HANDMADE GIFT PARADE: SHARPIE MUGS + DAVID'S TEA.

Every year, I work really hard to make sure that my co-workers receive meaningful handmade gifts. I spend as much time with them (if not more) as I do with Dave, so it's really important for me to make sure that I make the most unique gifts possible.

I made these mugs using the tutorial on A Beautiful Mess for my boss and his soon to be wife, Paula. I wanted them to be neutral enough to fit in with any theme or decor they have going on while still encompassing that crafty handmade vibe.

After wrapping them up, I tossed some Sleigh Ride tea from David's in the box for a complete gift set. (I also gave them the craziest vintage bubble bulb lamp. I should have taken a picture before I packed it up.)

Finally settling in to make gifts always puts me into the hoilday spirit! I hope they liked them!

another gift for a co-worker.

based on the pattern from last minute gifts. i used seed stitch instead of the thermal pattern b/c i had to finish this quickly. the mushroom is needle felted on with lambs pride. the teapot is a vintage arnel, found on etsy.

it was kinda hard to give this one up. i almost gave them something else. i've been searching ebay to find another of the same teapot for myself.

i have so much to do today, and all that i've done so far is read blogs and watch kate bush videos on youtube. i'm such a slacker.

my to do list is jam packed today:

-vacuum

-mop

-bake bread for dinner tonight

-go grocery shopping

-put away xmas gifts

-do load of laundry

-make bed

-put away decorations

-take down tree

-fill up the fish tank...

it just keeps going. i haven't even got a shower yet. all i want to do is darn some socks and read a book. i guess if i can chug enough coffee, i'll get moving. maybe.

what do you do to get motivated?

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Kate Bush - Wuthering Heights (i'm currently reading it, actually...)

i know this video is for accquired tastes,and 90% of people will hate it. i just can't get enough. she's soooo magical...

<3

knitxcore.

i didn't feel like making cookies for all of my co-workers this year.

other people in the store already told me that they would be baking, and i didn't want to steal their thunder or overwhelm everyone with piles of baked goods.

i opted, instead, for mini-terrariums in canning jars.

i used pebbles and potting soil i had on hand and picked up jars from the grocery store.

the vintage deer and tree picks are from HeyYoYo's etsy shop.

i picked up a bag of moss (for frog terrariums) on ebay and VOILA!!!!  easy, unique gifts!

my only regret is not taking better pictures, but it was dark and rainy so those were the best i could do...

what handmade gifts did you give this year????

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Mama Cass Elliot　-　Make Your Own Kind Of Music

i just can't get enough 60's-70's music.

<3

knitxcore.

pointy kitty.

another gift FINISHED. YAY!!!!

free wee wonderfuls download. 

vintage tweed from etsy seller MsLegacySews.  

the tweed kept pulling apart, but i just couldn't imagine it in any other fabric. it was worth the extra work. 

i'm almost finished all the handmade x-mas gifts.

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holiday entertaining special!!!!!

Charles Phoenix's Astro-Weenie Christmas Tree

<3

knitxcore.

the owls are not what they seem.

gift number 2 = finished!

the owl transfer i used is from sublime stitching.  

the awesome faux bois hoop is from michaels.

it took about a week, but i didn't really a big block of time to just stitch away.

i'm pretty sure the recipient doesn't read my blog but he's really into twin peaks and "the owls are not what they seem" is a clue THE GIANT gives to Agent Cooper.  researching twin peaks got me sort of intrested in the show, i've only watched a handful of episodes though.  so don't give anything away in the comments :-)

so that leaves like 5 more gifts to make, at least.  

what are YOU working on??????

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Hair (1979)- Good Morning, Starshine

i love to watch this clip as soon i get up, it makes me smile.

<3

knitxcore.

E is for Etsy!

Everyone loves Etsy.com.

I've been sort of obsessed recently.



These lil' birdies came in saturday-ish? I put them up immediately. I'v been looking for alternatives to paint (we rent) to make it a lil' more exciting. These wall decals from VinylWallArt hit the spot. Check out the Quail, I love it :-)



Adrienne is quite the scratcher! She destroyed her old reflective collar. I had this lil' polka dot guy from theModernPet in my faves forever! I'm so glad no one else bought it before me. The collar is actually pretty well made, and most importantly has that safety clip that pops the it off if it were to get caught on something. (I know the picture is blurry but, it tooks few treats to get her to sit that still.)



Last, but certainly not least, we have BrainScan coffee. I bought a half pound to try it out first. I can be really picky about coffee, I know what I like. It seems Starbucks leaves a strange ashy aftertaste anymore, so I figured it was time to move on. Alex hand roasts organic fair trade beans for the tastiest brew on the block. I'm sort of addicted to her Small World blend (1/2 Sumatra, 1/2 Costa Rican). It's delicious and there is no coffee belly ache if I skip breakfast.

in other news:

-I'm just about finished a pair of socks! They should be done in a few days.

-I've planted some Basil and Parsley, and had an issue with some Tom Thumb pea seeds (cutest thing ever!). Luckily, I found some more and they should be here soon.

-I've been working on a reversible apron for quite a while, and just realized I cut a few pieces on the wrong side!!!!!! I don't have anymore of the fabric and neither does the place I bought it. I may just keep going and assemble a panel or two backwards.



---Miranda July Makes Buttons---

So, that's how buttons are made?
I had no clue until now! I'm not sure if I'd have the patience for that "ferberization" step.



<3
knitxcore.