This Christmas was very tight (financially) for me.

So, being the crafty girl I am, I decided to make all of my gifts this year.


I first decided to create some fun accessories for my teenage cousins.
I used this pattern as a starting off point to create these.

This first one was made for my fifteen year old cousin, Heather.

I used Duck Brand duct tape in black and chrome.

This purse was specially made for my 17 (almost 18) year old cousin, Felicia.

Once again, I used Duck Brand duct tape in green and white.

Both bags were made almost completely with duct tape,
they do include a cardboard bottom base and
rectangular metal rings to attach the strap to the purses.


My next gift idea came from Jo-Ann.
I found this project sheet at work and thought, "Hey! I can do this."
I cleverly used my employee discount and coupons so I could afford the materials.

The checkerboard was created using scrapbook paper and sealed with Mod Podge.

The checkers are painted wood circles decorated with scrapbook paper.

Here's the back and...

It includes storage for the checkers!

I hope my 13 year old cousin Alex enjoys it.



I used skills I learned from my first swap to create these next three presents.

These were made with IKEA's MALMA mirrors,
scrapbook paper, embellishments, and sealed with Mod Podge.

Maria and Crystal loved them!

I also made these adorable Cupcake Ornaments for each of my aunts,
but I forgot to photograph them.

I enjoyed making presents for everyone,
but I definitely should have started earlier.

At least I've learned something for next year.

I was only able to attend one of the three craft shows in Minneapolis this weekend.
I visited The Handmaidens Craftmas at the Ballantine VFW in Uptown.
I only bought a few items, but the ones I got will be perfect Xmas gifts.

This print of the Milwaukee Road Depot is the work of artist Adam Turman.

I present you The Cozy Corset Cuff.

It's reversible and adjustable and it's made (in part) by a friend of mine.

This cute little Sheepy Sauce Bowl is the work of Jennie the Potter.

And last, but not least.

Too Many Suitors' t-shirt will brighten a young girl's day in Ohio.

Please check out these great craft shows next weekend.

You can find everything from holiday gifts to inspiration for your own handmade goodness!

The No Coast Craft-o-Rama is a craft event that began in December 2005 as a way to feature a variety of designers, artists, crafters and other talented creators of unique handmade goods. It’s coming up on December 5th (3 p.m. to 8 p.m.) and 6th (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) at the Midtown Global Exchange building. Be sure to come by and see some of the finest artisans and crafters around.

'Twas two months before Christmas, and all through the cities
People were searching for gifts that were handmade and pretty
The malls were over crowded, the internet a chore
Where could they find art, jewelry, clothing and more?
Why at the VFW, the first Sunday in December!
We'll give you more hints so you don't have to remember.
Check back to this website daily if you can,
We'll list artists to appeal to every child, woman and man
Who is on your list, both nice and naughty,
Shows at the VFW are always a party!
So mark you calendar, Dec 7th is coming soon,
Where else can you shop and enjoy a beer at noon!?!

Otherwise, I wouldn't be able to enjoy Kate Cusack's Zipper Jewelry.

...is two perfect breasts.

Actually, 5 pairs of perfect breasts.

Check out Margaux Lange's Unique Handcrafted Jewelry.