Well, here I am for a little update, since it's been a while. About two months ago we headed into the states because of a death in the family. Since we've been back, it's seemed like nothing but catching up. Hence, a month after getting back, I'm finally getting back to the blog. Sorry, blog. You were just about the last thing I caught up on.
I've got tons of great stuff to post here, but you see, it's Christmastime, and this year I'm trying to do a (nearly all) homemade Christmas. Since I have maybe the coolest family ever, and I know they sometimes read this blog, I don't want to post any pictures or instructions up yet. So those will come next year. But I did think it would be a good idea to post some vague idea of what I'm doing, incase you, yourself, would like to hand make some gifts this year. It's really gratifying, if not a bit time consuming. Here are some ideas:
For the cook:
Hotpads. I'm recycling some old tees into hotpads (the old tees will be the batting, in this case). I really hate the thought of a gift not being used, and I use every single one of the hotpads I own, so I thought this was a safe choice. I really liked the look of the PurlBee's pot holders from a while back, and Jeni Baker's super easy instructions at In Color Order, so I'm mashing those together.
Salt. I live near the ocean, so this really only works if you're near clean salt water. Refer to this old post of mine for instructions.
Caramels (feel free to use some of that salt you made), and fruitcake: Over at Martha Stewart, but I haven't made them yet, so I can't tell you if it's a good recipe or not (some kind of advice I'm giving here, right?).
Quilts. I think a lot of my readership comes from quilters and the such, so I'm sure all of you guys have already made your quilts. But what a great heartfelt gift a quilt is. Or, will be.
Let's see. I guess that's about it. It feels like I've been making sooo much, but I guess not that much in hindsight. I'll show you all pictures after the holidays. But until then, there might be a bit of radio silence, as I think I'm a bit behind on this whole handmade thing.
Also, if you happen to be a Portuguese speaker, you may have noticed the amazing pun I made in the title of this post? Last week I finished my Basic II Portuguese class with a flying 9.5 out of 10. On to Intermediate!
3 comments:
Looking forward to hearing how you get on with the handmade Christmas! It always sounds such a good idea to make many of the gifts for people, but alas a lot of things are beyond me! Maybe I could try making some salted caramels though - I'm rather partial to those and we have some really fine Welsh sea salt from Angelsey :)
Bah, I had this long comment written and it deleted it!!
I'm making lots of things too! Embroidered hoops and washcloths for everyone! We might be crazy people!
I use this caramel recipe, its oh so good: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/fleur-de-sel-caramels-recipe2/index.html
Good luck! Can't wait to see all your projects :)
Last year I had a big homemade Christmas list. This year I don't think I have it in me to make anything. Right now just trying to get through making a nappy bag that I've been trying to get to for over a month.
Good luck with yours - can't wait to see what you make xxx
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