Today, I saw a picture of a wreath made by a friend of mine for her mother. Dozens of little red hearts were layered together in a circle, overlapping and spilling off the edges. Each heart was roughly sewn from felt or fabric, with sparkling beads, sequins and other trinkets adorning them here and there.
It made me smile; my mood was lighter just looking at the photo.
This had me consider the upcoming gifting season. And, I am wondering if any of you are going to make some of your holiday gifts.
What you create with your own hands has more life, more ‘chi’ energy than something you pick up at a department store. You choose the colors, the materials, the design and as you work, you put a bit of yourself into the finished product. The result ends up being infused with love and blessings.
Hand made gifts don’t have to be complicated or “perfect”. Think simple. And, allow for mistakes or rough spots – these unpolished bits are part of the magic of handmade items. The medium can be anything that inspires you. You can knit, collage, paint, sew, cook, bake, bead or embroider…these are gifts from the soul.
Here are just a few ideas to get you started:
- Pillows in the shape of a child’s favorite animal
- Cookies or cakes
- Hand-knit slippers or mittens
- Linens with embroidered flowers, symbols or initials
- A framed photograph (one you took that has rich memories)
- Ornaments – paint a glass orb, for example
- Herbal sachets filled with real lavender, rosemary or other favorite natural scents
- A DVD of home video you’ve edited
Above all else, have fun while you create!
© Deb Swingholm 2011. All rights reserved.
Tags: hand made gifts, holiday gifts
