Are you having a handmade holiday?

Sooooooo I was wondering something...are you going handmade this holiday season? I know that it's difficult to go completely handmade--especially with kids wanting every flashing, twinkling gadget and doohickey out there, and the bright and shiny bits and bobs that entice you to part with your paycheck... It's certainly easier to go shopping and be done with it, but there are so many great ideas out there that would make wonderful handmade gifts for co-workers and friends. For example:

Coffee cozies from House on Hill Road (tutorial here)

A handmade cozy and a cafe gift card would make a nice gift for the hot beverage lover in your life. I rarely buy coffee, but I would love to receive one of these anyway (I'm a sucker for adorable little gifts that are totally functional. I would probably start buying coffee just so I could use it. True story. Ask my mom. I totally would).

The famous gathered clutch over at Noodlehead (free tutorial- -there's also a pattern with more info and ideas for sale)

This super-easy yet super-adorable clutch pattern is a great gift for the ladies. Half of the fun is selecting the fabrics. I have some coordinating fat-eighths that would be perfect for these.

The Patchfolio pattern at Craft Apple 

This baby can liven up any meeting (ok, that's an exaggeration. I hate meetings. But it's still super-adorable).

 The Baguette Clutch Purse Kit from none other than u-handbag

You can't go wrong with anything you buy from Lisa--her purse kits come with almost all the fixin's, and she stocks tons of frames, hooks, rings, fabrics, patterns, and anything else you need to make bags. You can gift the kit or make it and gift the finished product. She's a sweetie--totally accessible if you have any issues or questions, and her instructions are written so you think you've got a pal sitting next to you helping you out. OK, plug over. I heart her and her site.

I'm wanting to make all of these--they're great for using up scraps and strips that you can't bear to throw away, and nothing says loving like handmade.

One other thing I found: free downloadable software for making bags, hats, and other stuff. I downloaded it this evening and it appears pretty easy to use. There are all kinds of different patterns--click what you want and the pieces show up for printing. I haven't figured out the scaling and sizing part yet, but it looks like you can customize that, as well as pockets and stuff. There's also a sewing help section that tells you what to do. A lot is left open to imagination regarding interfacings, embellishments, etc. But if you don't want to shell out the bucks for ready-made patterns and you don't have the time to sit and draft your own, you might want to give this a whirl. It's free and takes up minimal memory so you have nothing to lose. And it could certainly help you with your holiday crafting.

So what are your handmade plans for these here holidays? I need ideas so share away!

My giveaway ends Thursday--if you haven't entered click here for the details!