Christmas crafts

12/30/08 - 26w6d

I always like to do some crafty things around the holidays (if time, money and energy permit).
I wanted to make Christmas cards this year and found a design at the Archiver's store that I really liked. I only made 12 cards and supplemented with store bought cards. I ran out of time and didn't get to make enough to send out. I love how the card turned out, the penguin stamp is too cute.



For the last couple of years, Rod and I have given homemade gifts to family and friends. This year, I wanted to be a little greener in our gifts. I had some baby food jars that I got from my sister. I was going to use them in my craft room but they were perfect containers for making these gel air fresheners for the home. Rod painted the lids and drilled holes in them. I used rub-ons to decorate the jars. These smell so good too, my favorite scent is mulberry. The gel recipe can be found here.



We gave out some compact reusable bags. I have been using these bags for almost a year and love them. I keep a couple in my purse and they come in handy when I need to pick up some things at the store.

Walmart had these really cute gift tags that were made from recycled material AND wildflower seeds. We even came up with a poem:

"Here's a small token of our love and appreciation,
To all of our loved ones, God's wonderful creations.

A recycled gift to make our holidays more green,
Reducing our footprint, if you know what I mean.

So we'd just like to say with love and great cheer,
Merry Christmas to y'all, and a Happy New Year!"

Last but not least, the gift bag made from recycled scrapbook paper.



Here is the gift bag tutorial, which is so easy to make with a 12x12 piece of paper.

I also made these candy containers for Rod's work. I found the tutorial on YouTube and they look just like sour cream containers.



I used scrapbook paper and some adhesive and presto, instant gifts for Rod's coworkers. They are filled with an assortment of chocolates. I love this design, so easy to make and the dimensions can be adjusted so that you can fit larger or smaller items in the containers.

My youngest sister, Christina, made these magnets. These make cute gifts because you can customize them for any occasion.



So that's our crafty Christmas this year. Now what to do for next year?