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Gift Idea: Mommy and Me Craft Kits
I have a fun gift idea to share with you all today!
I got the idea for this because one of my close friends is a mom of a little one and pregnant with her second child. I wanted to give her something that would be a ready-made project for her to enjoy with her little girl once her little boy arrives. This kit will make it easy for her to spend some one-on-one time with her daughter.
Here are the three mini-kits I put together.
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My Favorite Nonfiction Books From 2018
The nonfiction books I read this year are a bit of a strange mashup—historical figures, devotionals, and…design inspiration. Despite the odd mix, I think you’ll really enjoy these books.
Any time I recommend a nonfiction book, you know I liked it a lot, because I actually finished it instead of turning to my first love: fiction!
I hope you find some great inspiration and learn something new from these books.
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Why I’m Making Christmas Cards in January
Since Christmas, I’ve still been in a Christmasy mood. Which has been nice because it has made the season feel like it’s lasted a little longer. I was very unwell Christmas day, so this has helped. I still felt like making Christmas things, and I’ve actually had a little bit of energy this month to do so.
It has also helped that my parents got us a Sizzix embossing/die cutting machine for Christmas, which has been so fun to play with. Plus, it’s made card making very easy. (And watching tutorials on YouTube for using fun card cutouts while I’m crashed in a recliner has been inspiring. It’s nice to feel like I’m learning something and getting creatively inspired, vs. just being stuck recuperating.)
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Low-Cost Low-Stress Gift Giving When You’re Chronically Ill
As Christmas approaches, I wanted to share some ideas for inexpensive and low-stress gift giving. Being chronically ill often means you’re watching your budget and conserving energy, so spending a lot of time and money hunting for gifts is not a great idea. The point is to let those you love know you are thinking of them and care about them, and a simple, well-chosen gift can do that perfectly! So I’ve rounded up ideas that are low cost, or easily made without using up all your energy.
The best way I’ve found to give meaningful gifts is to make sure I’m gifting something in someone’s love language. If you’ve never read The Five Love Languages, I highly recommend it! (I read the original, but there is a singles edition, and other versions available too.) The book breaks down the way people best receive love into five categories: Words of Affirmation, Acts of Service, Receiving Gifts, Quality Time, and Physical Touch.
My default way to show love is through gift-giving, so in years past I’ve created a lot of stress for myself by thinking I have to find the *perfect* gift.
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Reversible Wood Block Craft
I love creating wood block decorations, both for my own décor, and as gifts for friends. They’re super easy to make, and they can be customized to fit anyone’s style and color scheme. I made these wood blocks for a friend, using a Christmas-theme on one side, and an everyday theme on the other. I’ll walk you through the steps here.
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How To DIY Painted Jars & A Helpful Decorating Tip
I’m going to share how to make these painted mason jars, why I think it’s important to decorate (even just a little!) for each season, and a design tip that has changed the way I decorate and made me much happier. I think you’ll find that applying it in your decorating will help you be happier too!
First, let’s get painting!
I love painted mason jars and painted glass because they’re so easy and versatile. You can use whatever colors you like best, and it’s a pretty inexpensive way to change up your decorations. They make great gifts too!
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Romantic Congratulations Cards
Since I just had one friend get married and a cousin get engaged, I thought I’d share the congratulations cards I made for them. I hope these ideas inspire you and help you celebrate milestones with those you love!
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Simple Card Ideas: Playful Borders
So, I’m a bit of a perfectionist. (And that’ a bit of an underestimate…) What does this have to do with me sharing simple card ideas?
My perfectionism can make it hard for me to start making a craft or card knowing I am not going to have the energy to make it elaborate. I have the tendency to think that if I’m going to craft, I have to CRAFT. As in, all-caps, all-out, something new and creative that uses all the crafting skills I’ve acquired over my life.
Not super realistic right now due to my health.
I’ve been trying to embrace more simplistic forms of creativity. Something doesn’t have to be intricate in order to turn out beautiful.
After all, some of the best cards I’ve ever received are simple handmade ones from friends with heartfelt messages inside.
It really is the message and the thought that counts. And a card that’s made simply and received is better than a card that is never sent.
