Oh handmade gift season.
How do I love thee?
Let me count the ways.
If this is your first Christmas on the blog, I need to go all Julie Andrews and start at the beginning. My brothers and sisters and I exchange handmade gifts every Christmas. Not your ordinary, run-of-the-mill kind of presents.
Nope.
Not for us.
Around here people take handmade gift giving to an entirely different level.
Are you curious?
Oh good. Come sit by me. I’ve put together a round up of Christmas past (and these are only the ones since I started a blog).
Here are our entries in the unique, creative and over-the-top handmade gift idea department.
Routed Logo on Wine Barrel
click on the link to take to the rest of the project
Book page sculptures on a book
click on the link to take to the rest of the project
Thistle picture created with words from the blog
click on the link to take to the rest of the project
hand-carved wooden bowl from tree
click on the link to take to the rest of the project
Handmade Chinese Checkers game
click on the link to take to the rest of the project
wooden box person
click on the link to take to the rest of the project
Star cut and folded from old maps
click on the link to take to the rest of the project
book created from old love letters
click on the link to take to the rest of the project
Linen scrap pillow of house
click on the link to take to the rest of the project
Acorn Nativity
click on the link to take to the rest of the project
Love Letters From Thistlewood
click on the link to take to the rest of the project
But of all the handmade presents—this one is my favorite.
Because it’s not from a brother or a sister or a mother.
It’s from my son.
It’s amazing to watch as the tradition continues.
Here’s to the next generation of handmade present givers. 🙂
WOW, just wow. You and your entire family are rock stars. Those handmade gifts are stupendous, KA! And that is sooooooooooooo tender and sweet your son did that one. Be still my heart! Have a wonderful and fabulous weekend. ♥
Karianne, your handmade gift ideas are perfect even for novices. It's the little things that count, right? Things that our children have crafted remain with me today. Made with sincere love. Thank you.
We started making handmade gifts as kids, due to lack of money, especially the younger girls, but as we grew older that is just what we did. It means a lot to me now to see these gifts.
I couldn't do these if I tried. Very talented family. I know change is inevitable, but I just can't move on from Thistlewood yet.
I love all of your handmade gift ideas! So creative and inspiring. I'm making a few handmade gifts this season too. They aren't all quite from scratch though...I guess they would be repurposed hand made gifts? Anyway, thanks for the great inspiration. Nancy
Wow... thanks for sharing, KariAnne... that love letter one... man, I can't read these at work! I always end up in tears!
Can I join your family? You all truly know the spirit of giving ❤
The wooden box person reminds me of the kinds of gifts my kids make for each other and for my husband and me. Quirky and fun. :)
I love them all! It's so rewarding to make things. It can be so easy to purchase something from a store as a gift, But in all honesty, as I get older, I would rather receive a hand-written note instead.
I am in awe of the talent that runs in your family. What a blessing to receive such a gift from each member of the family. You are so Blessed to be able to live in your "family house" and make precious memories with you own family.. When you decided to "jump" five years ago and follow what God has placed on your heart, did you ever think that you would be where you are today? God has open so many doors for you and brought you full circle with many Blessings! Thank you for your blog and your wonderful sense of humor.
Giving doesn't get any better!! I can't wait to see this year's handmade treasures!!! xoxo
Awww! These are all so special. You always share all the best ideas! Have a Happy Thanksgiving, my sweet dear friend!
These are the best gifts ever. You have such a talented family
I just reread your post on your son's gift....and I am crying...again!!!!!!!! I am grateful for your story-telling, your wit and your family!
OH...MY...GOSH!!! How in the world did I miss this post??? All those are wonderful gifts but the book...That wonderful book! Oh, my heart be still. What a precious thought! Such a sweet son to do that. I can imagine the Niagara-Falls-tears. Oh, my leaking eyes. ❤