Patchwork ornaments

2009 Thrifty Christmas Gift Idea #5

One of my favorite blogs to read is Little Birdie Secrets. They always have fun, easy craft ideas that work for everyone! Recently a couple of their ideas really caught my eye (both involve some Mod Podge, which the ladies at Little Birdie Secrets admit to LOVING!):

Easy Photo Blocks and Tiles

Easy Wooden Picture Frame

2009 Thrifty Christmas Gift Idea #4

This past weekend, my friend and I met in Charlotte, NC, to spend the day together. We went to the Mint Museum of Craft and Design, the Mint Museum of Art, and Ikea. All three places were AMAZING!

The museum gift stores contained many wonderful items, especially the gift store at the Craft and Design Museum (which specializes in handcrafted items in addition to typical gift store fare). I found these adorable vintage button rings and fell in love with them. I tried on multiple rings, but did not buy one because none of them felt right (I bought one for my friend's daughter, though:-). Then, at the next museum, they had another display of rings. Jeni walked right up, picked up a ring and said "This one is yours!" And it was (that is why she has been my friend for 20+ years)! I love this ring, and thought what a great gift this would make.




The internet being the amazing thing that it is, I found an easy tutorial for homemade vintage button rings here. Another fun gift for you to try!

2009 Thrifty Christmas Gift Idea #3

These are just perfect for the girls in your life, and though they use fabric, they require very little sewing:-) Enjoy these Fabric Flower Earrings. I really want to make some of these! Too cute!

2009 Thrifty Christmas Gift Idea #2

I found these recipes for bath soaks recently, and I included the "Oatmeal Cookies & Milk Bath Soak" in the 'pampering kit' I made for my friend two weeks ago. It was very simple to make, and used ingredients I had on hand! For a more involved gift, the bath salts look amazing as well. Many of our moms or girlfriends could use a little bit of relaxation, don't you think?

2009 Thrifty Christmas Gift Idea #1

Last year I posted several Thrifty Christmas Ideas, so I thought I would do that again this year.

Okay, so here's the deal. I can't publish pictures of all the things I am making/hoping to make this holiday season. But that doesn't mean I can't share some of the projects that are inspiring me, right? Just know, family and friends, that just because I post something DOES NOT mean I am making it for you! It also doesn't mean I am not :-)

So here's one I just found--a photo Rubix Cube. How fun, simple and memorable is that? Find it here.

Thrifty Christmas #3--Mulling Spices

I LOVE hot apple cider in the winter, so it is only natural that I started looking for mulling spices that I can give as gifts at Christmas. I started with this recipe here, but adapted it some for my preferences.

4 cups brown sugar
3 tablespoons cinnamon
1 tablespoon ground orange peel
1 tablespoon cloves
1 tablespoon allspice
1 tablespoon nutmeg

Mix everything together, making sure that you break up the chunks of brown sugar.

Instructions for use: Add 1/2 cup of mix plus 1 cup of water to 2 cups of cider or juice. Bring to a boil and then simmer until ingredients are dissolved and all is well combined. Enjoy!
*Note: For a single serving, use 2-3 Tablespoons to 1 cup of cider*

Thrifty Christmas Idea #2--Christmas Coasters

For Christmas, several of our coworkers, friends and family are getting sets of these homemade coasters along with a mix of mulling spices (see next post for that recipe). I found my basic guidelines for the coasters
here and have adapted it some (i.e., I have not quilted these coasters and probably won't have time to!). This is an inexpensive yet cute gift. I bought a yard each of two different Christmas fabrics ($5.99/yard), a roll of crib sized quilt batting (approx. $5 with coupon from JoAnns) and a spool of thread ($2.50). Since I will only use about 1/2 yard of each fabric, here's how I will break down the cost:
Fabric: $6.00
Batting: $5.00
Thread: $2.50
Total Cost: $13.50
If I give the coasters in sets of 4, I have at least ten gifts. That is $1.35/a gift! If I give the coasters in sets of 6, I can do about seven gifts. That is $1.93/a gift. You can't beat that price for a set of fun, reversible holiday coasters. When coupled with a fun drink mix, it is a great gift.

Thrifty Christmas Idea #1-Mocha Cooler Mix

My friend, Jeni, made this for us one year, and a year later, I made it for everyone for Christmas. It is super easy and yummy!

Mocha Cooler Mix
1/4 cup instant coffee granules
1 cup sugar
1 cup nonfat dry milk powder
1/4 tsp salt
1 cup powdered nondairy creamer
1/3 cup baking cocoa

With a rolling pin, crush coffee granules into a fine powder. Place in an airtight container. Add sugar, milk powder, creamer, cocoa and salt; mix well. Store in a cool dry place for up to a year. Makes 3 1/2 cups--7 batches.

Additional ingredients:
1 1/2 cups crushed ice
1/2 cup milk

To prepare cooler: In a blender, combine the ice, milk and 1/2 cup of mocha mix. Cover and process on high until smooth. Pour into glasses. Yield: 2 servings per batch. For extra flavor, add flavored creamer while blending.

This is a fun gift to put in a cute Christmas mug!