Aprons...

Homemade Christmas Gift Idea #4: Aprons

Again, with this gift, I don't use a pattern, I use my favorite apron (from Williams Sonoma) and make my own pattern off of it (tweaking it as needed if the person is taller or shorter, etc.). The same goes for the little kid pattern, I copy my daughters play apron or I measure her and make a smaller version. If you want some free patterns, google it- there are tons out there.

The best part about this gift is it can be so personal- you can match it to the person's personality, their kitchen, or just something fun! I use the thicker fabric (Home Decor) for my aprons so that they hold their shape, wash well, and protect your clothes! I always have fun embellishing them with ruffles, hangie balls, different color pockets, or fabric flowers. You can give this gift solo or make a whole package out of it with a baking pan, recipe, and some new kitchen towels! (This also makes a great shower or wedding gift!)

Flannel Pajama Pants

Stocking Stuffer/Gift Idea #3: Flannel Pajama Bottoms

Here's a great idea that everyone always loves- big kids or little- a new pair of Flannel Pajama Bottoms for the winter! To be honest, I don't use a pattern (because I always feel like when I do, they don't fit the normal way the ones in the stores do) so I find a favorite pair that I have or ones that fit my daughter well, and I make my own pattern off of that! If you don't feel comfortable with that, google free patterns and you will find a ton!Here's a SALE ALERT TOO- if you plan on making these, JoAnn's fabrics has a sale on their flannel the day after Thanksgiving and I think it's $.99 a yard! Always use a coupon and get 40-50 % off of one fabric piece!

Everyone loves a good sale!

Crayon Pucks for Kids...

Stocking Stuffer Idea #2: Crayon Pucks

Here's a great little gift you can make for kids- we are going to package them up and hand them out to friends this year, but you could also make some for stocking stuffers or gift toppers- the possibilities are endless! They are really inexpensive and the best part is, kids can help!

This is a great way to use broken or old crayons you have laying around!

You will need:

• a cupcake tin (I use an old one I got at a garage sale for 25 cents!)
• cooking spray
• crayons, old and broken if you have them!
• butter knife

Directions:

Spray your cupcake tin with cooking oil, peel your crayons (I used a butter knife to get them started then handed them to my 2 year old who finished the peeling process! Use good crayons (Crayola), not cheap waxie ones from the dollar store. Then break them up into 1 inch pieces and put them into separate compartments in the cupcake tin. You can mix colors, or leave them all the same- you can also use mini muffin tins if you prefer smaller crayons! Fill them up as much as you want (at least half way) then put them in the oven for 6-8 minutes on 265. When you take them out you can swirl them with a toothpick or leave them looking marbley. I stuck mine in the freezer for about an hour until they were completely hardened, then turned them over and they all popped out!

Head Start on Homemade Christmas Gifts....

Fabric Covered Bangle Bracelets...

So, I thought I would post some of the things I have been doing to prepare in advanced for Christmas (mind you I am trying to get a jump start on things since I will be having a newborn and very little time to be crafty!) So this week, you will find an idea per day- for friends, family, kids, neighbors, or whomever you find on your Christmas List.

Stocking Stuffer Idea #1: Fabric Covered Bangles

I saw this idea on a blog a long time ago and I made a few of them over the summer, they are super easy, really quick, and personal because