost-Kissed Cut-Outs, Razzle-Dazzle Drop Cookies, and A Blizzard of Bar Cookies.

We also selected some of those picture perfect ones that you save for the most special folks...you'll find those in the chapter called Sugar-Plum Perfect Cookies.

When creating Christmas Cookies, we aimed to include recipes for every skill level and for folks who don't have hours to spend on cookies, but still want to whip something quick to share. You'll find these in the chapter called Snow Kidding...it's filled with cookies that are so quick, you won't believe it!

Candy Cane Lane covers sweet confections and Very Merry Mixes features gifts for giving...they'll bake up fresh goodies and think of YOU! These chapters are both filled with terrific ideas for teachers and coaches...you'll be all set!

Here's a quickie recipe that starts with a mix...
maybe it'll ease you into the baking mood!

Chocolate-Cherry Bars
This black-forest inspired recipe was shared with us by Maylene Anderson of Webster City, Iowa. She writes, "What could possibly be better than chocolate and cherries? Make these bars to share with friends, but keep a few for yourself too!" 

18-1/2 oz. pkg. devil’s food cake mix
21-oz. can cherry pie filling
1 t. almond extract

Mix together all ingredients; spread in a greased 13"x9" baking pan. Bake at 350 degrees for about 25 to 35 minutes, until top springs back when touched. Spread with Chocolate Frosting while still warm; cut into bars. Makes 2-1/2 to 3 dozen.

Chocolate Frosting:

1 c. sugar
1/3 c. milk
5 T. margarine
1 c. semi-sweet chocolate chips

Combine sugar, milk and margarine in a saucepan. Bring to a boil; boil for one minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat; stir in chocolate chips until melted.

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When you're all ready to give some treats to share,
Christmas Cookies has some finishing touches to make
your packages extra special: GIFT TAGS!

There are a few at the end of each chapter...
click the images above to view them larger!

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Ready to add Christmas Cookies to your collection?
Click the button below!

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Our Holiday Gift Guide

 

We have lots of goodies that'll make thoughtful gifts under the tree, shared between friends or filling stockings!

Click the categories below to get some great ideas...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shop while you're there or click below
to find a store in your area!

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Calling All Cookbook Collectors!

Ever wondered if you have THIS cookbook or THAT one?
With so many Gooseberry Patch titles available,
it can be a challenge...but kinda fun too, right?

Well, if you've ever found yourself in this happy predicament,
today's Friday Free Goodie is for YOU! 

 It's also pretty handy if you want to leave
oh-so-subtle gift suggestions at this time of year!

Gooseberry Patch Cookbook Collectors Checklist

Oh, and if you've downloaded this checklist before,
you might want to treat yourself to a NEW copy.

This one includes all of our newest titles and
has been updated with our Classics and
Country Friends series too!

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Starting Your Wrapping Yet?

If you're one of those early shoppers who like to wrap it ALL up before Thanksgiving, today's post will come at the perfect time!

We created these tags as a free download...print them onto cardstock
and cut them out to add a little Gooseberry Patch charm
to your loved ones' gifts this year.

 

Gooseberry Patch Christmas Tags

 

Even if you haven't started shopping yet (guilty!) these make great additions
to homemade gifts or treats that you'll be sharing
with teachers, neighbors and friends.

Print 'em out and keep with your wrapping paper
or in the kitchen and you'll be ready!

 

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It's Almost That Time of Year

We like to wait until after Thanksgiving to really start decorating or celebrating the Christmas season, although we recently found out on our Page on Facebook that some of you feel differently. We will gladly suspend this rule when giving homemade gifts is part of our holiday plan. In that case, it's always best to start thinking early, right?

This kind of early planning was what we had in mind when we selected this week's Cookbook of the Week to share with you. Even if you won't start making gifts until December, we're hoping to get you thinking and inspire your creativity with...

More Gifts for Giving!

The sequel to our cookbook, Gifts for Giving, this cookbook is filled with a wide variety of recipes...those that you'll enjoy warm from the oven, plenty to wrap up and give later and even a few that aren't for eating at all!

Let's take a look at the chapters inside...

Each chapter inside is home to a different kind of recipes. In More Gifts for Giving, you'll find everything from the sweets & treats we all love to give (and receive!) to the savory snacks, spreads and seasonings that make tasty gifts at the holidays or any time of year.

In addition to the yummy recipes in each chapter, you'll find lots of quickie tips (45 extra ideas in all!) on the chapter pages too...they look just like the table of contents above with tips sprinkled all around. These are in addition to the tips on every page that we always include.

Many of the page-by-page tips apply to any gift but, as you'll see below, lots of them are geared toward giving the recipe that's on the page. We're aiming to make giving homemade goodies easier than ever!

Here's one from the Soups & Snacks chapter...so tasty any time of year.

Tortilla Soup Mix in a Jar

2 T. chicken bouillon granules
1 t. lemon pepper
1 t. dried cilantro
1/2 t. garlic powder
1/2 t. cumin
1/2 t. dried oregano
1/2 t. salt
1/4 c. dried, minced onion
1 c. long-grain rice, uncooked
2 to 2-1/2 c. tortilla chips, coarsely crushed
5-oz. can chicken
10-oz. can diced tomatoes with chiles

Combine the first 8 ingredients in a plastic zipping bag; set aside. Layer rice in a wide-mouth, one-quart jar; pack seasoning bag on top. Fill remaining jar with crushed tortilla chips, packing gently; secure lid. Tape can of chicken to the top of the jar, if desired. Tie jar of mix to the can of diced tomatoes; attach instructions.

Instructions:
Place tortilla chips in a small bowl; set aside. Remove seasoning packet; set aside. Add rice to a stockpot; stir in 10 cups water. Mix in chicken and tomatoes with chiles and seasoning packet; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer for 20 minutes. Add tortilla chips; cover and simmer 5 additional minutes. Spoon into bowls while hot. Makes 3 quarts.

Bonus tip:
Tuck this soup mix, the can of chicken and the can of tomatoes into a basket lined with a festive towel. Add a jar of your homemade (or storebought) salsa and a bag of tortilla chips for scooping and you're ready to give this meal to anyone on your list!

So, with hundreds of geared-for-giving recipes, the 250+ tips & ideas and tons of inspiring illustrations to get you started, what ELSE could we include in More Gifts for Giving?

Gift tags, of course!

At the end of every chapter in the book, and scattered throught the book as well, you'll find two pages of gift tags that you can copy and embellish for YOUR holiday gifts for giving this year!

Click below to get a look at a few of these pages...lots more inside the book.

Stay tuned all week long for lots more goodies from our Cookbook of the Week...join us on our Page on Facebook and you won't miss a single one!

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Recipes to Make & Give!

This week's Cookbook of the Week, Recipes for Warming Hearts, is filled
with delicious dishes that are will not only delight your family but they make
great gifts to deliver to a friend who could use a pick-me-up.

We all have our go-to recipe that we always drop off with a new mom or
send to a loved one who's under the weather. Maybe you have a favorite
goodie to make for teachers or coaches to say thanks...those are the
recipes we're rounding up this week!

What's YOUR favorite recipe to MAKE & GIVE? 
Share 'em all in today's Recipe Round-Up!

Here's one to inspire you from Recipes for Warming Hearts,
our  Cookbook of the Week !

Chocolate & Peanut Butter Popcorn
A yummy pick-me-up for a good friend...deliver with a new book or magazine for an extra-special treat!

14 c. popped popcorn
3 c. crispy rice cereal
2 c. dry-roasted peanuts
1-1/2 lbs. melting chocolate,
    chopped
3 T. creamy peanut butter

In a very large bowl, mix popcorn, cereal and peanuts; set aside. Combine chocolate and peanut butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for 2 to 3 minutes until melted, stirring after every minute. Pour over popcorn mixture, tossing to coat well. Spread onto a large greased non-stick baking sheet; cool completely. Break apart; store in an airtight container up to 5 days. Makes about 20 to 22 cups.


 

Bonus tip!

Here's a delightful way to deliver Chocolate & Peanut Butter popcorn. Cut a “window” from a lunch bag using a cookie cutter as the stencil. Glue a square of cellophane inside the bag over the cut-out, then place a plastic zipping bag filled with popcorn inside!

 

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Our Recipe for a Warm Heart

When we created this week's Cookbook of the Week, we were on the search for recipes that are perfect for sharing, crafts to make & give as thoughtful gifts and all of our best ideas for being thoughtful, thankful and just plain nice to friends & family.

We know you'll be inspired by...

Recipes for Warming Hearts!

While it's a little different than our usual featured titles - it comes in a smaller, perfect-for-giving size! - once you have it in your collection, you're sure to find many times throughout the year to put it to use.

Let's take a look at what's inside...

Click to view larger.

With three sections of recipes and another filled with crafts, there's no shortage of goodies to make. Sprinkled in between sections, you'll find inspiring stories of unexpected kindness, quotes to brighten your day and some very handy collections of tips.

Click the image below to see a few of these pages up close.

Here's a crafty recipe from inside the book. Gather your pals together for a girls’ night in and mix up a batch...it's a sure-fire way to lift everyone's spirits!

Pepperminty Lip Balm
So cool and refreshing, everyone on your list will want some!

6 T. almond oil
2 t. honey
4 t. beeswax, grated
5 drops vitamin E oil
5 drops peppermint essential oil
8 1/2-oz. lidded pots

In a double boiler, melt almond oil, honey and beeswax together. Remove from heat, allowing mixture to cool slightly. Add vitamin E and peppermint oils; stir until well blended. Spoon into pots and allow to cool before covering. Makes 8 pots.

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For even more recipes from this little book,
visit some of our Early Bird Reviewers and
see what they cooked up! 

Kim at A Well-Seasoned Life made
the Cream Cheese-Filled Cupcakes.

Nancy at A Recipe A Day
tried the Chicken Tetrazzini

Tina at Gramma's in the Kitchen
whipped up some Honey Butter. 

Linda at Prairie Flower Farm made both
Apple Scones and the Glazed Lemon Bread.

Cris at Goodeness Gracious put her own spin
on the Monkey Bread...muffins! 

 

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Ready to add Recipes for Warming Hearts to your collection?
Click the button below!

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A Personalized Gift in Minutes!

This speedy craft might be one of our quickest yet and it makes a great gift for almost any occasion. Who knew you could use a simple glass-front frame as a memo board?

Dress it up with vintage fabric or change out the paper season-
ally...this craft is all about personalization. It's a great way to share an encouraging word or just a smile every day!

Find it in our book, Recipes for Warming Hearts.

 

Wipe-Off Memo Board
One more way to personalize...use a purchased vinyl decal to add a monogram or favorite quote! Look for them at the craft store.

You'll need:

• picture frame with
  glass front
• patterned scrapbook paper,
  large enough to fit frame
• dry-erase marker
• Optional: vinyl decal
  to personalize
• Optional: four heavy-duty
  magnets and hot glue gun

Trim paper to fit frame. Use vinyl decal to personalize, if desired. Place paper in frame. To use, stand memo board on an easel, or attach four magnets with a hot-glue gun and hang on the refrigerator. Write on glass front with dry-erase maker; wipe off with a soft cloth.

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Brand NEW Free Goodie this Friday!

Potlucks, carry-ins and church socials...these little labels will come in handy the next time you take a covered dish to any gathering! Download from Scribd and print on a sheet of sticker paper or onto these labels and not only will your recipe taste delicious, it'll look extra cute too!

You could even print 'em on cardstock and they'd make great gift tags for your homemade goodies any time of year. Punch a hole in the corner and tie on with a little raffia or ribbon and it'll be all set to give!

Gooseberry Patch Kitchen Labels

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Berry Sweet...and Easy too!

Did you know that this Sunday is Friendship Day?

Just in time, here's a great little project that you can whip up in
an afternoon to treat a sweet friend. Just start with a basket,
a cloth napkin and some goodies from your kitchen & craft room.

You won't believe how easy it is to make a...

Berry Sweet Basket!

Baskets are one of our favorite things to find just a dollar or two. We've found them at the flea market, the craft store, garage sales and even the thrift shop. Add a coat of creamy white paint and they're ready to be filled!

Next you'll need to whip up the liner. This one starts with a cloth napkin, one of our favorite craft supplies to keep on hand. What's that? You don't consider cloth napkins craft supplies? Well, after today, you just might change your mind.

They're perfect for lining baskets, obviously, but they're also perfect for gift-wrapping a homemade goodie from the kitchen. Cut them down to size and they're great for jar toppers. You can embroider an initial on the corner of a few for a personal and super-easy housewarming or hostess gift...really, the possibilities are endless. We LOVE finding these (and stocking up!) during the end-of-season clearance sales. Keep an eye out for them!

If you're feeling really crafty, you could whip up some homemade cloth napkins with some linen or heavy cotton from the fabric store. They're easy to finish with a simple rolled hem around the edge. We like to buy them already finished though, whenever they're on sale. They're so very handy...heck, you can even use them at the dinnertable!

Below, you'll find the easy instructions dressing up a humble cloth napkin, just like the one shown in the photo above...

Berry Basket Liner

Here's what you'll need...

• Tissue paper
• Strawberry template at right
  (Click to view and print larger)
• Sharp scissors
• Embroidery needle
• Purchased green cotton napkin
• Red and green felt scraps
• Red, green and ivory embroidery floss

Trace strawberry and stem onto tissue paper and cut out templates. You can also use transfer paper, found in the notions section of the craft store. Follow the instructions for its use from the manufacturer. Using templates, cut strawberry from red felt and stem from green felt. Pin embroidery patterns to felt shapes and then pin shapes into place on napkin. Sewing through all layers, embrioder design using 2 strands of floss in coordinating colors. Tear off tissue paper once embroidery is complete.  Using 6 strands of floss, work chain stitches along hemline or 1/2" from edge on napkin.

Need a refresher course on your embroidery stitches?
Click the images below to view them larger...
they'll help get you started!

 

Now, how about some jam to pack inside? With just four ingredients, it doesn't get much easier than this recipe!

Strawberry Freezer Jam
Thanks to Connie Bryant of Topeka, Kansas for sharing her recipe!

4 c. sugar
2 c. strawberries, hulled and crushed
1-3/4 oz. pkg. powdered pectin
3/4 c. water

Combine sugar and strawberries in a large mixing bowl; set aside. Whisk pectin and water together in a small saucepan; bring to a boil. Boil and stir for one minute; remove from heat. Pour pectin mixture over fruit mixture' stir until sugar dissolves, about 3 minutes. Spoon into jars leaving 1/2-inch headspace; secure lids. Allow to stand at room temperature for 24 hours. Store jars in freezer up to one year and opened jars in refrigerator for one month. Makes about 5 cups.

Add a sweet little fabric square to the top of the jar, tie it with ribbon and add it to the basket and it's ready to give.

They'll never know how easy it was to create...they'll just know that they're loved!

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You'll find this project in our crafty booklet,
Oh-So-Sweet Embroidery.

It's just ONE of 15 fun and easy projects inside, all perfect for gifts or just to treat yourself. Pick up a copy today by clicking the big red button!

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Mark Your Spot in Style!

Whether you mark your favorite recipe in one of our cookbooks or keep track of the last page read in your summertime novel, today's project is so easy, you might want to make a bunch!

Button Bookmarks

You'll need:

• Vintage buttons in
  graduated sizes
• Jewelry & craft adhesive
  (We like E-6000.)
• Jumbo paperclips
• Felt scraps

Stack buttons together and glue to secure. Once dry, glue a paperclip to the back of your button stack and allow to dry. Cut a circle of felt just slightly larger than the bottom button in the stack, or at least large enough to cover the paperclip. Glue in place. We used pinking shears to cut out our felt scrap...gives it a fun edge, doesn't it?

Have fun making these easy little goodies...heck, they're so easy, maybe you'll whip a few up and give them as gifts too!

 

 

You can find this project and over 20 others in our craft book, Fun-to-Fashion Jewelry. Add it to your collection and you're sure to be inspired.

 

 

 

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Free Gifty Goodie for YOU!

Know someone who could use a little pampering? Here's an easy recipe that they'll love, especially in these dry winter months. Whip up a little scrub and then save and print the gift tag below!

Vanilla-Brown Sugar Scrub

You can find this recipe in our book, Recipes for Kindness. Made from grocery-store ingredients, this scrub will leave skin smooth and glowing...add a drizzle of honey for extra moisturizing!

1 c. brown sugar, packed
1/2 c. sweet almond oil
2 vitamin E capsules
1/2 t. vanilla extract

Combine brown sugar and almond oil in a mixing bowl. Pierce capsules with a knife or cut in half with kitchen scissors. Empty oil into sugar mixture and discard capsules. Add vanilla and stir well to combine. Store in an airtight container. Makes about one cup. 

Pour into a jar with a rubber seal, add the label below
and surprise someone special!

To save, just click the image above. When it opens in a new window, right-click (or control-click) on the image and Save As a file name you'll remember. Open the image from your desktop, or wherever you choose to save it, and print.

It'll look lovely attached to the top of your jar before giving the scrub...add a little ribbon and it makes a great gift tag too!

 

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Hoping to Hurry Spring Along

Though the birds are chirping and the sun is peeking out from behind the clouds, the calendar says it's still winter. But that won't stop us from thinking spring! Since March is National Craft Month, we're sharing a springtime recipe with a crafty spin. 

Springtime Pea Soup Mix 
From our book, Seasons for Sharing.

16-oz. pkg. split green peas
16-oz. pkg. dried lentils
16-oz. pkg. pearled barley
2 c. elbow macaroni, uncooked
1 c. dried, minced onion
1/2 c. celery flakes
1/2 c. dried parsley
2 t. white pepper
1-1/2 t. dried thyme

Combine all ingredients together; spoon into a jar with a tight-fitting lid. Makes 10 cups.
Attach instructions below when giving.

Instructions:

Combine one cup soup mix with 4 cups seasoned chicken broth; add one cup cooked chicken, if desired. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer until peas are tender, about 45 to 60 minutes. Serves 4.

 

 

 

Pass out jars of Springtime Pea Soup Mix to your friends and watch how their smiles blossom! For the prettiest packaging, use decoupage medium to attach a vintage-style pea seed packet to the front of a quart jar. Use thin ribbon to tie the instructions to the jar lid..how pretty!

 

 

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Making a Gift from the Kitchen?

To celebrate this week's Cookbook of the Week, we're sharing a week full of FREE goodies inspired by 101 Cupcake, Cookie & Brownie Recipes.

Today, you'll get the Gooseberry Patch Sweet Shoppe Gift Tags, ready to print from right here or you can click download to save them to your computer and print later. Enjoy!

 

Gooseberry Sweet Shoppe Gift Tags

Want to share these tags with someone sweet? You know what to do...

Perfect for Valentine's Day!

With Valentine's Day right around the corner, today's Friday Fun post features a project perfect to surprise Mom, sisters and best friends...anyone who's been extra sweet to YOU!

 

This idea originally appeared in our crafty booklet, Homemade Gifts from the Heart, as a thank you gift but its shape is just right for a sweetheart you know.

 

 

 

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Want to get crafty?
Whip up a Sweetheart Ribbon Wreath!

Click the picture above to see the wreath up close.

Below, you'll find easy instructions to make one of your own, plus a cookie recipe you can use for the treats. It'd be just as sweet to fill the little bags with jelly beans, conversation hearts or chocolate kisses too!

To make the wreath:
You'll need to choose...

• two fabrics
• two 1" wide ribbons
• one 5/8" wide ribbon

Tear each fabric piece into about twenty-four 1-1/2" x 6" lengths.  Next, cut each ribbon into twenty-four 6" lengths.

Use needle-nose pliers to pull a coat hanger into an oval shape, as shown at right. 

 

Then form the hanger into a heart shape, cutting off the top of the hanger with wire cutters. See photo at left for details.

 

Tie the fabric and ribbon lengths around the wire wreath. Next, use the 1/4" wide ribbon to tie small cellophane bags of cookies or treats onto the wreath. Lastly, add a ribbon hanger to the top of the wreath. That's it!

Use your favorite cookie recipe for the treats or fill those bags with whatever you like. Here's a bonus recipe from our Cookbook of the Week, Fast-Fix Meals!

Choco-Berry Cookie Drops
Thanks to Edward Smulski of Lyons, Illinois!

18-1/4 oz. pkg. devil's food cake mix
1/2 c. oil
2 eggs, beaten
1/2 c. white chocolate chips
1/2 c. semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 t. vanilla extract
1/2 c. raspberry jam

Blend dry cake mix, oil and eggs together until well mixed. Add chocolate chips, vanilla and jam; blend well. Drop by half-teaspoonfuls onto lightly greased baking sheets, leaving room for cookies to expand. Bake at 350 degrees for 6 to 10 minutes. Makes 7 to 8 dozen.

 

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Crafty Christmas Links this Friday!

Looking for a little inspiration this Friday? We were too, so we turned to
our handy list of Links We Love to see what they had going on!

Little Birdie Secrets shows you how to make a wreath of stars
from scrapbook paper...so clever!

 

Over at the Purl Bee, they're sharing how to craft this pretty garland from felt...
wouldn't it be pretty in place of ribbon on a package?

 

Rachel of Small Notebook shows how the simplest decorations are just as festive!

Marie at Make & Takes hosted Little Birdie Secrets and they shared
another great idea...so pretty and keeps the cards from falling off the mantel too!

Jessica at Running with Scissors posted an amazing shortcut to make
those scrappy stockings we love.

A little felt, a few stitches...simple ornaments so easy, the kids can help.
Thanks, Sew Mama Sew!

Want to make something yummy to celebrate? Callie at Make It Do has
an easy treat that's just right for giving and snacking too!

 

With her Nana's recipe for Nuts and Bolts, Shannon at Luvin the Mommyhood
has a new spin on a traditional favorite.

 

Also from Make & Takes, Hot Chocolate on a Stick. We're not sure
they'd ever make it out of our kitchens to GIVE, but just in case
you have more willpower than we do, give 'em a try.

Vanessa of Little Big Girl Studio whipped up this little tote for giving...
any kiddo on your list would love it!

Make a more grown-up tote bag with this easy idea posted by Christy
of ...from gltter to gumdrops. Love it!

 

Still looking for inspiration?

Check out the entire handmade gift collection at
Skip to My Lou...Cindy is amazing.

 

Special thanks to ALL of our Links We Love. Whenever we're looking for
a little inspiration to spark our creativity, you're where we start!

Pass our crafty Christmas links on to a friend with the handy button below!

Handmade & Heartfelt Gift Ideas

With ten more days until Christmas Eve, we're thinking about handmade gifts. Setting aside some time to make a heartfelt present is a fun way of expressing creativity and can even be therapeutic!

We've gathered a few of our favorite gift ideas you can make for the special people on your list. No need to fret if you don't consider yourself very crafty...we have oh-so-simple ideas for you, too! And if you don't have the time right now, after the holidays, you can get a head-start on next year's presents!

    

Make a holiday memory tray! Paint a wooden  tray with craft paint. When dry, arrange cut-outs from favorite photos and Christmas cards on the tray. Glue them in place using découpage medium, then brush another layer or two over top and sprinkle with glitter.

 

A button bookmark makes a sweet gift for any book lover on your gift list. Stitch buttons of different sizes onto a satin ribbon, then unravel and knot the ends to create a fringe.

  

 Appliqué Tote

- canvas tote bag
- wax paper
- 4 to 6  5-inch sqs. cotton fabric
- pinking shears
- fabric glue
- sewing needle and thread
- buttons, beads, charms, other embellishments

Lay tote bag out flat; tuck sheets of wax paper inside tote bag to prevent glue from soaking through. Use pinking shears to cut a decorative edge around each fabric square. Arrange squares on tote as desired; attach with fabric glue. Let dry; discard wax paper. Use needle and thread to attach embellishments as desired.

Make hot cocoa cones...a welcome gift to send to college students! Just fill disposable frosting bags (found in the cake decorating aisle of your craft store) 2/3 full with hot cocoa mix. Add a layer of mini marshmallows, chocolate chips or even crushed candy canes and close with a twist tie.

 

Cheery Stamped Bulletin Board

- craft glue
- 8 to 10 round craft buttons
- 8 to 10 flat silver thumbtacks
- flower rubber stamps
- stamp pads in coordinating colors
- 24"x18" bulletin board
- yellow gingham ribbon

Glue buttons to the flat surface of thumbtacks; set aside. Stamp the flower stamps in stamp pads and stamp 8 to 10 images on bulletin board in desired pattern; allow to dry completely. Add button thumbtacks to the center of each flower. Glue gingham ribbon around the edges of the bulletin board.

 

A sweet sewing jar is a speedy gift perfect for a crafty friend! Fill a Mason jar with vintage buttons, mini thread spools and other sewing notions. Top the lid with batting and a circle of homespun, add a few pearl headed pins and it’s ready to give. She’ll love it!

Want to share these handmade gift ideas with a friend? Just click a button below!

Craft these Sweet Gift Bags!

Looking for a way to add a handmade touch to any gift? These simple felt gift bags are a perfect fit. Make them in your favorite colors and dress them up with any fun trim you happen to have in the craft room...with these basic instructions, the possibilities are endless!

Felt Gift Bags

- wool felt (1/3 yard will make any of the bags)
- clear nylon thread
- trims (we used ribbon, rickrack, yarn, embroidery floss, 11/2" dia. self-covered button and felt scraps)

Match wrong sides and use a 1/4" seam allowance.

1. For the brown bag, cut a 9"x20" felt piece. Attach red felt circles to the top half of the brown felt piece with yarn Cross Stitches (diagram below). Layer and sew ribbon and rickrack above the circles. Fold the felt in half and sew the sides together. Pinch the bottom corners and sew across each corner 3/4" from the points. Trim the excess felt from the corners.

2. For the tan bag, cut a 7"x23" felt piece. Mark 23/4" from the corners along one short end. Mark 4" from these corners along the long edges. Connect the marks and cut along the drawn lines to form the bag flap. Layer and sew ribbon and rickrack to the felt about 61/2" from the other end. Fold this end up 9" and sew the sides together. Pinch the bottom corners and sew across each corner 3/4" from the points. Trim the excess felt from the corners. Using yarn, sew a 21/2" diameter brown felt circle to the flap with a Straight Stitch (diagram below) six-point snowflake.

3. For the cream bag, cut an 81/2"x30" felt piece. Mark 11/2" in from the left corner along one end; mark 6" down from the right corner of that same end. Connect the marks and cut along the drawn line to form the bag flap. Layer and sew rickrack and ribbon to the flap edge. Fold the opposite short end up 101/2" and sew the sides together. Pinch the bottom corners and sew across each corner 3/4" from the points. Trim the excess felt from the corners. Work a 11/4" diameter Straight Stitch six-point snowflake with floss on a felt scrap; cover the button. Cut a buttonhole in the bag flap; sew the button to the bag under the flap.

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Cross Stitch
Bring the needle up at 1 and go down at 2. Come up at 3 and go down at 4.

 

 

 Straight Stitch
Bring the needle up at 1 and go down at 2.

Ready to Wrap?

One of our favorite parts of holiday gift-giving is making each package really special. We've gathered some of our best tips to inspire you as we start the wrapping...

Look for glittered chipboard letters at the craft store...with the addition of a few glue dots, they become super-sparkly gift tags worth keeping!

 

Giftwrap in a snap! Fold down the top of a goodie-filled treat bag, punch two holes, one inch apart, in the center of the fold and slip a candy cane through the holes...super simple!

 

Make gift wrapping sweet & simple...tuck cookbooks into tea towels and tie with kitchen string.

 

For any pampering gift, tuck your goodies into a handmade bath mitten! Fold a washcloth in half; sew 2 sides closed, leaving the last side open. Sew on a loop and place the gift inside...perfect for homemade soaps, scrubs or lotions!
 

Look for vintage buckles and brooches at tag sales and give a special present some sparkle! Just wrap in coordinating paper and thread wide ribbon through...so pretty!

 

Kids will love finding little surprises tucked into old-fashioned crackers. Just fill a cardboard tube with an assortment of candies, trinkets and confetti. Wrap it all up in colorful paper and tie the ends up with ribbon!

 

Giving a special spice mix, tea or cocoa? Slip it inside this easy-to-make fabric envelope! Lay a square dinner napkin flat, fold three corners to the center and handstitch together, forming an envelope. Once filled, fold the fourth corner down to close. Add a button and a twist of ribbon to secure! 

Stock up on plain or solid-color paper gift bags and dress them up yourself! Add a vintage postcard, a little rick-rack or ribbon...add some stamped tissue and the wrapping will make any gift memorable.

Top off any gift with a bright ribbon flower. Cut 5 strips of 6-inch long ribbon, then cut each end into a "V" shape. Stack the ribbons together and tie in the middle with a small wire. Thread floss through a button and tie to the center over the wire. Twist and spread the ribbons apart to make a round flower.

Make a snowman bag! Just fold down the top of a white lunch sack and round the edges with scissors. Add eyes and a mouth using a black pen. Glue on a nose cut from orange craft foam and top him off with an baby's winter hat!