~Handcrafters' Holidays Blog Meme~

I have really enjoyed the Sew, Mama, Sew! blog, and the month of November has been especially fun over there since they have been posting links to tutorials the entire month. I have gotten so many ideas for new projects!

They created a meme for their readers to participate in, so here's mine:

Gifts

Do you have a favorite gift that you love to give?

I have literally made hundreds of cross bookmarks. They fit perfectly into a card, and it makes a nice little surprise for a thank you note or a "thinking of you" note.

If you’re making gifts this year, what are you making? (Post photos if you have some!)

Oh, how I would love to post pictures of some of the gifts I'm giving, but my family reads my blog! I will say though, that one of my sisters is getting something that I'm making from one of the tutorials posted this month over at SMS!

Do you have any good stories about handcrafted gifts you’ve given or received?

Being a handcrafter myself, I rarely get handcrafted gifts. However, a few years back, a lady who had just learned to crochet gave me a little doily that she made. I was really touched by this gift, because she knew that I crocheted doilies as well, and had been making them for years before her. It was so much fun to receive! So don't be afraid to give your handmade items as gifts!

Name one thing on your personal wish list.

I would love to get a subscription to Interweave Knits.

Do you make and sell things that would make fantastic gifts? (Link)

I have a little Etsy shop that I've been stocking with goodies lately! All of my items would make great gifts, but I'm especially pleased with my aprons. This apron was made with fabric and a pattern from SMS.

You can visit my shop by clicking here.

Traditions

What is your favorite family holiday tradition?

I have seven sisters and one brother, which makes for a lot of people (!) but every Christmas, we take all our gifts to my mom's parents, and open everything there. It is a long process, pretty much only one person opening at a time. Everyone gets everyone a gift, no matter the budget they might have. It is so much fun!

What do you love most about the holiday season?

The beautiful music!

What do you like least about the holiday season?

The commercialism!!!

Anyone close to your heart that you’ll be missing this year?

My great grandmother, who passed away last Christmas Eve. She was a wonderful, godly lady!

What is your favorite holiday food?

I love so many of the holiday foods, but one of my very favorites is my grandma's peppernuts (a German specialty-- a tiny, spicy cookie that is crunchy). She knows I like love them, and she usually sends me home with a Ziploc full. Grandmas are the best! *Smiles*

Do you have a great recipe to share?
This is very easy and yummy! You'll need almond bark (either chocolate or vanilla flavored) and then mix together equal amounts of: pretzels, almonds or another favorite nut, and rice chex. Melt your almond bark, and coat your pretzel mix thoroughly. Spread out in a thin layer to harden. After the almond bark is completely hardened, break apart and it's ready to eat!