Past LCB

Sorry this is a little behind the times, but this is what I gave the girls for the lcb back in July. Hand stained, wood-burned, and mod-podged. I also made them leaf presses so they could decorate their own stuff.

Hand made

I hope Melissa doesn't mind me posting, but I wanted to show what we made for Christmas as well. After all, Melissa did help me sew it together, and I am so grateful for her help. When it comes to sewing I am totally lost. (I'm just the concept person, I can't always execute these crazy ideas I come up with by myself.)

We made a cloth book for Ian's kids (--and since we went to all the trouble, for our own kids as well.) We bought these toys and took pictures of them in various places, doing various activities and wrote a story to go along with the pictures. The story is that the toys run away from the store to explore the outside and have adventures, but when it begins to get cold, they decide they need a home. So they get in special boxes and send themselves to two boys they know of who will take care of them and love them, and that way the toys can always be together.

This is the photo that goes on the last page, which personalized it a little for the boys. I think they enjoyed seeing themselves in a book.

We printed it on printable fabric, that works with any inkjet printer, and then sewed it all together. It's even machine washable! (You can find this stuff at Joanne's or even Walmart)

Handmade Christmas

Wooden Blocks with initials and Christmas Tree holder from Dad Sam

Each year, while growing up, we received a handmade wood toy or decoration. My father is an amazing self-taught wood worker and is one of the most creative people I know. He would come up with unique toys each year, that fit our tastes and interests. One year I got a mini baby cradle because I was into babies. The year I got my first Big Wheel (tricycle), on Christmas morning a little wooden Big Wheel was my gift. I still have these and love getting them out with other Christmas decorations.
Maybe it is because of this tradition that homemade gifts mean so much to me. This year we received some wonderful gifts that I just had to share.

Beautiful felt bags sewn by my sister-in-law, Shawna (also filled with goodies)

My brother, Stephen, made these wooden tops for all of his nieces and nephews, except the babies (17 in all!) They are beautiful and work really well! We have races to see whos goes the longest.

I love these so much! Little rolling toys for Felix. They are made only with wood. The elephants little ears are leather and the mouses tail is twine. He even told me that he didn't stain them so they would be safe for Felix to suck on-which he certainly does!

LCB round 3

I didn't take pictures of the things I made and sent but here is what was given to me. This cutest dog from Shawna. I believe she made it from socks. It is super soft and adorable!

From Laura a little potpurri burner with some potpurri she had made with aromatic spices. I love to smell it, because the smell reminds me of the wassail she made and also gave me. It was delectable!

I would love to see what other people made and sent. That was the point wasn't it people?