Handmade Christmas

My guys are givers. I think probably all children are. They revel in the delicious satisfaction of handing over handmade, all wrapped in wrinkled tissue paper and bound by way too much scotch tape.

They love the whole process…  especially the closing of one’s door and announcing “no one come in here! I’m making stuff!”

So  they wrote long lists of gift recipients and then we made a few trips to the craft stores, cruised a few more online, thought and pondered and at last they each arrived at something that they wanted to make for their loved ones this year.

I think they did a pretty great job of loving up their aunts and great aunts, grandmothers and great grandmothers. Take a look:

Ryder freezer paper stenciled some flour sack towels. He used two Martha Stewart Craft punches to make the flakes and the lacey edge on the freezer paper.

James picked out some cute craft paper, and covered himself some thin wood pieces with cut outs from the paper, paint pens and mod podge to make some cute bookmarks.

His grandmother told him that she will keep it in her Bible and think of him everyday when she reads it. He said, “Isn’t that pretty neat? It’s a bookmark AND a reminder to think of James!” He also thought it was pretty neat that many of his most favorite people share his initial. Who knew there where so many Js in our family!?

Luke had a really fun gift idea. He made these cute candle holders with wood pieces found here, lots of wood glue, and paint. He did some with deer and trees and some with snowmen, all of which are removable. His plan is to paint and send a new piece for each season. “You know,” he said, “like a gift that keeps on giving.”

They were so proud of themselves when the time came to give, and I have to say, I’m pretty proud of them too. Of all the gifts unwrapped, I kind of think those were the sweetest.

Happy New Year’s Eve to you all… see you in 2010!