Budget-Friendly Gifts

This time of year seems to be hard on the almighty dollar. I find gifts are becoming more expensive each year. I find the most important and most appreciated gifts are ones where the recipient feels this gift was made just for them. I tend to pick out one thing the person I am buying for really loves. For example, I love owls, so for me, I would pick out something that has an owl associated with the gift. Like this Woodland Owl Necklace or try my hand at making a cute Owl Brooch like this one found on Etsy. Tap into what they like, collect or appreciate and go from there. You can find any type of gift for a collector, just a bit of searching is all you need.
For the group gift, like co-workers, where you need to make a lot but have to pinch pennies, try a bulk gift, like Snowman Soup or DIY art on dollar store mugs for the creative artists out there. If you are more into giving a gift that would fill a belly (or an easy, fun treat for a holiday party), try making Girl Scout Cookie Samoas Bark, Santa Bread, or Golden Grahams S'mores Bars. I find that baked goods always end up being a great gift overall for those hard to pick for. Just a word of caution - some people have food allergies and you might want consider that before making a yummy treat they cannot enjoy.
Some of my favorite DIY gifts are the Reindeer Guiness, DIY Frosted Glasses, and DIY Ornament. All easy to make and super cheap to do and all great ideas for those on your list.

Remember, some of the best gifts are those straight from the heart. Happy Holidays & Happy Gifting!

Jewlery Kits & Christmas Gifts

The holidays are proving to be quite a busy time of year for the both of us. We are leaving shortly to pay a visit to Frog Legs' family for the holidays,  but before we go, we have been busy making and shopping for gifts. This is a great time of year to be crafty. All over the place, we have seen great DIY ideas for home decor, gifts and other decorations. And, we are excited to try our hand at it as well.
I decided first hand that I wanted to try my hand at making jewlery. I figured it was a good project to learn a vast amount of skills and still be able to make some pretty amazing gifts. I went to a local craft store and picked up this amazing kit. I will be sure to post photos soon of the finished projects. Let's just say, they are not so bad once you get a bit of practice in.
Meanwhile, Frog Legs has been busy with his hand at crocheting and knitting. He wants to make some awesome scarves for his family. They look similar to this pattern - however, he is trying to make them a lot bulkier, considering his family lives where it is quite cold.