Category Archives: handmade

{burlap wreath}

Posted on by Trish

Last fall, my friend Lydia and I, did some craft shows around town.  One of the items we made up that were well loved was burlap wreaths. So simple to make and I love the versatility!

:: Here’s the how to ::

:: One grapevine wreath ::  Easy to find – hunt down a coupon for Michaels or Hobby Lobby or JoAnn’s – and get a nice sized wreath.

:: Burlap :: – I found mine at JoAnn’s.  Cut 2″ wide strips roughly 10″ – 12″ long.  Tie the burlap strips on your wreath adding as many as you would like.  Cover the whole wreath.  Cover part of it.  But if you’re going to cover ALL of it – then I’d find a wreath form that is as inexpensive as possible since it won’t be seen.

:: The accents ::  I made 2 rolled roses and layered them together and added a pretty rose button on top.  I also added a metal number plate found in the scrapbook section at the store.  In addition to that, I used a paper punch and an old book destined for the neighbors garbage, and punched some pretty shapes and added those around my rolled roses.  I propped up a metal star inside the wreath once I had it on the wall.  And I used a long strip of fabric to make a bow to hang the wreath on the wall.

Pretty.  Perfect for Winter.  Or anytime of the year.

{homegrown holiday barter party}

Posted on by Trish

 

This Christmas, I really want to focus on everything BUT gift giving.  I really hate that part of Christmas honestly.  Don’t get me wrong, I love seeing my kids smile and all the excitement of Christmas morning.  But I hate the shopping.  I hate the spending.  I hate the pressure on getting “the perfect gift”.  The whole commercial aspect of Christmas gives me the hives.

We’ve told our kids that Christmas gift giving is about celebrating the birth of Jesus where we all get to celebrate in that special day and exchange birthday gifts.  They get it.

But I really hate the race to get everything in order.  Do I sound like a total bah-hum-bug?

I love going to holiday craft shows.  I love going to our little towns holiday festival and parade and watching Santa ride in on the fire truck.  I love going on a drive through the neighborhoods and looking at the lights.  I love sharing a meal with friends and co-workers and giving thanks for our blessings.  I love fires in the fireplace and our tradition of cooking s’mores on Christmas eve while watching Polar Express.

It’s all great stuff.  I just hate the spending part.  I hate the pressure of feeling like I have to spend this wad of change at this time of year.  I’m just not going to do it.

And I don’t know about you but, this economy has me worried.  I have watched the cost of food go up a lot this last year.  Have you noticed?  Like a block of cream cheese last year was $1.19.  Now, it’s over $2.00.  It’s like that across the board.  I’m just afraid to spend money because I don’t know what is going to happen next.

Currently, my big girls are cleaning out under their beds.  Old toys they have outgrown they are stashing away in a bin I gave them for storage.  From that, I told them to find something special they would like to give to their baby sister.  That way, she gets a surprise – something brand new to her that she has never seen or played with.  The big girls get the joy in sharing something that had been theirs and letting their sister love it.  It’s green, recycling at its best and easy on the wallet.

Bah-hum-bug?  I don’t think so.

 

It isn’t about how much you spend but the thought behind the gift.  Which got me thinking…about this handmade community.  How cool would it be to barter for gifts – it’s a great way to save money.  For instance, if you have a service or an item you’ve made – to offer it up and make an exchange with someone else for an item.  I love to barter.

It could be ad space on your blog, it could be design services, it could be handmade items…what are your thoughts?  If enough people are interested – I think we could pull this off!

I’ve opened up a Flickr page where you can post items for trade.  Post your contact info and let the trading begin!  I’ll leave this open just for 2 weeks, through November 21st.  Hopefully, in that time, you’ll find at least a few items that will ease up your holiday list.

I’ve posted ad space on my blog – view my listing to see how it works.  I’ve posted my contact info, exactly what the item is and its value.

Spread the word, share this on your blogs, facebook, etc with your crafty friends.  The more that participate, the more fun it will be.  Grab the button – link to the Flickr page and happy trading!  (and saving!)

{my handmade holiday list}

Posted on by Trish

 

 

I am making my list.

My handmade holidays gift making list.  Have you got yours together yet?

You know what happens, every year, without fail, December 10th or so hits and suddenly I am sewing maniac – staying up late – making all kinds of things for teachers and friends and family.

Not this year.  I promise.  I’m going to start early!  (and if you are already done with all your making and it’s still October – I don’t even wanna know!!  LOL!)

So I have some Two Peas ideas to share with you AND some serious discounts too!  Sale ended Oct 31st

Teachers

  1. How about a patchwork lanyard?
  2. I LOVE LOVE LOVE my Schoolhouse Clutch pattern.  It holds a full size notepad and it’s just cute!
  3. These patchwork wristlets are perfect especially with a little gift card from oh, let’s say Starbucks, inside!

For Friends and Family
  1. My favorite go to that my sisters and friends love, Sprouts Scarf(lette)
  2. I am making my Mom one of these table runners this year but with a winter theme in blues and neutral colors and the words “let it snow”
  3. The Hazel Hipster and the Mary Beth Messenger are both favorites of my nieces.
And for all your holiday baking…you can’t go wrong with this adorable apron for YOU.
I already have some fabulous holiday prints picked out and on my cutting table to make Patsy Ann Apron tops for my girls for our cookie baking this year.  These are quick and SO easy!!  One of my peas even made one herself this summer to wear as a top – but I’m anxious to make them a few Patsy Anns just for Christmas!  AND Extra fun because you can wear it both IN the kitchen and OUT shopping!  Bonus!
So, along with some free tutorial help here – I have pattern discounts to share with you too!   To help you with your handmade gift giving.  One of my non-sewing friends a few years ago bought me a fat quarter bundle, a new pattern and a gift card to a local quilt shop.  Best gift ever!

ALL OF THE PATTERNS in my shop RIGHT NOW are 15% off.
AND on top of that, buy any 3 patterns and get a 4th pattern free.
Buy 6 patterns, get the 7th and 8th pattern free.  (Limit of 2 free.).
Sale ends October 31st.

(Be sure to mention in the comments your free pattern selection)

There are tons of handmade holiday ideas out there – do you have one to share?  Leave your ideas in the comments section…and get busy on that crafting list so you can be done early and enjoy the holidays!
Linking up with Today’s Creative Blog