Homemade with Love!

CAUTION: YOU'RE GONNA RUN OUT AND GET SUPPLIES TO DO THIS!!! I'm just saying... it's THAT easy and makes a wonderful gift!

This past Friday, I made a Homemade Gift with LOTS of love! It was a hostess gift idea I originally got from my sweet friend Sandy over at Reluctant Entertainer.

She and her Balcony Girls made homemade coasters for their mothers last year. I TOTALLY bookmarked this page, lost it when my computer crashed, but then went onto her newly designed blog and was able to search for it! Ahhh -- the power of the Internet.

I was so excited to make these for a Hostess Gift for our Pastorman and his wife. Every year, they host a Christmas party for the entire church, and every year, I try to take a Hostess gift that is Homemade with Love. Last year I took Apple Pie in a Jar that Sandy posted about also! The previous year, I had a painted tin bucket with a poinsettia in it. This year? Homemade Stone Coasters.

I know that natural stone can absorb liquid, and this will make a great coaster... The one thing I kept stumbling over is... if the coaster is supposed to "absorb" liquid, then would it still "absorb" if it was sprayed with a fixative? I didn't think it would absorb as well, so I did a google search for other homemade coasters, because I wanted to make sure I had the perfect materials for this project!

I found a website that hit it right on the nose: Elegant Crafts and Homemade Gifts. That's me rolled into one semi-incomplete sentence. Anyway, she also gave some tips for using the spray finish, but I went radical and did my own thing. I know... shocking, isn't it?

Also, being a naturally gullible person, I wanted to make sure they really did work, so I tested a stamped sample with an ice-cold glass of water, and to take it one step further, I dropped water directly ON the tile and watched. Not only did it absorb, but the image stayed intact. IT WORKED! IT WORKED! WOHOOO! FYI: This is true to NATURAL UNFINISHED STONE only.

I made 8 coasters (for a big family), and it only took me a total of 2 hours to complete (if that), and dry-time for the glue.

Here's what you need:

Tumbled tiles - mine are tumbled travertine from Home Depot - box of 9/$5-something
Waterproof Ink pad: Staz-On for Every Surface ink is a dye-based pad, so that's what I used.
Rubber stamps of your choice
Cork for bottom of coaster
Elmers Glue-All
Ribbon and packaging materials

Optional: Waterproof markers to embelish your project (Stampin' Up! sells some)

I decided on two stamps I already had: a flowery-vine stamp, and one that had several words that I felt described things their family has given or taught us... hope, faith, friendship, help, strength, determination, love. Those words describe my Pastorman and his wife, and their great kids perfectly.

I gently took the tiles out and sorted through them, choosing the 8 that I thought matched best and weren't chipped or scratched. I then wiped them off on all sides with a damp paper towel, followed by a dry one (they are dusty when you get them).

Next, I applied the ink to my stamp, then centered the stamp on the tile and smoothed over it, being careful not to rock the stamp at all (you'll get a mirrored/blurred/crazy effect if you rock it).

I let them dry completely (which was almost instantly), then I cut out cork to the size of the tile (just a little bit smaller on each side but enough to cover the entire tile bottom), and glued them on the back of each tile with Elmers Glue-All. Be careful not to apply too much glue, because when you smooth the cork out, it will bubble out. If it does bubble out, wipe immediately! Also, make sure you cover every outside end so it doesn't peel up.

Allow the glue on the tiles to dry completely (cork side up).

Stack your newly finished coasters in sets of 4, tie off with a pretty ribbon and package in a nice sturdy box. Christmas in a jiff, and Handmade with Love! (Thank you Sandy for the great inspiration, and thank you Elegant Crafts and Homemade Gifts for the extra tips I was looking for!

Homemade Stocking Stuffers

Oh, MY Glory. There are such creative women out there! I LOVE IT.

Power to the woman.

Ok, I'm getting a little carried away, but these crafty women just amaze me!

Here are a handful of awesome hand-crafted stocking stuffer ideas I thought you might enjoy. Get ready, set, GO! (all pictures were taken by the creators of the item and you can see more pictures on their blogs.)

This is an adorable way to jazz up a regular ol' tape measure. Lisa from A Spoonful of Sugar has come up with a great tutorial to turn a regular inexpensive tape measure into an adorable, fun, and eccentric gift idea!

And let me just say - it turned out beautifully, and I don't know about you, but personally, I'd LOVE to get one in my stocking! Words can not describe how smitten I am with it! And I know you will be too! It looks like it might need a few advanced sewing skills, but I have faith that you can do it!!! Go grab the tutorial and leave her a comment!

Here is an adorable key chain that would make an awesome homemade stocking stuffer! It looks so easy to make, the materials are inexpensive, and the time you would invest in making one is minimal. I think even a novice sewer could make one!

As soon as I'm unemployed, I might whip out a few for my nieces!

Hat's off to Creative Little Daisy for coming up with this sweet idea!

Enjoy her tutorial!!!


Thank you Martha! Yet again, Martha Stewart has a fun idea. MONSTER MITTENS!!! If I didn't love her so much, I'd hate her. Seriously. Look at these adorable monster mittens! They look so easy to make, AND she has a printable template. LOVE IT. It looks like you could whip these out in one or two hours. How fun is that?! I think I'll try to make a set of these for a Christmas Gift swap that my FOUR YEAR OLD has at school (crazy). His limit is $5.00. I think this will work out perfectly, don't you???

Can we all just say... aaaaaaawe!!!!

Another Handmade Gift Idea

I saw an adorable hand-made gift idea I had to share with you. This gift is so sweet, and is made by Abby from A Feathered Nest. It elevates the regular ol' fleece blanket one step higher!

I will share a couple pictures from her blog, and the link love too, in case you don't read A Feathered Nest. She's very creative and quite crafty.

It's a good blog to nestle into.

Get it?

Never mind.

I present you with... A Feathered Nest's Blanket / Pillow / Snugglie. So cute.



Have fun with her tutorial, and while you're there, check out all her other excellent crafting ideas! (like her ADORABLE Advent Calendar and her sweet flower barrettes!)

Gift of the Month Club

In case you haven't noticed... this year, I did not host my "annual" Homemade with Love carnival.

I was just too busy, and that was one thing that had to go, and to be candid, last year, I about had a NERVOUS BREAKDOWN with all the "self-imposed" deadlines for homemade gifts, hand sewn stuff, and other WONDERFUL [ehem!] ideas I had.

I just wasn't going to go through that this year. I decided I would be done early enough that I could enjoy ALL of December with my family.

And, fortunately, I'm done with the very biggest thing of all ... my Christmas shopping. I've been done, in fact, since the last weekend of October. Some things I've ordered are still trickling in, but for the most part, I have everything and I'm getting ready to wrap furiously! WooHoo! WAY ahead of the game!

Momma ROCKS.

Anyway...

I did want to take a moment to share what I think is a FABULOUS, CHEAP-ish, FUN idea that I came up with back in 2006. I promised a fellow blogging friend of mine (who DID notice I hadn't posted Homemade With Love, bless her heart) that I'd post some favorite homemade ideas throughout the month of December.

Here's idea number one. It is a special "Gift of the Month" club. Not one of those expensive ones you find on line or in specialty shops, but one you lovingly make yourself (with or without the help of your children, depending on the receiver). And the beauty is... you don't have to pre-make all twelve months at one time! Love it.

Here are some of my favorite ideas that I posted back in 2006:

1. Homemade Sweet of the Month Club: Begin with one box of lovingly made sweets (sugar cookies, brownies, oreo bonbons, whatever), and attach a card stating that they will receive one new treat each month. You can give them caramel popcorn, candy, homemade goodies, the options are limitless! (great gift for grand parents, aunts/uncles, pastors, teachers, etc.)

2. Homemade Love Gift of the Month: A special idea for your spouse! It is affordable, unique, and loving. You can do things like a candle-lit bubble bath with rose petals, or a special candle-lit meal for two (kids go to Grandma and Grandpa's for the night), or a shoulder / foot massage, or an evening at the movies, or an evening in front of the fire place with a gourmet dessert, quiet music, and no kids ... I'm sure you can use your imagination on special things your spouse will truly enjoy (and you, too)!

3. Joke of the Month Club: This is a cute gift for a child to give mom or dad (or anyone, really). All they have to do is come up with one joke each month to share with the recipient.

4. Gift of the Month Club: If you can't come up with a themed name, just call it Gift of the Month club! You can pick twelve ideas and list them out for them, or just make it a surprise each month.

Here are some ideas from my 2006 post that you can incorporate in a generic "Gift of the Month" club:

Italian Dinner for Two (or however many you wish)
Mexican Fiesta Night for Two
Pot of Homemade Soup (Potato, Chicken & Rice, Vegetable, etc.)
Homemade Bread
One Gallon of homemade/specialty/gourmet Ice Cream
Special Dessert
Cake
Pie
Large variety of homemade cookies
Specialty Brownies
Framed picture of the grandchildren
Fresh Cut Flowers (Costco has GREAT prices on awesome flowers)
Plant of the season
Herb Garden
Gourmet Coffee
Basket of Seasonal Fruit
Basket of Homemade Jams or Butters (apple butter)
Basket of Garden Fresh Vegetables
Basket of Fresh Gourmet Muffins
Bottle of Wine
Imported Beer
A Music CD
A Move on DVD
Variety of Gourmet Nuts
Gourmet BBQ Basket
Gift Bag full of Bulbs
A basket of Fall pumpkins and gourds

This can lead to a very fun and creative Christmas celebration. The important and key thing here is to use your imagination and then FOLLOW THROUGH.

You can go to my previous post to get tips on how to implement this gift idea!

Don't you just love it???

Enjoy!

Weird Stuff

Last week, I made a really weird purchase... and boy, do I have special plans for it, and I can't wait for it to arrive! These little goodies are vintage -- circa late 1800's to early 1900's. They are rusted. Pointy. Sharp. Beautiful. And odd. Very odd. Just the way I like it, baby!

And as a teaser ... just to rouse your curiosity... here is a picture of what I purchased -- you'll have to wait until my annual Homemade With Love to find out what I'm making with these babies!



Yee Haw!!

Homemade With Love - 2008

Updated to add: I'm not trying to sound vain, but please link back to this post in your own Homemade with Love post! Thank you.

Sorry for the delay -- as usual, I had problems with Blogger! I hope Mister Linky is working. Let me know if you experience any glitches. Also, please forgive some of the poor photos. You win some, you loose some, and I really had to pick my battles!

Once again, I present you with my annual Homemade with Love Gift Idea Exchange! Each year, I try to come up with new ideas to share with you, and again this year, I am so excited to share with you some new homemade gift ideas. I'm also excited to see all the creative ideas YOU have to share! But first, let me just say that while some of you may think I'm ubber creative -- I'm not. I'm somewhat creative, but there are so many crafty chicks out there, I can't stand it!

After surfing a gazillion blogs and craft websites, I was left with so many ideas this year, but because I'm preparing for a craft show that is coming up in two weeks, I can only share a handful of them today. I promise to continue posting pictures and links to tutorials and websites as I complete each project I'm preparing for the craft show. For the projects I feature today, you can go to the links I provide you to other blogs, or to my "Extra Kisses of Sunshine" web site to see details, links and instructions (including cost information).

This year, I've got a mixture of ideas and medium. Some require higher skills than others, while some are simple enough for even the non-crafter to make. Regardless of your crafting skill level, I'm confident that everyone will leave with at least one idea you'll be able to implement and make your Christmas gift giving more homemade. Also, the sweetest form of flattery is that someone copies something you made, and I've taken a few ideas this year from other much more talented women than myself, and I'll link you directly to their tutorials, not only because it is their original idea, but because they say it so well!

If you have a Homemade with Love idea to share, post it (along with instructions or recipes) on your blog today, then come back and add your name and the link to your post on the Mister Linky, along with your gift idea next to your name (i.e.: GiBee: No-Sew Poncho). And don't forget... please link directly to your post, not your home page. Also, please link back to my original Homemade With Love post.

Reminder: You can CLICK HERE for cost, directions and materials needed for each of these crafts (or links to tutorials). I'll provide the link again at the end of this post.

This is the scripture I based my Homemade With Love idea around:

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"Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms."

(1 Peter 4:10)

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And, really ... that's what a homemade gift is -- not something that is perfectly made and coordinated, but rather, a little bit of God's grace, like a piece of your heart, that you've taken the time to share with another person.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Again ... please remember that not all of these ideas are original, and if you see your idea here and I didn't give you credit (because I just didn't remember where I saw it, but I truly did try to be careful), please email me privately off line and I'll rectify the situation.

Now, without further delay, here we go!

Christmas Gift Idea #1: Hand Decorated Platter -- This gift idea requires a very basic skill level, and can be personalized for the recipient. I got this idea from a gift shop I visited in North Carolina (but can't remember the name). Basically, I took a plain white plate that can be purchased at any dollar store, Target, WalMart, etc. I decorated it with permanent sharpie pens, and baked it for 20 minutes on 350 degrees to set the color. You can decorate any white platter, mug, bowl, serving bowls -- anything that is white. This is also a great idea for children to create for their grandparents, aunts and uncles, neighbors, teachers, etc. CLICK HERE for directions.



Christmas Gift Idea #2: No-sew Girls Fleece Poncho -- Cute, cute, cute! What little girl wouldn't love cuddling up to this adorable poncho? This project requires basic crafting skills -- if you can cut and tie knots, you can make this! If you can hold a needle and thread in your hand, you can embellish the raw neckline. By the way ... it is important to note at this time that I really did come up with this idea all on my lonesome! CLICK HERE for directions.



Christmas Gift Idea #3: Sassy t-shirt -- There's nothing better than a comfy t-shirt... unless, of course, it has a little bling on it!!! Trust me when I say... this project is super easy, and the only tools this project requires is an iron! No crafting skills required. CLICK HERE for directions.



Christmas Gift Idea #4: Grace Violet Chic Stationary Set -- I couldn't let another year pass without creating something with my favorite gunky stuff... Mod Podge!! I love how easy this was, and with such a wide selection of scrapbooking papers, even the ugliest pad of paper can be made to look chic! I got this clever idea from Grace Violet (click directions), and Etsy. Basic crafting skills are needed for this project, but once you get the main principles, you can pretty much run with the ideas! CLICK HERE for directions.



Christmas Gift Idea #5: Gourmet Salt Grinder --Anyone can make this cool gift, and any gourmet foodie will love receiving it. A simple salt grinder with some gourmet salt that you mix together in your own kitchen with items you probably already have in your spice cabinet. No crafting skills are needed for this project. CLICK HERE for directions.



Christmas Gift Idea #6: Cute 2-year Planner -- You can put together a cute planner for very little money, and it would make a cute stocking stuffer, or gift for coworkers. I ordered all the supplies from the internet, used scrapbook paper, and voila... a cute planner. Basic crafting skills are needed for this project. CLICK HERE for directions.



Christmas Gift Idea #7: Adorable Hair Accessories -- Little girls love to fix their hair, and this little project would make an adorable stocking stuffer or gift at a very low cost. No crafting skills are needed for the hair clips, but basic sewing skills are needed for the headbands. You can slip on over to Grace Violet HERE to get instructions on one of the cute hair clips. CLICK HERE for headband directions.




Christmas Gift Idea #8: Skip To My Lou Travel Tissue Holder -- Loooove it! This is an awesome stocking stuffer, gift for a shut-in, or a gift for a co-worker. I made these as thank you gifts for group leaders and coordinators for our women's retreat last weekend, and a couple for door prizes. It was so easy, and I had them made in no time flat! I'll also be giving a few away at work for Christmas. Go to Skip To My Lou for directions or CLICK HERE for directions.



Christmas Gift Idea #9: Fabric Coffee Cup Sleeve -- Everyone has "Going Green" on the mind, and this is a great way to start -- you know all those cardboard coffee cup sleeves we get? The ones that are made of recycled material, but are no longer recyclable? Well, replace them with one of these Fabric Coffee Cup Sleeves!! No more waste, and it is washable. I made them from 100% cotton on one side, and fleece on the other, so they provide a bit of insulation. They are so cute, but sadly, I'm not sure what happened to all pictures I took, so I've borrowed a picture from Etsy, and I'll take some more and re-post them later this week. CLICK HERE for directions.



Christmas Gift Idea #10: Peanut Butter Chocolate Nut Clusters -- OHMYWORD -- sinful. I had these clusters at a women's retreat at the beginning of the month, and begged the poor lady for the recipe... which she recited off the top of her head. This is a cute and simple gift idea for co-workers, neighbors, kids at church, teachers... you get the idea! Simple, cheap, yummy. Love it. CLICK HERE for directions.



Christmas Gift Idea #11: Tulip Bulb Thank You -- Make this simple little package for the teacher your child loves... a Sunday school teacher... a boy scout or girl scout leader, or the special coach in your kids life. It is inexpensive, adorable, and says "Thank You" in a special way. Add a little card that thanks them for planting knowledge and wisdom in your child's heart and mind, or thanks them for encouraging your child to bloom or blossom. CLICK HERE for directions.





Christmas Gift Idea #12: Personalized Picture Vase -- This is an adorable gift for grandparents. Using an inexpensive square vase, you can personalize it with a picture of your child, seal it with a couple coats of poly, and have a unique gift under the tree for grandma and grandpa. Sorry I didn't have flowers to make a nice arrangement -- just use your imagination! CLICK HERE for directions.

If you didn't get the message, you can CLICK HERE for directions, more pictures, recipes, vendors, complete project cost breakdown, supply lists, etc.

Now it's your turn!! What special Homemade With Love gift do you have to share? It can be easy, or difficult... sewn, or baked... cut and glued... colored or painted. There's no limit to your creativity, so share it all with us! And, please link back to this original post!

An Invitation to Homemade With Love

You are all cordially invited to join us for a special carnival... my annual Homemade with Love.

What: An exchange of homemade gifting ideas for Christmas
When: October 27, all day long

Brainstorm your greatest homemade gift ideas, write up a quick tutorial on how to make your creation, add a picture or two, and then come back to my homepage and add your link to the Mr. Linky I'll have... easy peasy!

I can't wait to share all the ideas I've picked up from surfing the internet, but even more, I can't wait to see all the wonderful ideas you have!

So round up your thinking caps, and start creating! You can bake something, cook something, craft something, sew something, put together a basket of something... where ever your brain takes you, please make it family friendly! Thanks!

I am SO STINKING EXCITED!!!

First of all ... I want to start off with a reflective question for you... At this very moment -- 2:40 p.m., EST, on Thursday, October 2... I wonder how Sarah Palin is feeling? TRULY feeling? Do you think she's scared? Nervous? Sick? At peace? Father, Lord, I pray that you steady her, boost her confidence, and place the right words and answers in her mouth. Bring her favor in the eyes of America. Help her deliver clearly, kindly, peacefully, and confidently the answers to tonights tough questions, and place your recall in her mind. Amen.

Onto other things... I finally received my fabrics from Heather Bailey last week -- and they are, in one word, GORGEOUS! I can't wait to begin making things with them. The quality is so wonderful - heavy cotton - not flimsy. And the colors are crisp and beautiful.

I will be making little gifts for my younger nieces with these fabrics. Can't WAIT! I'll probably be posting some of the pics on my Homemade with Love on October 27, but the I'll post the rest as I complete the projects.

So, have you been working on your Homemade with Love gift ideas to post on October 27th? All you need is a picture of the finished product and a brief tutorial / instructions. That's all! Easy Peasy!

Anyway, I know you can't see them very well here, and can't appreciate the quality as in person, but as a teaser, here is a picture of my loot, followed by a stack of fabrics I got at the fabric store -- which are lovely too -- but pale in comparison:

Homemade With Love

"It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year. With the kids jingle belling, and everyone telling you "Be of good cheer" ... It's The Most Wonderful Time ... Of The Year!"

Or not.

Because when it all boils down... there really isn't anything wonderful, or happy about going into the Christmas season penny pinching, dollar scraping, and fretting about what to give for Christmas!

I have long been a proponent of homemade gifts, because in my mind, it speaks of tremendous love and care -- something from your heart to the gift recipient -- and I know many gift recipients often prefer homemade gifts.

But realistically, when bills just keep rolling in like the ocean's waves -- fuel, electricity, mortgage, phone, cable, food, gas for the car, child care -- sometimes, Christmas gifts might seem like an afterthought.

So each year, I have hosted "Homemade With Love." It is a "carnival" that offers many ideas on homemade gifts that you can make economically, easily, and beautifully. I will have a slew of ideas for you, then I'll post a Mr. Linky so that others can share their great homemade gift-giving ideas. Hopefully, we'll have several people participate so we can have a wonderful selection of gift ideas for people of all ages.

Most importantly, this is for those who ARE crafty, and those who are NOT crafty; those who LOVE to cook, and those who HATE to cook; those who CAN make an heirloom out of a toothpick, and those who CAN'T.

So pull out your thinking caps, check your past blog archives, and earmark some ideas you'll want to share with others. I personally will be sharing numerous ideas I have come up with on my lonesome, as well as ideas I've gotten from other peoples crafty-craft blogs... people with far too much talent on their hands!

P.S. - I can't get my code box to work.

P.P.S. - I'm freaking out because I haven't received my Heather Bailey Fabrics yet... and time is ticking away! (as if anyone cares.)

When: Monday, October 27, 2008 -- All Day Long!
Where: Here! www.kissesofsunshine.com
Who: Anyone with a really great homemade gift idea
Snag the button:

Hand Made Things...

Yesterday, I mentioned I had nothing to post about.

Then, I read Barb's post today, and thought... "Yeah! She is so right! I should follow up on this post!!" Actually ... it was posted yesterday, but I read it today.

Barb post is: Apparently, "hand made" is a rare thing these days...

Barb... I TOTALLY agree. Hand made things ARE rare these days. And it is really sad!

This past Saturday, I went to my cousin's bridal shower (she's getting married this coming Saturday). I debated over whether I should go ahead and make something or not... I am, after all, busy. Very. So I compromised. I purchased a few things, and made a few things for her.

It was so easy, and really, just took a couple hours out of my time, but it was received with many oohs and ahhs, and comments like ... "GiBee MADE this!" and "This is HOME MADE!" and "This is in her own handwriting!"

All I made was a wire-wrapped serving spoon with glass beads and crystals to match a bowl I bought her at Target, and I hand-wrote about 10-12 recipes out of my own collection onto index-sized recipe cards, and put them in a 3-ring recipe-keeper notebook I got at Hallmark. So easy and simple, yet you would have thought I went to Mars and back to get it.

Why?

Because it was home made. It was full of love, time, and effort. I took the time to make something that reflected my cousin's personality.

Time.

A commodity not many people can spare. Yet when you do, it means the world to the recipient.

The other gifts? Almost all the other gifts were gift cards, with the exception of sheets, a few nighties, and a pasta set. While gift cards are nice... in my humble opinion, gift cards (and cash) do have a time and a place (like maybe the wedding gift)... but when a young woman is starting off her life as a new bride, she really looks forward to opening beautiful things that she can use to decorate her new home, to cook for her and her husband, or to entertain friends and family. That's all part of the excitement! And, I really felt like she got cheated. It broke my heart. I was sad FOR her that she didn't get to rip packages open, ooohhh, and aaahhh over pretties, and dream of how she would use them. In fact, there were so few "wrapped packages" that they couldn't make a traditional plate with the ribbons and bows for her to walk down the aisle with at her rehearsal.

Friends, it is SO easy to share something homemade. It doesn't have to be as elaborate or intricate as the serving spoon I gave her -- it can be as simple as the recipe album I gave her with your own special recipes handwritten on the pages inside... those special recipes that everyone loves and begs for. Or in Barb's case, she made some diaper cloths, bibs, and a blanket -- how precious is that??? I promise that homemade gifts will be cherished long after the gift cards are cashed in and spent.

Let's keep the old tradition of making something going!!!

What kinds of things do you think YOU could make for either a bridal shower or a baby shower? Take a few minutes to think about it, and jump in the comment section with some ideas for those who have a tougher time coming up with homemade gift ideas!!

And for those of you at a TOTAL loss for ideas or thing you have no talent... tune back in here on October 27-ish for my annual "Homemade with Love" series where we feature homemade gift ideas for ALL budgets and ALL skill sets.
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On the serving spoon, I selected a stone to match the bowl I purchased at Target (to the right) as a focal point, and used colorful beads and crystals to decorate the remainder of the spoon.

Christmas ... in ... JULY???

You will never believe this in a million years. Well -- you will, believe it if you know me intimately, and really, after reading this blog, who DOESN'T know me intimately... BUT ... I started collecting ideas for my next big and wonderful Homemade with Love escapade... in the October/November time frame... months ago (collecting ideas, that is -- what a poorly structured sentence!).

And now, as the dawn of July rolls around, I'm starting to collect my materials and... actually MAKE and PHOTOGRAPH things. For Christmas.

Yeah.

It's a sickness.

But if someone must do it, why not me (since the word GiBee and the word sickness-in-the-head go hand in hand!)?

This year, I have some fun, FUN ideas. Some easy, some cheap, some harder, but still cheap. Can't wait to share them with you. But before I do, I have to learn how to do a few things... joy. Can you really teach a dog new tricks? Hmmmmm... we'll soon find out.

Can you tell, I have NOTHING but time on my hands. My husband will be overjoyed at my ability to manage my plethora of free time.

Pshwat!!!

I'm feeling rather ... "Barbara-ish!"

Homemade With Love - 2007

Updated to add: Seriously! Already, the few people that have participated on the Mister Linky have posted the most adorable ideas! You MUST check them out!! All of them! Man, I only wish I had a portion of their talent!

ALSO ADDED: Don't forget to check out Chilihead's Christmas Shopping Carnival today!

It's finally here! My second annual Homemade with Love Gift Idea Exchange! And not only am I excited to share with you some ideas I have, but I'm excited to see all the creative ideas YOU have to share! I promise not to overload you with tons of ideas like last year. I've placed the pictures in a slide show, and if you hover your cursor over the picture, it should stop. You can also go to the instructions page and see all of them. What can I say ... I was just so excited! And last year, I concentrated mostly on home-baked items. This year, I've got mostly home-crafted items to share with you.

If you have a Homemade with Love idea to share, post it on your blog today, then come back and add your name and the link to your post on the Mister Linky, along with your gift idea next to your name (i.e.: GiBee: Snowman Paver). And don't forget... if you participate with an idea on your blog and place your name on the Mister Linky, I'll be drawing some lucky winners for some of my own "Homemade with Love" items tomorrow!

Just a few housekeeping things: You can CLICK HERE for all directions and materials needed for each of these crafts. I'll provide the link again at the end of this post. Also, I've divided this in two sections: Thanksgiving Season Decorating and Christmas Gift Giving Ideas. I decided to throw in a few easy things for Thanksgiving, since last year, I recall that many people were looking for fresh decorating ideas.

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"Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms."

(1 Peter 4:10)

-----------------------------
And, really ... that's what a homemade gift is -- not something that is perfectly made and coordinated, but rather, a little bit of God's grace, like a piece of your heart, that you've taken the time to share with another person.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Now, without further delay, here we go!

Thanksgiving Season Decorating and Gift Ideas

Thanksgiving Idea #1: Toilet Paper Roll Pumpkins -- I loved the simplicity and affordability of this little decorative pumpkin. Total spent on materials for four pumpkins: $3.29

Thanksgiving Idea #2: Painted Pumpkin Paver -- so easy, so quick, so cheap! Looks great on the front porch steps. Total spent on materials for one paver pumpkin:

Thanksgiving Idea #3: Pumpkin Topiary -- I'm always trying to find "FALL" decorating ideas, and I thought these topiaries were really beautiful, and very easy to make. Total spent on materials for two pumpkin topiaries: just under $45.00, total for only one: $22.46.

Christmas Gift Giving Ideas

The first two ideas came about while we were preparing for our recent retreat at church.

Christmas Gift Idea #1: A Homemade CD Collection -- We gave each lady at our retreat a 4-pack CD with some favorite songs on them. You can choose holiday favorites, Christian contemporary songs, worship songs, secular songs (I love all the Grey's Anatomy songs) ... whatever you want to choose to fit either your personality or your gift-receiver's personality. I have made a 3-volume Kisses of Sunshine Favorites, chock full of my favorite Christian contemporary music and worship music. Total spent for one 3-volume CD gift: $1.77

Variation on idea: You don't have to stick with just music. You can use simple software to create a beautiful slide show set to music with your special pictures of your loved ones.

Christmas Gift Idea #2: A Homemade Frame with Special Scripture: I selected this as the craft for our retreat because it was something that everyone could do easily, it looked great, and was a special reminder of the weekend. It would fit in nicely as a gift to a family member or close friend with their "life scripture" or another favorite scripture verse, or you can make it as a seasonal frame with a Christmas saying on it. The most expensive part of this craft idea is the frame. Total spent on the 11x14" colored frame: $10.99; Total spent on the 11x14" blue and brown frame:$10.99; Total spent on the 8x5" Christmas frame: $9.99

Christmas Gift Idea #3: Hand Painted Pavers: Oh, my goodness, I can't even begin to express the fun I had making these. It all began with a couple ideas in an old craft magazine I had, and when I went online to research them, I found the most adorable pavers which I have shamelessly tried to duplicate. Total spent on Snowman paver: $7.90; total spent on Gingerbread paver: $8.23; total spent on Ladybug paver: $0.00; total spent on Dragonfly paver: $7.73

Christmas Gift Idea #4: Hand Embroidered and Embellished Kitchen Towel: This actually turned out to be a lot easier than I anticipated. I am not handy with an embroidery needle, but if I can do it, ANYONE can!!! Total spent on Kitchen Towel: $6.25

Christmas Gift Idea #5: Garden Stepping Stone: This is a sweet idea for a grandchild to give to a grandparent, and it's easy and fun, too. You can really use your imagination and go wild ... or, you can let your child do it, which isn't as much fun... for you ... but IS a ton of fun for them. Total spent on Stone: $9.54

Christmas Gift Idea #6: Picture Ornament: I love this little ornament. It was so easy to make, and cheap, cheap, cheap. You can make it for a family member (aunts, uncles, and grandparents would love this) or you can select a special picture of you and a girlfriend, or of your wedding day, or of any other special memory you want to hang from your tree! This was such an easy craft item, but I love how it turned out. Total spent on Ornament: $0.76

Christmas Gift Idea #7: Snowman Tin for Goodies: How adorable is this sweet little tin bucket? It's hand painted with a snowman's face, and can be loaded with candy, baked treats, nuts, a plant, the possibilities are totally endless. My own painting skills are shaky, but the point of the gift is that it's homemade ... not perfect. I've loaded it with some fixings for a Winter Salad, and included the recipes on a card. Total spent on Snowman Tin for Goodies: $1.99

Christmas Gift Idea #8: Christmas Sundae Basket: Each year, I give my neighbors a little gift to let them know we're thinking of them. This year, they are getting a simpler variation of this Sundae basket, but this one will be given to a friend. It is filled with a home-made topping, hot fudge (store bought because I ran out of time), nuts, sprinkles, and all the things that make a Sundae yummy! If you want, you could even make some homemade ice cream to give out too! I've put a homemade peppermint sauce, some hot fudge, sprinkles, chopped nuts, white chocolate peppermint crunch, four acrylic bowls, and one ice cream scoop in the basket. Total spent on Sundae Basket: $19.03 (but can be WAY cheaper if you cut out a lot of purchased stuff or get stuff at the dollar store, or more expensive if you put a family movie in it).

Christmas Gift Idea #9: Recipe Album: This gift idea may take a bit more time, but the recipient will enjoy receiving a collection of recipes that are close to your heart. Total spent on album will vary with number of recipes you print out and number of pictures you take and develop, but the album can be found on clearance, and the gift will be a treasure they hold on to for years and years. Total spent on album alone: $13.00

Christmas Gift Idea #10: Scripture Journal: This gift is very economical, but it will provide the recipient a jump-start to learning how to select special scriptures and storing them away. This idea was presented to the ladies of our church at our retreat this past October by the spunky and sweet speaker we had, and I thought it would be a wonderful thing to pass down to your high school grad that's gearing up for college, your engaged child who is beginning their life as a married couple, a shut-in, or even a friend who might be going through a fire and needs some timely truth and encouragement. Total spent on Scripture Journal: $5.20

Christmas Gift Idea #11: Spicy Rub Basket: I love this idea... you make the rubs, pack them up nicely, and share them with your friends, family, neighbors. Fun, fun! Here I've made a standard Beef BBQ rub, my special Pork BBQ Rub, and a Spicy Cajun Chicken Rub. It's going to a very special bloggy friend ... she knows who she is! Total spent on project: $4.50

Complete Directions, Ingredients and Pictures are HERE.

Last Year's Ideas are HERE with instructions HERE

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Homemade With Love Participants

1. Shalee 2. Randi 3. tonsofsons ~ decorative clipboard 4. Robinznest - Candied Nuts and a Cute Gift Bag 5. chilihead (placemat purse) 6. Beth/Mom2TwoVikings (Cmas flowers) 7. Erin (Monogram Ornament) 8. Melissa (beaded serving spoons)

9. Michele (Tin Punched Ornaments) 10. Laurel Wreath (chex Mix) 11. Tons of Sons ~ decorative clipboards ~ right link this time 12. Barbara H. (Personalized Scripture) 13. Cindy (PrairieMousesHouse) 14. Tammy and Parker (Christmas) 15. Tammy and Parker (Thanksgiving) 16. tonsofsons ~ 3rd attempt (:

17. Barbara H. (Soft trees) 18. Michelle (Tin Punched Ornaments) 19. Tammy and Parker (Christmas) 20. Becky (Handmade Note Cards) 21. Barb @ A Chelsea Morning (several things!) 22. TIckled Pink (decoupage Christmas photo frames) 23. SchoolinRhome (ornaments and more)

Powered by... Mister Linky's Magical Widgets.

Homemade With Love -- Coming on Monday!

It's almost here ... Homemade with Love! And I'm so excited I can barely stand it! Except that I'm running way behind with my pictures and write-ups because of Hunter's surgery ... GAH! The pressure is mounting.

Anyway, make sure you all come back on Monday to get great Homemade with Love ideas, and to either participate, or check out the links for those that are participating.

I will be giving away several of my Homemade items in a drawing reserved especially for those that participate with valid Homemade ideas on their blogs, and place their name and link on my Mister Linky.

If you need the code for the button, please email me at kissesof.sunshine@yahoo.com.

See you all on Monday!

It has come to my attention that there are some difficulties in "picking up" the Homemade with Love button -- and of course, now it all makes sense to me, because I put a code in my template so people couldn't "right-click" on any of my pictures.

DUH! My bad.

So if you need the code, either re-type the following code onto your blog, or just email me and I'll send it to you in a Word attachment. Sorry for all the confussion!

Free stuff and Homemade with Love

FREE STUFF announcement towards bottom of post.

Coming to you on November 12, 2007 ... my annual Homemade With Love -- Holiday Gift Exchange!

Mark you calendars, and plan on participating!

Here's what you need to do:

1) Flip through your memory banks and come up with your favorite homemade gift that someone would enjoy receiving at Christmas time. It can be a main Christmas gift, it can be a hostess' gift, it can be a gift for your neighbors.

2) Make one as a sample and take a good picture of it to post on your blog.

3) Type up your instructions in a post, along with the picture, that will be posted on November 12. Come back to my blog that morning and sign up on the Mr. Linky with the link to your post.

4) Don't forget to grab the button and start advertising on your blog! Please link them back to this post!

HUGE ANNOUNCEMENT -- FREE STUFF:

Each person that participates and signs up on the Mr. Linky will be eligible for a drawing of at least four (4) wonderful, "Homemade with Love" items that I will be showcasing ... possibly even more! I will take each name on the Mr. Linky with a valid Homemade with Love post, and I will enter them in a drawing -- one prize per winner -- winners will be drawn by a random generating number thingie. (Well -- that sure made more sense in my head!!!) I hope YOU win! And, you... over there. And you, too ... there ... in the corner. Don't YOU want to win?

Ideas for Homemade gifts:

Something you knit, crochet, embroider, or sew
Something you bake
Something you paint
Something you glue together
Items you pull together for a basket gift (homemade in "nature")
Something you grow (plant, flower, herb, etc.)

Be My Valentine ... Won't Ya?

Surprise, surprise!!! We have a snow storm a'comin'!!!

So, if you're planning on being stuck in the house with your kids (today, tomorrow or Wednesday), why don't you run out real quick, grab some supplies, and make some home-made Valentine's Day Cards? In fact, you probably have many of the supplies already on hand ... It's not too late, and the Family Fun web site has a gazillion ideas ... go check them out!

In the mean time, here are a few pictures of some of their ideas ... you know ... to spark your curiosity! (all of these pictures are "borrowed" from the Family Fun website)

Butterfly Valentine Card











Camo Communique










Finger Puppet












Gum Guys










Jolly Lollies









Love Bug -- my niece made this one for Hunter, and it turned out GREAT! So cute!!!











Sweet Shovel

"Of The Month..."

Okay -- my heart skipped a few beats this morning ... I went looking for my Christmas list this morning, and couldn't find it in my purse... it is my lifeline during the holidays, and has everything I've made and purchased written down in it. Without it, I would be lost. Fortunately, I found it buried at the bottom of my purse, THANK GOODNESS! My heart can beat normally again.

Today, I'm going to share another homemade gift idea with you that can be used in so many ways. It's called, "Of The Month" gift... It's a great gift for a wife to give a husband, or to give to grandparents, college kids, etc. It spreads the cost of the gift out over a period of time, offering YOU some financial relief, and it will bring a smile on the receivers face each month when they receive something new!

The premis (we'll use Grandma and Grandpa as an example): You prepare a special card which says that Grandma and Grandpa have received a special Gift of the Month. On the card, specify how many months they will receive the gift, what day of the month they will receive it, and list what they will receive each month. Make and package one homemade gift (like a box of homemade sugar cookies decorated for Christmas), and wrap it beautifully, attaching the card to the top of the gift.

This is an especially fun gift for children to give to their grandparents, because they will have to come up with a creative list of gifts for each month, and then either make the gift, or coordinate purchasing the gift. Grandma and Grandpa will really enjoy getting a special package each month, too! It's also great for aunts and uncles, brothers and sisters, the Pastor and his/her family, and family friends.

For spouses, this is an affordable way to give each other some special and unique gifts, like a hot candle-lit bubble bath with rose petals, or a special candle-lit meal for two (kids go to Grandma and Grandpa's for the night), or a shoulder / foot massage, or an evening at the movies, or an evening in front of the fire place with a gourmet dessert, quiet music, and no kids ... I'm sure you can use your imagination on special things your spouse will truly enjoy (and you, too)!

The following are some tips to help you plan for giving a Monthly Gift:

1) Shoot for giving the receiver of your gifts the item on the first weekend of the promised month.

2) Be clear when and where/how you will be delivering their gifts.

3) Make as many items from scratch/homemade as possible, as this will add a special touch and meaning to the gifts, as well as make it affordable.

4) Get to know the receiver's favorites, and include them on their list (foods, candies, wines, beers, books, movies, etc.)

5) Follow through with your promise. Post yourself a note on your fridge or calendar so you do not forget. There's nothing worse than being promised something, and the promise falls through.

6) Involve your kids in making the homemade items ... they will have a blast decorating cookies, cakes, planting herbs, or kneading bread! This will make the gift a special one from your entire family!

7) If you can, include with the gift delivery a picture of the kids planting the herb garden, decorating cookies, making bread, cooking a meal, stirring the soup pot, etc. so that the receiver can enjoy the effort that was put into the gift (grandparents love that sort of thing).

To help you kick-start your brain, here is a list of some monthly gifts you can do:

Italian Dinner for Two (or however many you wish)
Mexican Fiesta Night for Two
Pot of Homemade Soup (Potato, Chicken & Rice, Vegetable, etc.)
Homemade Bread
One Gallon of homemade/specialty/gourmet Ice Cream
Special Dessert
Cake
Pie
Large variety of homemade cookies
Specialty Brownies
Drawn, candle-lit bubble bath (spouse gift)
Candle-lit dinner (spouse gift)
Romantic evening in front of the fire (spouse gift)
Special massage (spouse gift)
Framed picture of the grandchildren
Fresh Cut Flowers (Costco has GREAT prices on awesome flowers)
Plant of the season
Herb Garden
Gourmet Coffee
Basket of Seasonal Fruit
Basket of Homemade Jams or Butters (apple butter)
Basket of Garden Fresh Vegetables
Basket of Fresh Gourmet Muffins
Bottle of Wine
Imported Beer
A Music CD
A Move on DVD
Variety of Gourmet Nuts
Gourmet BBQ Basket
Gift Bag full of Bulbs
Fall Pumpkins and gourds

Examples Packages:

... Four-Month-Gift:















... Six-Month-Gift:















... Twelve-Month-Gift (the MOTHERLOAD):
























... Twelve-Month-Gift-to-your-Spouse:























Feel free to add your own ideas in the comments section (please keep it family friendly). And ... let me know if you need help making the cards, or if you need ideas for graphics!