Five Easy Crafted Holiday Gifts and Decorations

The hustle and bustle is upon us as we head into the holiday season. Whatever and however you may celebrate, these last minute ideas will give your home, friends, family and co-workers the joy of your homemade effort. I’ve included two last minute gifting projects to do with the kids as we teach them to craft, work together and give.

In the spirit of giving, remember to do what you have time for and relax with a cup of tea while trying one of these seasonal ideas which allow you to do homemade and keep it simple. Speaking of tea, the tea bag wreath is my new favorite!

Living in snow country this Snow Gear Garland Pattern is ideal.  I am going to start making this because I am completely consumed by the playful colors and will make a few pieces using Darn Good Yarn worsted-weight silk-yarn to vary my textures as well as color. I know I won’t get this finished for  the holidays but I am going to make a few and who says  this bold winter decoration is just for the holidays?                                          

 Color makes winter come alive!

http://www.allfreeknitting.com/ChristmasKnits/Cheerful-Snow-Gear-Garland-from-Red-Heart

Holiday knit toppers with endless ribbon options

I don't know about you but it was a banner year for tomatoes at my home and I gave mine away!

Did you make salsa?

Or jam from the blueberries?

 Its time to raid the pantry and whip up a knit topper. Be sure to grab some unique ribbon at Darn Good Yarn for these quick toppers! Ribbon stash options

http://www.allfreeknitting.com/ChristmasKnits/Holiday-Gift-Jar-Toppers-from-Caron      

Loopy Jute Wreath or Garland                                               

Macrame can be a quick and easy way to create natural beauty. The bells are festive and I might suggest beads, bows, or a few berry boughs that you can remove after the holidays. I am drawn to the ease of creating this wreath for a last minute gift and it sure would go well in my home ;). Darn Good Yarn has options for Jute in stock and if you don’t have time for the wreath, this Whimsical Garland is on sale to Deck the Halls. Please let us know if you try it with the loopy jute wreath pattern!

http://www.favecrafts.com/Christmas-Garland/Loopy-Jute-Twine-DIY-Christmas-Garland

Holiday Projects Ideas for Kids

While we are on the subject of Garland I wanted to share with you this kid created tutorial (less than three minutes in duration) for Easy Finger Knitting Garland Video for Kids . This garland can be as long or as short as your crafter wants and I love how it looks on the tree. It is a fun and easy way to have the older kids creating and join in the spirit of giving.

And this is my favorite idea for a young child…. and a tea drinker that you love!

Instead of the detail work of wallpaper for this design, I suggest having your young child decorate the clothespins with colored markers or paint. I LOVE painting with young ones as there is no reservation with using paint! Once your artist has designed the clothes pins and they are dry, glue on to painted cardboard shaped like a wreath. Add a few ribbon bows if you want to jazz up the wreath. Then add tea bags, your child’s artwork, letter or other symbols of love to warm someone’s heart and soul this holiday season. I really, really love this because you can do this “together” any time of year and personally, I would add our treasures from nature walks along with ribbon from Darn Good Yarn . This gift simmers with potential as the person who receives this gift can use it to hold cards, letters, crafting memos and photos!

Create, relax and give this season from your friends at Darn Good Yarn!

www.darngoodyarn.com