The Money Mustache Community

General Discussion => Throw Down the Gauntlet => Topic started by: swick on December 30, 2014, 09:49:52 PM

Title: Homemade Christmas 2015 Edition!!
Post by: swick on December 30, 2014, 09:49:52 PM
As per several posters request - an early start to planning 2015 handmade gifty goodness :)
Title: Re: Homemade Christmas 2015 Edition!!
Post by: Worsted Skeins on December 31, 2014, 03:13:23 PM
Replying to subscribe and to thank Swick.  While I am at it, let me thank everyone for the inspiration.

Happy 2015 all!
Title: Re: Homemade Christmas 2015 Edition!!
Post by: KaleidoscopeHarmony on January 02, 2015, 01:33:53 PM
These were my homemade Christmas presents for 2014.  Looking forward to new ideas for next year. 

http://creatingmykaleidoscope.com/2014/12/22/diy-christmas-presents/

Title: Re: Homemade Christmas 2015 Edition!!
Post by: swick on January 02, 2015, 02:11:28 PM
Love the homemade books! Hubby did these a while ago and came up with a faster way of cutting them. I'll have to ask, I don't remember the details.

I'm in the process of getting all of our "Holiday" stuff in one place - we moved recently and nothing was packed together - I'm not sure if it started together :P

I have TONS of  blank Christmas cards that I inherited from my Grandparents. we have been slowly using them but I don't really enjoy doing the card thing. A couple of years ago I turned some of the pretty designs into boxes and gave out homemade ferraro roche in them.

Still have lots left over so if anyone has any ideas for things that won't just get opened, put on the mantel and thrown outcome January, I'd be super grateful!
Title: Re: Homemade Christmas 2015 Edition!!
Post by: Joggernot on January 02, 2015, 03:05:19 PM
I do woodcarving, so everyone gets a wood carving (sample attached).  DIL collects Santas so she is easy.  For you, walking sticks are easy to do for your local people.  Cut a limb about 6 feet long and slightly larger than comfortable for your hand (because you are going to remove the bark) NOW.  Next let it dry about 6 months.  Then just clean the bark and sharp points off with a sharp pocket knife; sand it from 60 grit to 400 grit; and spray it with Spar Varathane (for outdoor use).  Add a leather loop; maybe some twine closely wrapped for a hand hold area (cover with Spar Varathane or Shellac to hold in place) and whatever else you want to do to personalize it for the giftee.  Cheap, easy, and will be used by anyone who likes to walk/hike or to just look good.
Title: Re: Homemade Christmas 2015 Edition!!
Post by: Write Thyme on March 11, 2015, 01:31:11 PM
Yay! I love this thread already.

I might make some marble magnets for the grandparents. Cool idea, KaleidoscopeHarmony.

I'm making another batch of Cinnamon Honey Butter. Recipe here:
http://tidymom.net/2010/cinnamon-honey-butter-gifts-in-a-jar/

I want to make soap, and I found this website that sells melt and pour soap. Super easy and customizable! I requested two books at the library for melt and pour recipes.
http://www.brambleberry.com/

I'm going to do vanilla extract this year. I need to order the beans off Ebay soon.
Title: Re: Homemade Christmas 2015 Edition!!
Post by: swick on March 11, 2015, 01:58:44 PM
I was just thinking this morning "hmm...should probably start a 2015 Christmas thread, nope it is too early! Isn't it?" totally forgetting that I already had (opps!) and here it shows up :)

My only concrete plans so far are to make some fabric gift bags in all sorts of sizes and some Furoshiki cloths out of classy Christmas/winter material I got on a huge discount. I want to make all the gifts we give wrapping free. I have my mom and sister on board, they bought a bunch of material too so we are going to all get together and make them. Hubby's mom has been doing this for a while and we all think it is great.

I have a ton of assorted funky glass jars and bottles which I would like to use this year. So I'm thinking liquid stuff...infused liqueurs..and umm...I have to think in it!
Title: Re: Homemade Christmas 2015 Edition!!
Post by: HappierAtHome on March 11, 2015, 05:56:16 PM
Posting to follow, but definitely not committing to a 100% homemade Christmas this year.
Title: Re: Homemade Christmas 2015 Edition!!
Post by: somecobwebs on March 11, 2015, 11:08:50 PM
Subscribing for sure :)
Title: Re: Homemade Christmas 2015 Edition!!
Post by: Lanthiriel on March 12, 2015, 05:02:16 PM
Any suggestions of good patterns for knit or crochet ornaments or other Christmas decorations? I bought some Red Heart at the end of the year but never found any patterns that tickled my fancy.
Title: Re: Homemade Christmas 2015 Edition!!
Post by: Joggernot on March 12, 2015, 05:29:38 PM
Any suggestions of good patterns for knit or crochet ornaments or other Christmas decorations? I bought some Red Heart at the end of the year but never found any patterns that tickled my fancy.

The simple crochet ball would work for an ornament.  I suspect you're looking for something more complex, but these work for me.  They can be made in any size.  Do a search for small size to large size.  These, I think, are the large size directions.
http://www.craftdesigns4you.com/freecrochetball.htm (http://www.craftdesigns4you.com/freecrochetball.htm)
Title: Re: Homemade Christmas 2015 Edition!!
Post by: Secretly Saving on March 12, 2015, 06:33:04 PM
I'm looking forward to what everyone shares this year!
Title: Re: Homemade Christmas 2015 Edition!!
Post by: Write Thyme on March 14, 2015, 02:23:57 PM
Any suggestions of good patterns for knit or crochet ornaments or other Christmas decorations? I bought some Red Heart at the end of the year but never found any patterns that tickled my fancy.

Check out Ravelry. They sell and offer free knitting and crochet patterns. Also you could check Etsy. Sometimes "hookers" will sell their own patterns.
Title: Re: Homemade Christmas 2015 Edition!!
Post by: Joshin on March 17, 2015, 11:43:08 AM
Replying to subscribe :)

I know we need to come up with a new "alternative" tree. Our trash-picked 10 years ago tree is pretty ugly. The mister and I have been discussing a few rustic alternatives. (Don't want a real tree -- not even potted -- for a multitude of reason.)

I caught myself looking on Ravelry yesterday for ideas. I need to find some holiday knitting ideas so I can work on them around the campfire when backpacking this summer. That's the extent of my planning thus far!
Title: Re: Homemade Christmas 2015 Edition!!
Post by: ejw001 on March 18, 2015, 08:16:14 PM
Last year I made sugar scrub in gingerbread (http://www.mommymusings.com/gingerbread-sugar-scrub/) and peppermint (http://www.theidearoom.net/2012/11/peppermint-candy-cane-sugar-scrub.html) varieties (reused random bottles/jars I had collected).  Both of them smelled pretty delicious and I'm still enjoying a gingerbread bottle I kept for myself.  For the peppermint ones, I actually ground up some candy canes in a coffee grinder and threw it in there to give it color (the link recommends raspberry juice).

I also made vanilla extract (http://bethanyactually.com/make-your-own-vanilla-extract/) which was incredibly easy, but ideally you want to let it seep for at least 2 or 3 months so you have to remember to do it early enough.  If I remember correctly, I got both the vanilla beans and some little bottles for pretty cheap on Amazon.

Both were a big hit!
Title: Re: Homemade Christmas 2015 Edition!!
Post by: AlwaysBeenASaver on March 18, 2015, 08:43:35 PM
I love the idea of home made Christmas gifts, I hope I finally have time this year. I'll be following this thread closely for ideas.
Title: Re: Homemade Christmas 2015 Edition!!
Post by: norabird on March 19, 2015, 01:21:21 PM
I've been thinking about doing extract--have to remind myself to buy beans and pick up the liquor at some point mid-year. I like the sugar scrub too....
Title: Re: Homemade Christmas 2015 Edition!!
Post by: aetherie on March 19, 2015, 02:01:28 PM
Posting to follow. I don't have any plans yet, but there will probably be knitting involved.
Title: Re: Homemade Christmas 2015 Edition!!
Post by: Worsted Skeins on March 19, 2015, 03:14:26 PM
I should be thinking about those holiday knitting projects now.  Last year I found that my ideas were good individually but collectively overly ambitious. 

Title: Re: Homemade Christmas 2015 Edition!!
Post by: swick on March 19, 2015, 03:34:33 PM
I should be thinking about those holiday knitting projects now.  Last year I found that my ideas were good individually but collectively overly ambitious.

This is me every year! My main goal this year will be stating my perfumes early enough this year - they got axed last year because I didn't have enough time to start them the ideal 6-8 weeks ahead of time. 
Title: Re: Homemade Christmas 2015 Edition!!
Post by: wintersun on March 23, 2015, 11:31:12 AM
I want to do vanilla extract but am not sure where to get bottles. Do the bottles need to be dark?
Title: Re: Homemade Christmas 2015 Edition!!
Post by: AllieVaulter on March 23, 2015, 11:37:09 AM
Is making vanilla extract significantly cheaper than buying it? 
Title: Re: Homemade Christmas 2015 Edition!!
Post by: Sibley on March 29, 2015, 04:37:39 PM
I needlepoint. Years ago, I made coasters and gave them to various friends. All my friends still have them, and they're in pretty bad shape. So I was inspired to make new ones. I've made somewhere around 50 think?

Materials: plastic canvas, each sheet is cut into 4 coasters, and is $1 per sheet I think.
Yarn - I got a needlepoint kit for Christmas, I will totally do the canvas but didn't want to use the included yarn. So I used that yarn, and also got a bunch more from my mom (who has 3 large bags of yarns).
Felt backing - bought at Joanns, on sale. $10-15 I think.
Patterns - all free. I had a few, found some online, created some from pictures and graph paper, went through my mom's pattern binders.
I already have all the tools needed - needles, scissors, thread.

These will be gifts for all my friends for Christmas. I'm basically done with the needlepoint part and need to sew on the felt backing. Then will probably take pictures and let friends rank ones that they like. There's a ton of patterns and colors to pick from.


If you knit/crotchet - dish cloths sound like a wonderful idea to me. And even better you can probably use up odd yarn.
Title: Re: Homemade Christmas 2015 Edition!!
Post by: swick on March 29, 2015, 04:41:59 PM
Neat Idea Sibley!

I was cleaning up and found a whole bunch of labels we had gotten for free from an online promotion, fancy ones meant to make your homemade food look professional. I think I'll be using some this Christmas :)
Title: Re: Homemade Christmas 2015 Edition!!
Post by: RunHappy on March 29, 2015, 09:02:58 PM
Subscribing to this thread.

I love crochet so most of mine are yarn related. For kids I like making cartoon pillows, 12-16 inch round.  The  kids love them because they are cute and can lay or sit on them. The parents love them because each kid has their own.

This year I'm trying to figure it out. I want to make something cute but not time consuming because of a lot of life changes.
Title: Re: Homemade Christmas 2015 Edition!!
Post by: swick on March 30, 2015, 04:23:41 AM
Subscribing to this thread.

I love crochet so most of mine are yarn related. For kids I like making cartoon pillows, 12-16 inch round.  The  kids love them because they are cute and can lay or sit on them. The parents love them because each kid has their own.

This year I'm trying to figure it out. I want to make something cute but not time consuming because of a lot of life changes.

I love crochet but I leave it to the professionals. If you want some fun inspiration here is the facebook page of one of my besties: https://www.facebook.com/courtchet?fref=ts (https://www.facebook.com/courtchet?fref=ts) Actually she did a lot of my homemade gifts last year, I come up with the ideas and she turns them into reality :)
Title: Re: Homemade Christmas 2015 Edition!!
Post by: LmoArk on March 30, 2015, 01:22:31 PM
Replying to subscribe.  I'm a somewhat new knitter, but caught on quickly and I love making things with my kids.  Tightening of the budget due to sudden job loss has inspired me to do a homemade Christmas this year.
Title: Re: Homemade Christmas 2015 Edition!!
Post by: Write Thyme on March 31, 2015, 02:23:43 PM
I want to do vanilla extract but am not sure where to get bottles. Do the bottles need to be dark?

You can get a pack of 8 bottles on Amazon for about $11 (free prime shipping) I don't think it matters if you get dark bottles.
Title: Re: Homemade Christmas 2015 Edition!!
Post by: Write Thyme on March 31, 2015, 02:24:13 PM
Is making vanilla extract significantly cheaper than buying it?

This post is 5 years old, but at that time Trent claims to have made a cup of vanilla extract for $2.
http://www.thesimpledollar.com/homemade-gift-series-1-vanilla-extract/


This post is also 5 years old, and they claim it cost $0.95/oz to make:
http://www.dangerouscrayon.com/2010/08/homemade-vanilla-extract.html
Title: Re: Homemade Christmas 2015 Edition!!
Post by: AllieVaulter on March 31, 2015, 09:41:03 PM
Is making vanilla extract significantly cheaper than buying it?

This post is 5 years old, but at that time Trent claims to have made a cup of vanilla extract for $2.
http://www.thesimpledollar.com/homemade-gift-series-1-vanilla-extract/


This post is also 5 years old, and they claim it cost $0.95/oz to make:
http://www.dangerouscrayon.com/2010/08/homemade-vanilla-extract.html

Wow!  I think I might be making ALL my vanilla extract from here on out, not just for gifts! 
Title: Re: Homemade Christmas 2015 Edition!!
Post by: choppingwood on April 04, 2015, 08:17:36 AM
Is making vanilla extract significantly cheaper than buying it?

No, according to Erica at www.nwedible.com. Just cooler. You can use alcohol other than vodka to give a different taste. She uses bourbon.
Title: Re: Homemade Christmas 2015 Edition!!
Post by: swick on April 04, 2015, 10:37:26 AM
Is making vanilla extract significantly cheaper than buying it?

No, according to Erica at www.nwedible.com. Just cooler. You can use alcohol other than vodka to give a different taste. She uses bourbon.

Not cheaper, but I use Cruzon black strap rum - makes the most incredible extract ever.
Title: Re: Homemade Christmas 2015 Edition!!
Post by: geekette on April 04, 2015, 12:32:21 PM
I made a liter of vanilla over a year ago.  I either need to start baking more or give some away!

An interesting, yet dangerous, place to browse for bottles, tins, and other containers is specialtybottle.com. 
Title: Re: Homemade Christmas 2015 Edition!!
Post by: 1967mama on April 04, 2015, 01:15:56 PM
I FINALLY started vanilla in January 2015 and it tastes AMAZING! I will give it away in tiny canning jars -- rustic! haha! A little raffia and call it good.

I saw "arm knitting" wool at Michael's yesterday and thought that maybe that is something I could make, such as infinity scarves or throw blankets. Might be fun, and hopefully easy. I don't knit in the original sense of the word. 

ETA: I would for sure use a 40% off coupon at Michael's and LOVE that I can pull one up on my phone and the clerk scans the barcode! Easy peasy!
Title: Re: Homemade Christmas 2015 Edition!!
Post by: swick on April 04, 2015, 01:23:54 PM
An interesting, yet dangerous, place to browse for bottles, tins, and other containers is specialtybottle.com.

Totally! - learn from my mistakes...only peruse Specialty Bottle if you have a specific need in mind! They are the cheapest I have found anywhere.
Title: Re: Homemade Christmas 2015 Edition!!
Post by: hunniebun on April 04, 2015, 02:46:12 PM
Smart to start thinking about this now. I used to knit dish cloths and they were a big hit. If I start now and do one a week I will have enough for teachers etc. I like to give 3 of them wrapped in twine with a bottle of hand soap of lotion.
Title: Re: Homemade Christmas 2015 Edition!!
Post by: RunHappy on April 05, 2015, 01:15:17 AM
Smart to start thinking about this now. I used to knit dish cloths and they were a big hit. If I start now and do one a week I will have enough for teachers etc. I like to give 3 of them wrapped in twine with a bottle of hand soap of lotion.

I like this idea!
Title: Re: Homemade Christmas 2015 Edition!!
Post by: handsnhearts on April 05, 2015, 02:06:16 AM

ETA: I would for sure use a 40% off coupon at Michael's and LOVE that I can pull one up on my phone and the clerk scans the barcode! Easy peasy!

I'm almost scared to ask, but how do you get these coupons? 

Love all the delicious, alternative vanilla ideas here. I made homemade Kahlua one year and it was a big hit.
Title: Re: Homemade Christmas 2015 Edition!!
Post by: 1967mama on April 05, 2015, 02:11:21 AM

ETA: I would for sure use a 40% off coupon at Michael's and LOVE that I can pull one up on my phone and the clerk scans the barcode! Easy peasy!

I'm almost scared to ask, but how do you get these coupons? 


Right on their website!

Cut and pasted one below, but not sure if formatting will work:

CURRENT COUPONS: APR 3 - APR 9 PRINT PREVIEW or TEXT TO PHONE
SELECT ALL DESELECT ALL
40% OFF 60% Off
Title: Re: Homemade Christmas 2015 Edition!!
Post by: norabird on April 06, 2015, 07:58:33 AM
How do you make homemade kahlua??
Title: Re: Homemade Christmas 2015 Edition!!
Post by: handsnhearts on April 06, 2015, 02:08:20 PM
How do you make homemade kahlua??

It was a long time ago, but a quick internet search revealed a bunch of recipes. The one that is closest to the one I made ( I have the recipe, but it's in storage. If I find it when I move, I will post it then. )

https://www.beanilla.com/blog/homemade-Kahlua-recipe (https://www.beanilla.com/blog/homemade-Kahlua-recipe)

I used medaglia d'oro instant espresso coffee and I just put it all in a gallon mason jar. I split it later when batching it up. Also, I didn't cut the vanilla bean into thirds, I cut it open length wise and scraped the seeds out into the mix along with the pods.

Yum!
Title: Re: Homemade Christmas 2015 Edition!!
Post by: rocksinmyhead on April 06, 2015, 02:19:30 PM
Following for inspiration. I am so not crafty and I don't give a ton of Christmas gifts to begin with (just boyfriend and immediate family pretty much) so the ones I give are pretty specific, but I'd love to hear what you all are doing and maybe I'll get some ideas!
Title: Re: Homemade Christmas 2015 Edition!!
Post by: wintersun on April 08, 2015, 11:38:08 AM
Thanks Write Thyme.  I think I may use 1967Mama's idea of tiny canning jars.  I don't want to pay for shipping. 

I was thinking of using rum miniatures, perhaps befriending a few rummies to get their leftovers, but then I got worried about safety issues. 

AllieVaulter, I happen to have vanilla beans already so it will be pretty cheap for me to make. 

Swick, Cruzon Blackstrap Rum? I will investigate this.

I spent a lot on Christmas last year and would like to stop the haemorrhaging this year by being prepared.  Do you guys do other things in advance like making cards, printing your own wrapping paper or sewing reusable gift bags?
Title: Re: Homemade Christmas 2015 Edition!!
Post by: swick on April 08, 2015, 12:10:58 PM
wintersun - you totally don't have to worry about reusing mini bottles, as long as they are clean. if you have any doubts you can grab some of that bottle washing chemical/powder sterilizer that they use in brew shops - but the alcohol content is going to be so high that I wouldn't worry about it.

The only thing I know for sure I am doing this year is making a bunch of cloth gift bags that we can reuse within the family (I think I mention it earlier up thread) If you have kids though, making some wrapping out of fruit and veggie stamping always goes over really well with the kids. A celery heard looks like a rose, apples cut crosswise reveal a star.

A couple of years ago I made some all spice dram and packaged it in the brown apothecary bottles. It went over really well with everyone I gave it to, a splash in hot chocolate, eggnog, coffee, coke...really good! Think I might experiment with making my own bitters this year. http://www.seriouseats.com/recipes/2012/02/diy-allspice-dram-make-your-own-st-elizabeths-pimento-dram-recipe.html (http://www.seriouseats.com/recipes/2012/02/diy-allspice-dram-make-your-own-st-elizabeths-pimento-dram-recipe.html)
Title: Re: Homemade Christmas 2015 Edition!!
Post by: James! on April 08, 2015, 12:21:13 PM
Hey All!

Love the thread idea.

For everyone talking about making homemade vanilla. May I suggest you just give people this article instead? :-D
http://sweets.seriouseats.com/2013/12/taste-test-is-better-vanilla-extract-worth-the-price.html

From an extremely reputable author (MIT grad, Cook's Illustrated Alum, James Beard nominee for 2015)

The TL:DR is basically that in anything cooked/heated (which is what almost all vanilla is used for) you can't taste ANY difference.


For another food related option, last year we made home-made hot chocolate mix in mason jars. It's incredibly cheap compared to fancy hot chocolate mixes and is delicious. We'll be doing this regularly for sure. For some, we bought locally made ceramic mugs to go along with it. Handmade, just not by us.

http://smittenkitchen.com/blog/2014/12/decadent-hot-chocolate-mix/


Cheers,
James
Title: Re: Homemade Christmas 2015 Edition!!
Post by: 1967mama on April 08, 2015, 01:00:59 PM
James!

As a bit of a vanilla snob, I far FAR prefer real vanilla to artificial but dislike the higher cost. Thus, homemade vanilla is a real bargain for me, and makes a unique gift as well :-) Thanks for the article -- YMMV -- fairly anecdotal, unfortunately.
Title: Re: Homemade Christmas 2015 Edition!!
Post by: James! on April 08, 2015, 01:59:07 PM
James!

As a bit of a vanilla snob, I far FAR prefer real vanilla to artificial but dislike the higher cost. Thus, homemade vanilla is a real bargain for me, and makes a unique gift as well :-) Thanks for the article -- YMMV -- fairly anecdotal, unfortunately.

Well, unless you're eating it raw, I think you're fooling yourself. It's not at all anecdotal. They follow scientific methods for determining preference. Did you read the whole article?

Title: Re: Homemade Christmas 2015 Edition!!
Post by: swick on April 08, 2015, 02:11:33 PM
James!

As a bit of a vanilla snob, I far FAR prefer real vanilla to artificial but dislike the higher cost. Thus, homemade vanilla is a real bargain for me, and makes a unique gift as well :-) Thanks for the article -- YMMV -- fairly anecdotal, unfortunately.

Well, unless you're eating it raw, I think you're fooling yourself. It's not at all anecdotal. They follow scientific methods for determining preference. Did you read the whole article?

I appreciated another point of view, thanks for sharing! - but this is what gets me every single time:
Quote
while the vanillin is chemically identical to that found in real vanilla, it's extracted from coal tar or wood pulp as a by-product of paper production and is thus extremely inexpensive to produce.

My hubby works in a pulp mill, and there is no way I will put artificial vanilla in my body. There is also the argument that vanillin is only ONE of the thousands of chemical constituents in real vanilla. There is a synergy in the whole that doesn't exist when you isolate the individual elements.

I also tend to use a lot of vanilla in raw desserts/smoothies/drinks so the taste is important to me :)
Title: Re: Homemade Christmas 2015 Edition!!
Post by: 1967mama on April 08, 2015, 03:13:52 PM
Yes, I did read the whole article and my conclusion is that 4 people tasting homemade cookies around a kitchen table (as pictured) does not a scientific proof make.

Like Swick, I'm much fonder of homemade vanilla. Have you ever tasted it? Its divine!

And now, back to our regularly scheduled "Homemade Christmas 2015 Edition!"

Title: Re: Homemade Christmas 2015 Edition!!
Post by: FiTech on April 08, 2015, 03:22:35 PM
I'm planning to knit some fingerless gloves for relatives this year but haven't come up with other ideas yet.

I did vanilla extract last year. My sister made some awesome personalized photo coasters as well.

I know someone who made their own bacon salt as a gift and a friend who infused liquor and gave that out. Limoncello is pretty easy to make apparently. As is strawberry vodka.
Title: Re: Homemade Christmas 2015 Edition!!
Post by: James! on April 08, 2015, 03:24:46 PM
Yes, I did read the whole article and my conclusion is that 4 people tasting homemade cookies around a kitchen table (as pictured) does not a scientific proof make.

Like Swick, I'm much fonder of homemade vanilla. Have you ever tasted it? Its divine!

And now, back to our regularly scheduled "Homemade Christmas 2015 Edition!"


I have tasted it (and made it), and these people have too. They are made up of professional chefs and food writers, so I can assure you their palates are more refined than ours. They are also using triangle tests and detailed data analysis.

Perhaps you should try the test yourself and see what happens. I'm a little surprised at the responses on a site that is all about challenging convention, and saving money where it isn't used efficiently. I thought you might enjoy a different perspective. This is useful outside of finances!

But yes, back to great gift ideas.
Title: Re: Homemade Christmas 2015 Edition!!
Post by: swick on April 08, 2015, 03:31:14 PM
I'm planning to knit some fingerless gloves for relatives this year but haven't come up with other ideas yet.

I did vanilla extract last year. My sister made some awesome personalized photo coasters as well.

I know someone who made their own bacon salt as a gift and a friend who infused liquor and gave that out. Limoncello is pretty easy to make apparently. As is strawberry vodka.

Great ideas! My sister made an apple pie infused whiskey last year that is amazing! For Food gifts in my family the bar is always really high (which is a little bit stressful) as we are all DIY foodies. Trying to come up with that really tasty unique thing that hasn't been done by one of us before is a little tricky. On the other hand, we are all pretty chill and appreciative of whatever the others give us (uhh except we are a bit competitive) and all the hunting around gives us lots of ideas for everyone else on our lists :)
 
I found an awesome handmade tincture press off of etsy that I am going to buy for my sister. It is totally self-serving as she will in turn gift me with a whole bunch of tinctures, salves and other goodies from her garden, but it would make her life much easier.
Title: Re: Homemade Christmas 2015 Edition!!
Post by: wintersun on April 10, 2015, 10:25:31 AM
FiTech,  Could you post the recipe for bacon salt?

James!, I have a lot of vanilla beans I am using up.  I have been looking for a homemade hot chocolate mix to give for gifts so thanks very much. 

swick,  could you post a pic or a link to the type of gift bags you make?

I am all about simplifying Christmas this year and I feel as though this thread is helping.  Last year we gave far to many gifts, and they were made at the last minute which created pressure for us.  This year the gift recipient list is shrinking and that gives me relief.
Title: Re: Homemade Christmas 2015 Edition!!
Post by: swick on April 10, 2015, 11:10:28 AM

swick,  could you post a pic or a link to the type of gift bags you make?

I haven't gotten that far yet, just bought a bunch of Christmas material at a steep discount. Truthfully, I'm pretty helpless in the sewing arena. My mom and sister and I are getting together to make a bunch of bags, and divvying them up. I'm hoping to learn, apparently they are not that hard. My understanding is it is basically a basic bag sewn on three sides and we'll sew a pretty ribbon on to close them.
Title: Re: Homemade Christmas 2015 Edition!!
Post by: wintersun on April 10, 2015, 11:22:10 AM
Sounds good.  I was given one with satin necklace lace as handles which I think will last well. I regifted it immediately so I cannot remember exactly what it looked like.

Do you know anywhere with discounted Christmas fabric right now?  (I am assuming that places like Joann's have nationwide sales?)  I could ask a friend to pick some up for me.
Title: Re: Homemade Christmas 2015 Edition!!
Post by: swick on April 10, 2015, 12:00:31 PM
Sounds good.  I was given one with satin necklace lace as handles which I think will last well. I regifted it immediately so I cannot remember exactly what it looked like.

Do you know anywhere with discounted Christmas fabric right now?  (I am assuming that places like Joann's have nationwide sales?)  I could ask a friend to pick some up for me.

I got mine in February from Fabric Land (Canadian?) One idea might be to put a post on a facebook buy and sell group or craigslist...apparently those who sew and collect material have a lot of Christmas patterns kicking around. I found out after I bought a bunch my MIL has TONS she wants me to use too.
Title: Re: Homemade Christmas 2015 Edition!!
Post by: norabird on April 10, 2015, 12:36:53 PM
I should make the homemade hot chocolate mix for my mom this year--I usually buy her one.

Thinking of stocking up on candle wicks and wax in the fall to make my own candles...

Maybe those two things plus sugar scrubs will cover me on the mom/SIL front.
Title: Re: Homemade Christmas 2015 Edition!!
Post by: Worsted Skeins on April 11, 2015, 03:32:24 PM
While you may prefer a drawstring bag for a gift bag (plenty of tutorials online), the Morsbag is a great shopping bag as well as a container for a gift.  The online instructions are clear, plus there is a video for beginning sewists who need to see more than the diagrams.

http://www.morsbags.com/get-involved/pattern-download-links/
Title: Re: Homemade Christmas 2015 Edition!!
Post by: onwisconsin on April 12, 2015, 03:31:17 PM
Okay, I'm in - my husband and I only buy gifts for each other (no kids) and this will give me enough time to start on a counted cross-stitch that I'm going to make for him to hang in his office - it's a silhouette of Thomas Jefferson (one of DH's heroes).  I'll have to cross-stitch it on breaks at work so he won't see what I'm making.
Title: Re: Homemade Christmas 2015 Edition!!
Post by: partgypsy on April 14, 2015, 06:40:09 PM
james  4 people tasting food items does not a statistically significant sample make. Some people cant tell te difference or even prefer instant coffee over brewed coffee but doesn't mean they are not chemical and taste differences.

I like all the ideas. Some may actually even work if don't procrastinate!
Title: Re: Homemade Christmas 2015 Edition!!
Post by: Erica/NWEdible on April 15, 2015, 10:37:44 PM
Is making vanilla extract significantly cheaper than buying it?

No, according to Erica at www.nwedible.com. Just cooler. You can use alcohol other than vodka to give a different taste. She uses bourbon.
Yeah if your goal is inexpensive, just buy it. Now if your goal is really awesome....DIY. Cheap beans and cheap liquor won't do this DIY justice, and the stuff at Costco isn't bad for the price.
Title: Re: Homemade Christmas 2015 Edition!!
Post by: Erica/NWEdible on April 15, 2015, 10:43:29 PM
My goal this year: simple, simple, simple. Like, maybe run away to a cabin for a week, skip everything else and call that Christmas.

For gifts, I'm thinking body care products. Lip balm, moisturizer, body scrubs - that kind of stuff.  I won't give away my canned jams, etc. anymore except to a few select folks who I know are ok with home canned food and will actually eat it.

I'm so excited to see more ideas! But also terrified I'll want to do all of them! :)
Title: Re: Homemade Christmas 2015 Edition!!
Post by: Penny Lane on April 16, 2015, 06:56:58 AM
Simple is good, Erica!  We left our larger family last Christmas to be with our 24 yr old who could not leave her new job for a week; what a blast!  Only little gifts were allowed.

I will have 100,000 girls making our presents for others--2 bee hives for honey.  I do make some peach and beach plum jams for those  I know love them. 
Title: Re: Homemade Christmas 2015 Edition!!
Post by: norabird on April 16, 2015, 08:06:30 AM
Planning to amke myself a throw pillow soon (have to buy the insert--using an old sweater) and thinking of these as a possible xmas gift if it goes well. Maybe doing some cross stitch with embroidery floss? All of these things mean buying some supplies, but I think it'd be neat.
Title: Re: Homemade Christmas 2015 Edition!!
Post by: Erica/NWEdible on April 16, 2015, 08:28:41 AM
I will have 100,000 girls making our presents for others--2 bee hives for honey.  I do make some peach and beach plum jams for those  I know love them.
My neighbor is a beekeeper. Really FRESH raw honey is like a revelation. He brought me some comb honey the other day....OMG-level delicious.
Title: Re: Homemade Christmas 2015 Edition!!
Post by: Liralen on April 17, 2015, 10:22:16 AM
Following

These are some great ideas!
Title: Re: Homemade Christmas 2015 Edition!!
Post by: sisto on April 17, 2015, 05:15:58 PM
I'm planning to knit some fingerless gloves for relatives this year but haven't come up with other ideas yet.

I did vanilla extract last year. My sister made some awesome personalized photo coasters as well.

I know someone who made their own bacon salt as a gift and a friend who infused liquor and gave that out. Limoncello is pretty easy to make apparently. As is strawberry vodka.

I did this the year before last, but I crocheted them. A big hit.
Title: Re: Homemade Christmas 2015 Edition!!
Post by: AlwaysBeenASaver on April 17, 2015, 05:36:48 PM
A family member crocheted or knitted me arm warmers as a gift and I love them. They're like a tube but have a hole for my thumb and they keep the area between mid-hand and my coat sleeve nice and warm without getting in the way of using my hands/fingers at all.

Title: Re: Homemade Christmas 2015 Edition!!
Post by: Mrs. PoP on April 17, 2015, 07:01:48 PM
We got a huge load of old wood (cherry and walnut) from Mr PoP's family property that his dad and brothers cut down when they were building the family house thirty years ago and we'll be making butcher block counters for our kitchen out of it.  What the family doesn't realize is that we also want to make butcher block platters/fancy cutting boards for everyone else so all of our homes can have some of the family wood in it and hope to have them done in time for Christmas this year. 
Title: Re: Homemade Christmas 2015 Edition!!
Post by: Write Thyme on April 17, 2015, 09:24:31 PM

I spent a lot on Christmas last year and would like to stop the haemorrhaging this year by being prepared.  Do you guys do other things in advance like making cards, printing your own wrapping paper or sewing reusable gift bags?

I'm looking to simplify Christmas this year too. Last year I did so much planning, and things didn't go like I had hoped. (part of the problem was our families were together plus other people my shy family didn't know so hardly anyone interacted with each other and nobody ate any of the treats and goodies I had out/made...)

Last year I made cards for everyone that attended the holiday. I found a cute stick figure drawing of a person with lots of cats so I printed off several of those, drew on santa hats on all of them and Christmas lights wrapped around the person, and wrote "Meowy Christmas!" plus some other wordage. Silly? Maybe, but everyone lol'd so mission accomplished.

This year I'm going to make cards using photo art prints from Deviantart.com You can buy awesome art prints directly from the artists (well, the site prints and ships them to you), and they are very inexpensive (like $0.47 for a 3x4) So for example I'm going to find a Christmas penguin for my brother's card, a Christmas horse for my mom and MIL, etc. + double sided tape + blank cards from a craft store = personalized cards for cheap. Maybe I'll dress the cards up with ribbon.

For wrapping paper you can use the brown packing paper from Amazon + twine or hemp. I bought a bunch of wrapping paper from a swap meet last year for $2 so once I use all that up I'm going to use the packing paper + let my toddler color on it for the "aww" factor.
Title: Re: Homemade Christmas 2015 Edition!!
Post by: Write Thyme on April 17, 2015, 09:26:37 PM
Sounds good.  I was given one with satin necklace lace as handles which I think will last well. I regifted it immediately so I cannot remember exactly what it looked like.

Do you know anywhere with discounted Christmas fabric right now?  (I am assuming that places like Joann's have nationwide sales?)  I could ask a friend to pick some up for me.

Check Etsy for fabric. If you find a high volume seller they might offer the occasional discount. Some sellers will list their fabric at low prices just to get rid of it.
Title: Re: Homemade Christmas 2015 Edition!!
Post by: wintersun on April 20, 2015, 02:38:13 PM
Thanks Write Thyme,

I will check Etsy.  Last year I sent cards and gave a variety of gifts, many of which were baked and made last minute and it all seemed too much.  This year I am figuring vanilla for all plus some sort of homemade artsy thing for immediately family and friends which means 12 of those.  And, the numbers of people who get the vanilla is going to go down, no more delivering baked goods to all and sundry.

I want to do a card like you suggest, with an image stuck on the front or, perhaps, printed if that is cheap, I will see.  Perhaps I can print out my own cards on card stock.

I think it would feel amazing to get to September with all the presents made and the envelopes addressed so that there is little to do other than regular seasonal cooking and decorating in December.  Maybe I would even have some reusable bags made by then?
Title: Re: Homemade Christmas 2015 Edition!!
Post by: swick on July 07, 2015, 01:49:47 PM
Am in the process of drafting an email to send out to friends and family giving them the heads-up that we are doing a "Homemade" Christmas for everyone this year and encouraging them to join us.

 At the very least, it gives everyone the heads up and they can plan/spend accordingly fully knowing our gifts will be homemade....

So I figured it was a good time to revive this thread and get going :) Anyone have plans to turn some of the summer bounty into Christmas gifts? Anyone else have plans they are working on?
Title: Re: Homemade Christmas 2015 Edition!!
Post by: PtboEliz on July 07, 2015, 07:22:06 PM
We got a huge load of old wood (cherry and walnut) from Mr PoP's family property that his dad and brothers cut down when they were building the family house thirty years ago and we'll be making butcher block counters for our kitchen out of it.  What the family doesn't realize is that we also want to make butcher block platters/fancy cutting boards for everyone else so all of our homes can have some of the family wood in it and hope to have them done in time for Christmas this year.

This is beautiful!!
Title: Re: Homemade Christmas 2015 Edition!!
Post by: Write Thyme on July 27, 2015, 10:44:57 AM
I'm skipping the vanilla this year. I brought in the beans I bought to work to share, and everyone was excited. So yay for that.

I'm planning out gifts now, and I"ll start shopping sales and obtaining necessary supplies. The grandparents are getting photo calendars of the little one per Husband's request through Shutterfly (I think) They have good sales I hear so I'll be watching.

I'll be picking out art prints for cards today, and I'll compare them with cards from Cafe Press.

Food wise I'll make:

Cinnamon honey butter
Banana bread
Sugar cookies
Title: Re: Homemade Christmas 2015 Edition!!
Post by: Write Thyme on July 30, 2015, 08:28:30 AM
SWICK - How was that email received by everyone?

I'm going to make some felt play food for my son. A lot of items can be hand sewn, which is great because I don't have a sewing machine. There are so many free tutorials out there.

I'm also going to make him a felt board with different shapes, numbers, letters, animals, etc. I came across the idea of putting a felt Christmas tree on the wall with decorations so the little one can redecorate as often as he wants, and I thinking about doing that too, but not as a gift.
Title: Re: Homemade Christmas 2015 Edition!!
Post by: Sibley on July 30, 2015, 09:09:45 AM
Most of my Christmas stuff is done, gift-wise. I made needlepoint coasters, using yarn already in the family. There's somewhere around 50 of them. Just need to figure out who's getting which ones and package everything up.

No idea yet what I'm doing for my parents or sister. But everyone else is taken care of.
Title: Re: Homemade Christmas 2015 Edition!!
Post by: swick on July 30, 2015, 12:32:06 PM
SWICK - How was that email received by everyone?
Ermm..it hasn't gotten out of my drafts folder yet. I wanted to pass it by my hubby first and got totally side-tracked. will get it out this week!

Making a bit of progress on the presents. Discovered hubby's grandma has an English walnut tree in her yard. Picked a bunch to make some Italian Walnut Liquor. Have a few different batches going. One plain with Vodka, one vodka, lemon peel and spice, one plain with spiced black strap rum and one with cacao beans, coconut sugar and vodka.

I'm a little late starting them, so they might not actually be drinkable by Christmas, but I don't think my family will mind. I might use a batch or two (probably the cacao one as a base for some homemade bitters. That should be ready by Christmas.

Hubby's grandma also has an amazing apple and pear tree so going to be processing them in the fall to make more gifts. Still trying to sort out what aromatherapy gifts to do. I might just make up a bunch of professional looking coupons for an Aromatherapy massage.

Title: Re: Homemade Christmas 2015 Edition!!
Post by: YellowCat on August 02, 2015, 12:48:07 AM
I have decided to knit the vast majority of this year's Christmas gifts. I have lots of free time right now and access to great, cheap sock yarn (< $8 per pair for lovely homemade wool socks in custom colors/sizes!)...I have completed 1 scarf & 5.5 pairs of socks so far-pic of some socks is attached! I think I only have 2 pairs left to make and then just a few non-wool gifts for my itchy sister & family friend. Wool is so nice and warm its a pity that some people are allergic. I've made all of my gifts in past years and forgot how much fun it is. I'll still be supplementing with purchased items but that's things like beautiful glass earrings from a recent trip to Venice (not super expensive) & copies of our wedding album for both sets of parents. I put the album together online and had a few copies printed. I think this still counts as homemade! Best of luck to all of you guys. I may steal some of your food gift ideas-they sound really tasty!
Title: Re: Homemade Christmas 2015 Edition!!
Post by: Anatidae V on August 02, 2015, 01:47:43 AM
Some of these ideas are great. I made little crocheted stars as ornaments the year before last, and last year we gave out oven mitts, but normally my energy runs out before my gift list. I need to pick something very simple this year. I like the look of the cookie-mix-jars I see on Pinterest, but everyone I would give them to makes their own cookies from scratch, so I can't see it being a good gift for this crowd. Swick's bag idea seems like a good one.
Title: Re: Homemade Christmas 2015 Edition!!
Post by: Anje on August 05, 2015, 07:46:13 AM
Some of these ideas are great. I made little crocheted stars as ornaments the year before last, and last year we gave out oven mitts, but normally my energy runs out before my gift list. I need to pick something very simple this year. I like the look of the cookie-mix-jars I see on Pinterest, but everyone I would give them to makes their own cookies from scratch, so I can't see it being a good gift for this crowd. Swick's bag idea seems like a good one.
What about flavoured salt? Herb salt or such? For a crowd that makes cookies from scratch I'd say they apreciate flavoured salt. If you want to go extra fancy (but still not overdo it in regards to time and labour) you could make 2-4 different types and give all one of each in tiny bottles/jars. I'd be impressed.
Title: Re: Homemade Christmas 2015 Edition!!
Post by: 1967mama on August 06, 2015, 02:19:08 PM
Homemade Vanilla Update!

I finally got around to ordering vanilla beans off Amazon in January 2015 and got a big thing of vodka. I had 2 different types of beans so I put 1/2 in each large canning jar. I labelled them so I could taste the difference. I started using the vanilla after 2 months, although it was still very boozy. At the 7 month mark now, its just excellent.

Absolutely a no brainer. Slice vanilla beans, lengthwise, put in jar, pour alcohol to top. Place in dark cupboard. Give it a shake anytime you notice it!

I've gifted a few tiny jars to friends and they are just blown away by how good it tastes and that its homemade!
Title: Re: Homemade Christmas 2015 Edition!!
Post by: genealogist on August 11, 2015, 11:45:59 AM
Great thread! Posting to subscribe.
Title: Re: Homemade Christmas 2015 Edition!!
Post by: Blany on August 11, 2015, 04:17:12 PM
Homemade Vanilla Update!

I finally got around to ordering vanilla beans off Amazon in January 2015 and got a big thing of vodka. I had 2 different types of beans so I put 1/2 in each large canning jar. I labelled them so I could taste the difference. I started using the vanilla after 2 months, although it was still very boozy. At the 7 month mark now, its just excellent.

Absolutely a no brainer. Slice vanilla beans, lengthwise, put in jar, pour alcohol to top. Place in dark cupboard. Give it a shake anytime you notice it!

I've gifted a few tiny jars to friends and they are just blown away by how good it tastes and that its homemade!

buy more beans and add them on top of the old ones and youll keep getting a more vanilla and less boozy taste!
Title: Re: Homemade Christmas 2015 Edition!!
Post by: 1967mama on August 11, 2015, 04:29:47 PM
@Blany, Thanks is for the suggestion! I hadn't thought of that!
Title: Re: Homemade Christmas 2015 Edition!!
Post by: wordnerd on August 11, 2015, 04:42:16 PM
Um, I'm having a baby the week of Christmas. Does that count as a homemade present to my family? Similar to many gifts, they didn't ask for it, have little use for it, and will probably be annoyed/bored by it with in a few hours.
Title: Re: Homemade Christmas 2015 Edition!!
Post by: ClassyCat on August 11, 2015, 07:56:43 PM
My family does a traditional Christmas typically and I'd really like to change it up this year. Rather than everyone spending money on everyone else, it'd be cool to draw names from a hat and do a Secret Santa type thing. If we end up doing that, I want to cross stitch something awesome for whoever I get. It's surprisingly cheap with giant bundles of thread only being 30-40 cents each. There's also some free software to make your patterns, so really you're only spending money on thread, aida fabric (which is also cheap), and time. Pretty win-win, if you enjoy it.
Title: Re: Homemade Christmas 2015 Edition!!
Post by: cranilation on August 11, 2015, 08:20:48 PM
Following! I've been thinking about this lately, too!  I love making things but my family has a bad case of Amazonitus, so they have just about everything they could want, I think.  We will see!
Title: Re: Homemade Christmas 2015 Edition!!
Post by: meadow lark on August 16, 2015, 05:44:20 AM
Word nerd - best Christmas present ever!  Congratulations!
Title: Re: Homemade Christmas 2015 Edition!!
Post by: 1967mama on August 19, 2015, 06:28:59 PM
I've been slowly taking photos of my childhood homes and have thought about compiling them into one of those multi-photo frames for our parents. Might take me a few years to get to this!
Title: Re: Homemade Christmas 2015 Edition!!
Post by: lauren214 on August 20, 2015, 06:14:02 PM
For Christmas and other gift giving events, I much prefer to give homemade gifts (and often do)! This year doing mostly homemade - various drawings and paintings, some homemade almond extract (if it comes out well, fingers crossed), maybe some other baked goods. But I've been having fun playing the cvs game this year so everyone is getting some assorted personal care products as well - I mean, nothing says Christmas like toothpaste and soap right?
Title: Re: Homemade Christmas 2015 Edition!!
Post by: Bracken_Joy on August 21, 2015, 05:13:27 PM
Some of these ideas are great. I made little crocheted stars as ornaments the year before last, and last year we gave out oven mitts, but normally my energy runs out before my gift list. I need to pick something very simple this year. I like the look of the cookie-mix-jars I see on Pinterest, but everyone I would give them to makes their own cookies from scratch, so I can't see it being a good gift for this crowd. Swick's bag idea seems like a good one.
What about flavoured salt? Herb salt or such? For a crowd that makes cookies from scratch I'd say they apreciate flavoured salt. If you want to go extra fancy (but still not overdo it in regards to time and labour) you could make 2-4 different types and give all one of each in tiny bottles/jars. I'd be impressed.

I love this idea. I even have the little jars I could use...
Title: Re: Homemade Christmas 2015 Edition!!
Post by: Potterquilter on August 21, 2015, 06:08:29 PM
Here is a cute idea when you go to someone's house. Could be root beer or real beer. I made these last year.

http://bestfriendsforfrosting.com/2011/11/how-to-make-reindeers-from-root-beer-bottles/

This year I am taking cuttings of my African violets, and propagating my orchids and painting flowerpots. I will give house plants to the few we exchange with.
Title: Re: Homemade Christmas 2015 Edition!!
Post by: Kimchi Bleu on August 21, 2015, 10:00:15 PM
I love giving and receiving homemade ornaments.  Last year after Halloween I found skeleton keys at Michael's for 70% off.  Used them to make Innkeeper key ornaments based on something I saw on Pinterest.  I also made hat ornaments using a toilet paper roll and yarn.  So cute!  I showed some to family during Thanksgiving dinner and they all wanted to make them, so we broke out the supplies and had a crafting party.

I also did 52 reasons why I love you cards for my family.  I did 52 weeks of inspiration for a friend.  This year I'm doing 52 weeks of fitness cards.

I should get on Pinterest and look for more crafts to make!

Thanks for the ideas, keep them coming!

Title: Re: Homemade Christmas 2015 Edition!!
Post by: Vanchica on August 24, 2015, 04:36:06 PM
I am thinking of doing stamped metal keychains this year (a hobby-sidegig)- or, alternatively, nothing except for mom and bro. My aunts, uncles, cousins (grandparents are gone) are much beloved but I think this year I will send a card and perhaps MAYBE one of grandma's coffee cakes or her cookies from her recipes.

I have a habit of going overboard and this is my first year being frugal

My friends are being pared down as far as gifts go- I can make jewelry or those keychains mentioned above.

And voila! That's 99% of my gift giving done!
Title: Re: Homemade Christmas 2015 Edition!!
Post by: meg_shannon on August 25, 2015, 03:22:58 AM
I've made all sorts of stuff for gifts over the years,
 - picnic basket (wine, olives, spreads, etc. w/gift card to local grocery store to pick up perishables)
 - quilt
 - embroidery hoops if I find something the recipient will really like
 - sensory baby books
 - spa box (sugar scrub, lotion bar, wine, candles, etc)
 - useful things with my sewing machine (T-top covers for my husband's car)
 - homemade clothes for kids, usually specialty items that I could make cheaper
 - embroidered ornaments
 - scarves
 - freezer meals
 - vanilla
 - Panettone bread or other breads
 - cookies
 - homemade liqueurs w/summer herbs
And then there's always the gift of time. Babysitting, house cleaning (new parents, upcoming surgery, etc), cook them a meal, etc.
Title: Re: Homemade Christmas 2015 Edition!!
Post by: swick on November 24, 2015, 08:35:50 PM
sooo...anyone else panicking yet ? :)

Plans are slightly behind but on track for a homemade Christmas. Actually a happy accident has landed us with some awesome presents that are coming together rather nicely (which is awesome, I was super stressed)

We tried making some apple cider and apple wine 5 years ago from Hubby's grandma's apple tree. It was not drinkable. We tried it 3 years ago...still horrid. Then we promptly forgot about it. Turns out all it needed was time and now it has mellowed into a strong, almost port tasting apple wine. Hubs is creating some awesome classy for those who won't get it Portal (video game) themed labels. I have sewen a bunch of wine bags and it is going to be awesome.

Planning on making some walnut liqueur, Homemade Christmas crackers, beeswax candles and these very neat luminaries:
http://joybileefarm.com/bees-wax-candle-luminary-tutorial/ (http://joybileefarm.com/bees-wax-candle-luminary-tutorial/)

So most of the extended family is taken care of, just need to figure out the customized gifts for immediate family - this will be the tricky part, no stress still have time!

How is everyone else doing? Share your plans and fun projects!
Title: Re: Homemade Christmas 2015 Edition!!
Post by: Anatidae V on November 25, 2015, 05:15:09 AM
I decided to go for a "handmade by someone else" Christmas this year, so I'm out! Still going to make chocolate dipped pretzels and gingerbread, but otherwise I'm going to craft markets to find peoples gifts.
Title: Re: Homemade Christmas 2015 Edition!!
Post by: norabird on December 03, 2015, 01:56:53 PM
I did put together a vanilla extract (have to buy bottles) and I made kahlua, though I'm worried about the sugar in it--think I overboiled?  Both new projects so I feel pretty good about it.
Title: Re: Homemade Christmas 2015 Edition!!
Post by: swick on December 03, 2015, 02:23:02 PM
I decided to go for a "handmade by someone else" Christmas this year, so I'm out! Still going to make chocolate dipped pretzels and gingerbread, but otherwise I'm going to craft markets to find peoples gifts.

Handmade by someone else is still great for ideas :)

norabird - unless it tastes burned you should be good :) Although if you boiled it when you had the alcohol in it, it might be less potent :)

A few more plans: Hubby's dad hates olives with a passion and loves Mushrooms - his mom is the reverse - so we are going to make "his" and Hers" finishing salts so they can both get the taste they love without "contaminating" the other's food :)

Sister in law hates salt and will not use it in anything. So we are making Brother in-law a variety of salt+spice shakers he can add to his food.

I made a HUGE batch of fire cider which I will be bottling and giving to my sister and parents as part of their gift. I used some of my parents home grown horseradish in it, so it should be exciting for them :)

The beeswax candles turned out lovely and we were able to use up some wax and supplies my mom had purchased about 20 years ago. Win win!

We have everything ready to go for the crackers...but then realized we actually needed the toilet roll paper tubes so have to save some up before we can make them.

We have been stumped about a gift for Hubby's dad. He is super practical, makes enough money to go buy whatever he needs and generally, no matter how much thought we put into the gifts they need to be both nostalgic and practical for them to ever be used.  So...we decided to make record bowls out of old vinyl records (he's big into music and has lots of memories about his collection) and we'll use it as the base for our gift basket to them - with something yummy to go in it afterward.

Still a couple of people we are stumped on, but it is all coming together!

Anyone else want to share what they are making or handmade by someone else?

Title: Re: Homemade Christmas 2015 Edition!!
Post by: norabird on December 03, 2015, 03:21:45 PM
Homemade crackers! Hm! My family usually buys them, but this is an interesting idea. Maybe if I ever host I'll do this!
Title: Re: Homemade Christmas 2015 Edition!!
Post by: RunHappy on December 04, 2015, 05:12:20 AM
Because some of my friends families have grown, I'm making a couple of family gifts this year.  The theme of the box is "Family Snow Day".  It will have a jar of hot chocolate mix, marshmallows, a sugar cookie kit with frosting and a cookie cutter.  The box will also include a family movie, a game (Uno), and a box of indoor snowballs for an indoor snowball fight.

Finding a movie that the families didn't have was tough so I went back to my childhood and got Goonies ($4)

So far the cost of each box is about $20.   
Title: Re: Homemade Christmas 2015 Edition!!
Post by: Anatidae V on December 04, 2015, 05:15:00 AM
I bought laser cut wooden ornaments. BIL then stated he has access to someone who can do those for us if we provide a design! Sis and I are going to design something and see how it turns out, so we might give our own designs next year!
Title: Re: Homemade Christmas 2015 Edition!!
Post by: swick on December 04, 2015, 08:07:58 AM
Because some of my friends families have grown, I'm making a couple of family gifts this year.  The theme of the box is "Family Snow Day".  It will have a jar of hot chocolate mix, marshmallows, a sugar cookie kit with frosting and a cookie cutter.  The box will also include a family movie, a game (Uno), and a box of indoor snowballs for an indoor snowball fight.

Finding a movie that the families didn't have was tough so I went back to my childhood and got Goonies ($4)

So far the cost of each box is about $20.

This is awesome! And Goonies is one of my favorite movies ever!  I would warn the parents about the belnder scene if they have young kids, I still kinda squee every time I have to clean my blender blades :)

Ohh anatidaev - I Love that idea!
Title: Re: Homemade Christmas 2015 Edition!!
Post by: partgypsy on December 04, 2015, 09:24:03 AM
Well I'm going to give it a go. I'm making this primarily for a charity fundraiser, but I am sure I will have enough supplies left over to give as gifts. Bath soak which will be half Epson salts, 1/2 sea salt (pink salt), with a small amount of baking soda and lavender essential oil added. I am going to also make some smaller amount of salt scrub which will be the same salts but with a nice oil added to it. There are so many different kinds of oils out there that are good for skin everything from almond to grapeseed to chia seed. I will go to wholefoods and pick something out.
Title: Re: Homemade Christmas 2015 Edition!!
Post by: mm1970 on December 14, 2015, 12:20:08 PM
I need someone to explain to me WHY every year, right around Thanksgiving, I get this urge to make things for Christmas gifts.  I love to crochet, sew, knit a little, etc.

But why not the rest of the year???  So I get this urge, and I get started, but of course, only have time for 1 or 2 things.