When I was younger, my family would all do their best to make each other handmade gifts or give something we already had. The memories of these Christmas gifts have long outlasted the others. Maybe that is why gifting handmade is so near and dear to me.
I know its early, but I am bursting with ideas and projects to share and encourage you to gift handmade to your loved ones this year:) And guess what, its all aimed to save you money too! Today is for the menfolk…
Man throw: A blanket that is soft, warm, and manly enough for them to take camping with them.
Materials: Fabric, Thread, Sewing machine
Level: Easy
Cost: $25
I found this fabric at Joann Fabrics. Its a suede/fleece double sided fabric that is blanket ready. If you bring your 50% off coupon (print it online) you can get two yards for $25.
Instructions: To finish it as a blanket, simply fold over the edges (1/2 in.) and line with pins. Sew your hem all the way around. And your finished! Easy right? (*You can always try fabric glue for the hem if you want to opt for a no-sew version.)
Looking forward to sharing more projects with you!
P.S. I now have Holiday Gift Guide advertising info available to view online. Email me for the link! 🙂
An easy costume for these munchkins this year was 80’s Marathon runners. Od School sweatsuits, converse sneakers, and sweat bands. We have a few more props saved for tonight’s trick or treating adventure. I have too much fun dressing them up. Its only a matter of time before they will be picking their own costumes, right??
I have known Vanessa for a long time through the blog world:) (You can check out her lovely blog here.) I was thrilled to hear she was chasing her dreams of textile design and opening a shop. Her cultural background and the places she has lived translate beautifully into her pieces.
Classic, modern, and contemporary designs in vibrant colors and patterns. She combines hand drawn illustrations with her design concepts. Isn’t that fun?? These are just a few favorites above. She is generously giving away 4 pillows or 2 pillow sets from her shop. Winner can choose their designs! Open to international readers. Best of luck:)
Friday was sunny and 80 degrees, and by Sunday it was blustery and cold. Thanks Sandy.
I think the entire east side of the U.S. is getting this nasty weather. Atlanta will just be getting some rain and wind. My prayer for my east coast friends is that you all have your loved ones with you!
How was your weekend? I am still in lazy Sunday mode. Time for a cup of joe;)
*Premier spots are full for November sponsorship, but there are a few standard spots available. Email for info:)
The True Beauty Files
A lookbook for the modern modeste.
“The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure that she carries, or the way she combs her hair. The beauty of a woman is seen in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides. True beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul. It’s the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she shows & the beauty of a woman only grows with passing years.”
The last weekend of my favorite month of the year.
We are getting a cold front on Sunday here in Atlanta which means I will be pulling out my chunkiest cable knit, and furriest slippers and making sure I partake in a cup of Abuelita’s hot chocolate (find it at you local grocery store-you will never go back to the powdered kind). Hopefully I can finally catch up with some of your blogs as well. I am pulling all the last minute pieces together for the kids halloween costumes. I cannot wait to dress them up. Its merely for our own enjoyment at these ages..:D
I had a lovely reader request I do a Holly Golightly Sleep Mask DIY from Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Little did she know, that was my costume last year for Halloween:) I realized I never posted the DIY so if you need a last minute, easy, and fun couples costume idea, here you go! This is a great alternative to the popular black dress costume from the movie.
Please note: this DIY is for the costume version of the mask not sleep version;)
2 Big blue rhinestones (can find in the childrens craft section)
Instructions:
1. Using a tape measure, measure the width of your left temple to right temple. This will be the width of your mask.
2. On your thick cardstock paper, draw a line the same width. Draw your mask shape based of this. Cut out and place over your fabric.
3. Draw around the mask shape leaving a two inch space so that your fabric will fold over the back. Cut out the fabric piece.
4. Tightly pull and wrap fabric over the cardstock cut out and hot glue the folds on the back. Do this slowly so there are no air pockets or wrinkles.
Cut your eyelid shapes and repeat fabric and glue instructions. The extra edge on the fabric will be glued to the mask.
5. Hot glue your rhinestones where you want the eyes to be. (Widely placed.) Hot glue the eyelid shapes over the blue rhinestones so that the bottom of the rhinestones peek out slightly.
6. Measure out your metallic velvet trim to fit the width of your eyelids and cut. Cut slits along the edge for the eyelash effect. Hot glue to the rims.
7. Glue your gold braided trim around the edge of the mask.
8. Use the gold glitter glue to make the eyebrow arches. Let dry thoroughly.
9. Measure out your ribbon and cut two equal lengths long enough to tie around the back of your head.
Hut glue between trim and fabric or staple to the back along the edge.
And you are done! I still have the mask in tact to pull out for future use.
For the Rest Holly Golightly’s Costume:
Trench coat or Mens button down shirt
Black leggings
Ballet Flats
Gold Tassel Earplugs:
2 Gold Tassels (from upholstery aisle at Hobby Lobby)
