10 Handmade gifts in an afternoon

We have officially passed Thanksgiving and now many thoughts turn towards the winter holiday season.  Many times handmade Christmas or Holiday gifts need a ton of planning and need to be started months in advance.  But not the ones listed below!  These can all easily be made in an afternoon or some evening after work.
Handmade gifts are generally much cheaper than store bought ones and don't have to be cheesy or look homemade.  Many people greatly appreciate the time and effort it took to make something homemade.  So give it a go!  Try your hand at some homemade gifts this year!
If you have any questions about any of the projects, please let me know!

1. Painted Picture Frame

This simple project can be done in less than an hour, easily.  These make great presents for best friends or loved ones.  Wouldn't grandma and grandpa love a picture of them with their grandchildren in a decorated frame?  Or even for your significant other to put on their desk at work.  I have made several of these over the years and they have been a big hit. 

2. Hooded Towel

I have now made 3 different hooded towels for baby shower gifts.  I love love love to make them.  They always take a little longer than I anticipate, but they can certainly be easily finished in an afternoon (even with a break!).  I have made a penguin, a ladybug, and a dragon (post on that one will be up next week).  These would make great gifts for babies or toddlers.  Or use a bigger towel to make one for a bigger person :)

3. Gift Card Holder

Sometimes you are at a loss at what to give someone and you want to go the easy route with a gift card.  Dress up that gift card with this gift card holder!  It's perfect for storing gift cards, business cards, or store loyalty cards.  You probably have everything you need right in your sewing bin and it's easy to customize to the person you are giving to by using their favorite colors.  Make a gift card a little more personal by giving it in a homemade gift card holder!

4. Stamped Notepads

Who doesn't need a notepad to keep track of all the busy thoughts in your head.  Using the directions in this post, you will see how quick an easy it is to make a notepad for someone you love.  Use their favorite colored paper or a cute stamp set to make a personalized notepad.

5. Card Set

Letter writing may be a lost art, but cardmaking is making a huge comeback.  You don't need a ton of special supplies to make cards.  In fact, you can use some simple paper and stamps and turn out beautiful cards.  If you have a few more supplies and want to try your hand at embossing to make some fancier cards - go for it!  Thank you notes or blank note cards can always be put to good use. 

6. Placemats

I did in fact, make these placemats for a gift this fall.  I love the ability of homemade gifts to fit the person getting them.  I knew I wanted to do something with owls for my dear friend, so I found some fun owl material and made her some cute placemats.  Fun but practical!  Make some personalized holiday ones, or ones that can be used all year.  Super simple to make - just four straight lines and a simple pattern!

7. Pincushion

This project truly can be completed in less than 30 minutes, and can be make from leftover fabric and ribbon.  If you have a crafty friend, make a pincushion for them that they can tie onto their sewing machine!

8. Photo Coasters

If you are a budding photographer, showcase some of your favorite prints by making them into a coaster set.  Or you can use family snap shots for mom and dad or grandparents.  These are super simple to make - give them a try!

9. Reversible Headband

One of my favorite projects and so quick and simple to make.  These reversible headbands would make a great stocking stuff or small add-on in a present.  Easily customizable using a favorite fabric or color.  These are so easy to make, you can make a pair in less than an hour!

10. Quick and easy dischloth

My final idea for you are these quick and easy discloths.  Pop in your favorite Christmas movie and get out your needles and yarn.  By the time the movie is over, you will have a handmade dishcloth ready for gifting.  These make great hostess gifts for someone having a holiday party.  They are also a great gift for any young couple.  

I hope you enjoy these ideas and they get your creative juices flowing.  If you have any questions, please let me know.  Happy Holiday Season!

Linking up:

Wednesday

Create and Share, Sugar and Spice, What I Whipped Up, Whatever Goes Wednesday, Show me what ya Got, Wow me Wednesday, {Wow Me} Wednesday, Cast Party, Your Whims Wednesday, Fluster's Creative Muster, Wednesday Whatsit, Show and Share, Dream to Reality, Wow Us Wednesday, A Little Bird Told Me, And Sew We Craft Together, We did it!, We Made that!, Two Girls and a Party
Thursday
Catch a Glimpse, Chic and Crafty, Thursday Favorite Things, Live Laugh Linky, Creative Princess, Share your Cup, , Linky Party, Link it Up, Made you Look, Inspiration in Progress, Blog Stalking, Wildly Original, Showcase your Talent, Somewhat Simple, Keep Calm and Link Up, Five Little Chefs, Lamberts Lately
Friday
Show and Tell Friday, Friday Favorites, Simply Create, Lovely Crafty Weekend, Weekend Wander, Weekend Show Off, Weekend Bloggy Reading, Flaunt it Friday, 504 Main, Friday Favs, Fancy This Friday, Flash Blog Friday, Finished Friday, Freedom Friday, Show off Friday, Happy Hour, Keep Calm and Link Up, Weekend Wonders, I'm loving it, Friday Favs, Pity Party, Dare to Share, F Friday, Craftionary Link Party, Do Something Crafty, Get Crafty, Shine on Friday!
Weekend
Weekend Wrap Up, Saturday Spotlight, Strut Your Stuff, Check me Out , Show and Tell, Saturday Spotlight, Your Great Idea, Simply Sweet Saturday, Share it Saturday, Saturday Show and Tell, Craft Create Inspire, Sunday Showcase, Think Pink, Nifty Thrifty Sunday, Not Baaad Sunday, That DIY Party, Overflowing with Creativity Party, A Bouquet of Talent, Weekend Creative
Monday

A Round Tuit, Masterpiece Monday, Market Yourself Monday, Pink Hippo Party,Motivate Me Monday, Made by You Mondays, Made with Love, Craft-O-Manic Monday, Monday Funday, Sweet Sharing Monday, Marvelous Mondays, Make it Pretty, Mop It Up Monday, Busy Monday, I gotta try that, Mad Skills
Tuesday
Anti-Procrastination Tuesday, Homemade Tuesday, Nifty Thrifty Tuesday, Take a Look Tuesday, Too Cute Tuesday, One Project at a Time, Tasteful Tuesday, Tell me Tuesday, Trick or Treat Tuesday, Whatcha Whipped Up, Tuesday Talent Show, Two Cup Tuesday, Memories by the Mile, Totally Tasteful Tuesdays, Tuesday Confessional, Time for You Tuesday, Gathering Spot, Take it On Tuesday, You're Gonna Love it Tuesday, All my Bloggy Friends, Tuesday to Do, 

Tweet

Amish White Bread

We all know my husband loves bread of any kind, so I am always on the hunt for a new homemade bread recipe.  I came across this one a few weeks ago and made it a few days later.  Ahhhh, the smell of fresh baked bread in the kitchen, so lovely, and it pairs so nicely with beef stew on a cold fall evening that is quickly turning to winter.  This recipe was a huge hit in my house, I hope you like it!  

Amish White Bread

Recipe adapted from Allrecipes.com

Ingredients

• 1 cup warm water
• 3 Tablespoons sugar
• 2 1/4 teaspoons yeast (or 1 packet)
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 Tablespoons oil
• 3 cups flour

Amish White Bread

Recipe adapted from Allrecipes.com

Ingredients

• 1 cup warm water
• 3 Tablespoons sugar
• 2 1/4 teaspoons yeast (or 1 packet)
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 Tablespoons oil
• 3 cups flour

Directions

In a glass measuring cup, dissolve the sugar in the warm water, then stir in yeast.  Let the mixture sit for about five minutes to proof until it gets foamy.

In a stand mixer, mix together the oil, salt, and  1 cup of flour.  Add in the yeast/water/sugar mixture.  Slowly add in the remaining two cups of flour.  Mix well until a cohesive dough mixture forms.  It should not be sticky and should clump together in a ball. 

Place in an oiled bowl and turn once to coat.  Cover with a damp cloth and let the dough rise for one hour until double in bulk.  Punch the dough down and knead briefly.  Shape into a loaf and place in a greased 9x5 loaf pan.  Allow to rise for 30 more minutes (dough should be about 1 inch above the top of the loaf pan).  

Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

Let cool before slicing.

Enjoy!

The original recipe makes a double batch, if you don't need two loaves of bread, make the recipe according to the directions, let it rise the first time, then divide in half.  Place half in a loaf pan and let rise and bake that loaf.  For the other half of the dough, wrap it in plastic wrap, and place in a freezer ziploc bag.  You can save the dough for another time!  Take the dough out of the freezer in the morning and place in the fridge, when you are ready to bake, unwrap the dough and place it in a loaf pan, let rise for 30-45 minutes in a warm place, and then bake as directed.  

The measurements for two loaves of bread are listed below. 

• 2 cups warm water (110 degrees)
• 1/3-2/3 cup white sugar (1/3 cup makes it sweet enough)
• 1 1/2 tablespoons active dry yeast
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 6 cups flour. 

<--- Click on the magic button for nutrition info and a printer friendly version

Linking Up!

 Monday
A Round Tuit, Masterpiece Monday, Market Yourself Monday,  Recipe Sharing Monday, Melt in Your Mouth Monday, Motivate Me Monday, Made by You Mondays, Made with Love, Craft-O-Manic Monday, Monday Funday, Meal Time Monday, Sweet Sharing Monday, Marvelous Mondays, Mix it Up Mondays, Make it Pretty, Mop It Up Monday, Busy Monday, 

TuesdayAnti-Procrastination Tuesday, Homemade Tuesday, Nifty Thrifty Tuesday, Take a Look Tuesday, Too Cute Tuesday, One Project at a Time, Tasteful Tuesday, Tell me Tuesday, Trick or Treat Tuesday,Tuesday Talent Show, Two Cup Tuesday, Memories by the Mile, Totally Tasteful Tuesdays, Tuesday Confessional, Time for You Tuesday, Gathering Spot, Take it On Tuesday, You're Gonna Love it Tuesday, All my Bloggy Friends, Tuesday to Do, Pin it Tuesday, Tasty Tuesday
Wednesday
Create and Share, Sugar and Spice, What I Whipped Up, Whatever Goes Wednesday, Show me what ya Got, Lil Luna, Wow me Wesdnesday, {Wow Me} Wednesday, Cast Party, Recipe Roundup, Your Whims Wednesday, What's Cooking Wednesday, Fluster's Creative Muster, Wednesday Whatsit, Show and Share, Dream to Reality, Wow Us Wednesday, What We Wore, Read, and Made, Whatcha Work-Up, A Little Bird Told Me,
Thursday
Catch a Glimpse, Full Plate Thursday, Chic and Crafty, Thursday Favorite Things, Live Laugh Linky, Creative Princess, Share your Cup, Keep Calm and Link Up, Blooming Linky Party, Link it Up, Made you Look, Inspiration in Progress, Blog Stalking, Wildly Original, Showcase your Talent, Somewhat Simple, Creat it Thursday, Fantastic Thursday, Inspire Us Thursday, Weekly Creative, All Things Pretty
Friday
Weekend re-Treat, Foodie Friday, Show and Tell Friday, Friday Favorites, Simply Create, Lovely Crafty Weekend,  Weekend Wander, Weekend Show Off, Weekend Bloggy Reading, Flaunt it Friday, 504 Main, Friday Favs, Fancy This Friday, Flash Blog Friday, Finished Friday, Freedom Friday, Show off Friday, Happy Hour, Keep Calm and Link Up, Weekend Wonders,
Weekend
Weekend Wrap Up, Strut Your Stuff, Check me Out , Show and Tell, Saturday Spotlight, Great Ideas, Your Great Idea, Share it Saturday, Saturday Sunday Showcase, Think Pink, Nifty Thrifty Sunday, Not Baaad Sunday, Scrumptious Sunday Recipe Link Party, That DIY Party,Overflowing with Creativity Party, A Bouquet of Talent, Will Cook for Smiles 

Tweet

Placemats

Last year was my dear friend's 30th birthday, the first of my friends to celebrate such a milestone.  I really wanted to do something special with her to celebrate, unfortunately, I was a wee bit distracted as I was getting married the day before her wedding.  Since I couldn't celebrate with her last year, I wanted to do something special for her this year for her birthday.  

I chose to make her placemats for two reasons.  1) I know she loves owls and I was trying to think of something I could make that would use owl fabric that would be useful and 2) She received a set of beautiful placements at one of her bridal showers that I was at, so I knew she was a placement person :)

Then I was off on the hunt for some owl fabric.  My fabric store options are fairly limited where I live, but I was able to find a fun owl print.  I know the back side doesn't really match, but I wanted something a little more toned down that her husband would also enjoy.

These placements were fun and simple to make.  Now that I've made a set for a friend, I just might have to make some for me with some fun holiday prints to add to my collection!

What you need:

• 3/4 yard of two coordinating fabrics
• 3/4 yard Pellon (or something stiffer to put in the middle)
• Matching tread

What you do:

Decide what size you want your placemats to be.  I wanted mine to be fairly standard size/on the larger side. 

Cut your fabric one inch larger than you want your finished placemat to be.  I wanted to use my entire 3/4 of a yard of fabric, so I cut 4 pieces 19x13 (for finished placemats 18 inches by 12 inches)

Place your two fabrics right sides facing in.  Lay the Pellon on top.  Pin around the edges.

Using a 1/2 inch seam allowance, sew around all four edges of your placemat.  Leave a 4 inch opening on one short side for turning.  (I know this seems like a big seam allowance, but you really do want it this big!)

Clip your corners (to give you crisp edges when your turn your placemats right side out).  Turn placemats right side out.

 Iron along your opening, pressing the edges in.

Top stitch, using a 1/4 inch seam allowance around all four edges.  This is why it was important to have a 1/2 inch seam allowance.  Top stitching will hold all of your layers in place, even with washing and will close the hole you used for turning. 

 You can also use a fancy or decorative stitch to topstich your edges, or stitch in a contrasting color.  If you want to try your hand at quilting, this would be a nice small project to work with.  Quilting the layers would help hold them in place through many washings, but is not necessary.

I hope you enjoy making your own placemats!  Either for yourself or as a gift.  If you have any questions, let me know.

Have a great day!

Linking Up:

Wednesday

Create and Share, Sugar and Spice, What I Whipped Up, Whatever Goes Wednesday, Show me what ya Got, Wow me Wednesday, {Wow Me} Wednesday, Cast Party, Your Whims Wednesday, Fluster's Creative Muster, Wednesday Whatsit, Show and Share, Dream to Reality, Wow Us Wednesday, A Little Bird Told Me, And Sew We Craft Together, We did it!, We Made that!, Two Girls and a Party
Thursday
Catch a Glimpse, Chic and Crafty, Thursday Favorite Things, Live Laugh Linky, Creative Princess, Share your Cup, , Linky Party, Link it Up, Made you Look, Inspiration in Progress, Blog Stalking, Wildly Original, Showcase your Talent, Somewhat Simple, Keep Calm and Link Up, Five Little Chefs, Lamberts Lately
Friday
Show and Tell Friday, Friday Favorites, Simply Create, Lovely Crafty Weekend, Weekend Wander, Weekend Show Off, Weekend Bloggy Reading, Flaunt it Friday, 504 Main, Friday Favs, Fancy This Friday, Flash Blog Friday, Finished Friday, Freedom Friday, Show off Friday, Happy Hour, Keep Calm and Link Up, Weekend Wonders, I'm loving it, Friday Favs, Pity Party, Dare to Share, F Friday, Craftionary Link Party, Do Something Crafty, Get Crafty, Shine on Friday!
Weekend
Weekend Wrap Up,  Saturday Spotlight, Strut Your Stuff, Check me Out , Show and Tell, Saturday Spotlight, Your Great Idea, Simply Sweet Saturday, Share it Saturday, Saturday Show and Tell, Craft Create Inspire, Sunday Showcase, Think Pink, Nifty Thrifty Sunday, Not Baaad Sunday, That DIY Party, Overflowing with Creativity Party, A Bouquet of Talent, Weekend Creative
Monday

A Round Tuit, Masterpiece Monday, Market Yourself Monday, Pink Hippo Party,Motivate Me Monday, Made by You Mondays, Made with Love, Craft-O-Manic Monday, Monday Funday, Sweet Sharing Monday, Marvelous Mondays, Make it Pretty, Mop It Up Monday, Busy Monday, I gotta try that, Mad Skills
Tuesday
Anti-Procrastination Tuesday, Homemade Tuesday, Nifty Thrifty Tuesday, Take a Look Tuesday, Too Cute Tuesday, One Project at a Time, Tasteful Tuesday, Tell me Tuesday, Trick or Treat Tuesday, Whatcha Whipped Up, Tuesday Talent Show, Two Cup Tuesday, Memories by the Mile, Totally Tasteful Tuesdays, Tuesday Confessional, Time for You Tuesday, Gathering Spot, Take it On Tuesday, You're Gonna Love it Tuesday, All my Bloggy Friends, Tuesday to Do, Pin it Tuesday

Tweet

Twice baked Squash

I can't believe we are already into November!  Where is this fall going?  Actually, I'm glad we are having fall weather.  The trees along the river have been beautiful and the weather has been pretty decent, if a little cloudy.  I'm just glad we have had some true fall weather and didn't go straight from summer to winter like we sometimes do.

Today I've got another great fall recipe for you to take advantage of seasonal produce.  Last week I shared with you a simple apple crisp recipe and today I have this great side dish of twice baked squash.  Enjoy!

Ingredients

• 1 lb acorn squash
• 1 tablesppon butter or margaine
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspponn cinnaomon

Directions

Wash the squash and cut it in half.  Scoup out the innards and seeds.  Place the squash on a baking sheet or in a baking pan.  Bake at 350 degrees for one hour. 

Remove from oven and let cool 10 minutes.

Scoup out the flesh of the squash and add the butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon.  Mash with a potato masher. 

Place into a baking dish, and return to oven for 15 minutes.

*Note - The squash I used in this recipe was very small and only provided a big enough serviing for one.  This is the first time I have made this recipe, next time I will get a larger squash and adjust the butter/brown sugar/cinnamon accordingly.



 <-- Click on the Magic button for nutrition information and a printer friendly version


Linking up:
 Monday
A Round Tuit, Masterpiece Monday, Market Yourself Monday,  Recipe Sharing Monday, Melt in Your Mouth Monday, Motivate Me Monday, Made by You Mondays, Made with Love, Craft-O-Manic Monday, Monday Funday, Meal Time Monday, Sweet Sharing Monday, Marvelous Mondays, Mix it Up Mondays, Make it Pretty, Mop It Up Monday, Busy Monday, I gotta try that

TuesdayAnti-Procrastination Tuesday, Homemade Tuesday, Nifty Thrifty Tuesday, Take a Look Tuesday, Too Cute Tuesday, One Project at a Time, Tasteful Tuesday, Tell me Tuesday, Trick or Treat Tuesday,Tuesday Talent Show, Two Cup Tuesday, Memories by the Mile, Totally Tasteful Tuesdays, Tuesday Confessional, Time for You Tuesday, Gathering Spot, Take it On Tuesday, You're Gonna Love it Tuesday, All my Bloggy Friends, Tuesday to Do, Pin it Tuesday, Tasty Tuesday
Wednesday
Create and Share, Sugar and Spice, What I Whipped Up, Whatever Goes Wednesday, Show me what ya Got, Lil Luna, Wow me Wesdnesday, {Wow Me} Wednesday, Cast Party, Recipe Roundup, Your Whims Wednesday, What's Cooking Wednesday, Fluster's Creative Muster, Wednesday Whatsit, Show and Share, Dream to Reality, Wow Us Wednesday, What We Wore, Read, and Made, Whatcha Work-Up, A Little Bird Told Me,
Thursday
Catch a Glimpse, Full Plate Thursday, Chic and Crafty, Thursday Favorite Things, Live Laugh Linky, Creative Princess, Share your Cup, Keep Calm and Link Up, Blooming Linky Party, Link it Up, Made you Look, Inspiration in Progress, Blog Stalking, Wildly Original, Showcase your Talent, Somewhat Simple, Creat it Thursday, Fantastic Thursday, Inspire Us Thursday, Weekly Creative, All Things Pretty
Friday
Weekend re-Treat, Foodie Friday, Show and Tell Friday, Friday Favorites, Simply Create, Lovely Crafty Weekend,  Weekend Wander, Weekend Show Off, Weekend Bloggy Reading, Flaunt it Friday, 504 Main, Friday Favs, Fancy This Friday, Flash Blog Friday, Finished Friday, Freedom Friday, Show off Friday, Happy Hour, Keep Calm and Link Up, Weekend Wonders,
Weekend
Weekend Wrap Up, Strut Your Stuff, Check me Out , Show and Tell, Saturday Spotlight, Great Ideas, Your Great Idea, Share it Saturday, Saturday Sunday Showcase, Think Pink, Nifty Thrifty Sunday, Not Baaad Sunday, Scrumptious Sunday Recipe Link Party, That DIY Party,Overflowing with Creativity Party, A Bouquet of Talent, Will Cook for Smiles 

Tweet