Handmade Holiday Gifts

Giveaway alert! Enter to win a prize package from YouCanMakeThis.com valued at over $50 in downloadable patterns.

Do you make any of your own holiday gifts?  I always have big dreams of making lots of fun homemade gifts for friends and family but I usually end up with just one or two by the time the busy holiday rush is all over.  Last year I was fairly proud of myself for making my daughter a complete set of felt food and a few doll outfits, diapers, and accessories.  Not sure how much I’ll actually accomplish this year.

Where do I get my inspiration and directions to make my projects?  As you well know I’m a Pinterest addict so I do find a lot of projects on there.  If I’m really looking for something specific though I know I can usually find the pattern and directions at YouCanMakeThis.com.  I found this website a few years ago and it actually inspired me to buy a sewing machine and re-teach myself how to sew.  You can download a pattern (some are free, while others are available at varying prices), have it delivered to your email immediately, and begin sewing (or crafting) while the inspiration is still flowing.

They are always running specials and promotions for free e-books and patterns with your purchase.  I love getting their emails because they always send you a page full of inspirational projects.  It really is motivating to get on their mailing list.  I actually save some of my favorite emails to reference at a later time when I’m feeling crafty.

And guess what?  Many of the projects I can create with found items around the house.  Did I ever tell you that my stash of t-shirts is growing.  My husband is a t-shirt whore (seriously the man must have a new message tee anytime he see’s them on clearance at Target) but his love of them is usually short term.  I mean how often can you wear a t-shirt that says “Tank you very much” and has a picture of an army tank on it.  Anyways – I save all his ‘retired’ tee’s and use them to get crafty with.  It’s a great way to upcycle them and give them a second life.  I’ve also used thrift store finds like pillowcases and sheets too.

Go check them out and see what types of fun projects you can find for you and your family.  I’d love to hear what project you’d like to make first.  Would you keep it for yourself or gift it during the holidays?  If you get a chance to visit them in the next hour you still may be able to catch some of their Cyber Monday specials with pricing as low as $5 for a TON of patterns.

To learn more:  YouCanMakeThis.com (affiliate link)

Disclosure: I received two fabulous e-books for this review with some great holiday inspirations and patterns. I haven’t even had a chance to begin sewing the projects but I’m excited to make some cute doll outfits from the “Sew Boutique for Dolly” e-book.