This morning I got up early to work on a handmade gift for a family member. It was fun to think about that person and to put much intention and love into the process. I can only hope that they will enjoy the final product.
The pic above shows some of the felted wool balls that we made and gave as gifts to our nieces, nephews and beloved furpeople last Christmas. I loved that I was able to purchase the wool directly from the farm where the sheep were raised and where it had been hand-dyed. Making the balls was also great fun–choosing colors, rolling the soapy wet masses over and over in our hands until they created tight spheres.
What are some of the best handmade gifts that you’ve given and received?
‘Tis the gift to be simple,
’tis the gift to be free,
’tis the gift to come down where you ought to be,
And when we find ourselves in the place just right,
It will be in the valley of love and delight.
When true simplicity is gained,
To bow and to bend we shan’t be ashamed.
To turn, turn will be our delight,
‘Til by turning, turning we come round right
‘Tis the gift to be loved and that love to return,
‘Tis the gift to be taught and a richer gift to learn,
And when we expect of others what we try to live each day,
Then we’ll all live together and we’ll all learn to say,
‘Tis the gift to have friends and a true friend to be,
‘Tis the gift to think of others not to only think of “me”,
And when we hear what others really think and really feel,
Then we’ll all live together with a love that is real.
6 comments
Jana, your blog does my heart good. It’s a gift to see the beautiful flowers and appreciation for the simple beauty all around us. I love that song, too.
One of the best gifts I ever received is a wooden gato drum that my father-in-law made for me. I had returned from a music therapy conference raving about a drum I had played there. He then went into his workshop and made me one. It’s something I really treasure.
A good friend of mine gave me homemade bath oil. The blue glass jar was the best part.
I like to make gift bags. Gift wrap is so beautiful and such a waste. For the last few years, I have sewn reusable gift bags from either scrap fabric or clearance fabric after the holidays.
I love to make my boyfriend’s mother and my mother jewelry. Earrings, necklaces or bracelets. For my siblings I make mixed music CDs with collaged covers. I just love the satisfaction of making something beautiful (if I may say so myself.) At least making something people enjoy.
we are makers of things and know that when something comes from the heart through the hands it just sings
[…] that there won’t be Christmas cards and goodies. Gifts for extended family won’t be handmade. It’s doubtful that we’ll host our annual gingerbread decorating party (but oh, […]