Posts Tagged ‘homemade gifts’

Homemade Holiday Gifts: Yogi Eye Pillows

Posted on December 22nd, 2011 by Tonia 2 Comments

We’re down to the wire, folks! Christmas is right around the corner. If you’re still struggling to think of a good gift for a friend or relative, here’s another quick and simple project that you can accomplish in about a half hour and will delight your yoga-practicing pals {or anyone who enjoys some quiet time to themselves in the bath, in bed, or in the hammock once in a while}: eye pillows!

My mom is a yoga instructor and she made an eye pillow for each of her students a couple years ago. She used a beautiful silky fabric that was just heavenly. This project uses very little fabric, so it’s a perfect way to use up scraps or maybe re-purpose an old shirt {soft, worn-in fabric would feel so lovely over the eyes.}

I found two great tutorials. The first one is very simple and the second one is a bit more complicated. Personally, I am a little sensitive to lavender, so I will be filling mine with other lovely scents. It’s a highly personalize-able project, which makes it really fun. Have at it!

Homemade Holiday Gifts: Headbands

Posted on December 15th, 2011 by Tonia 6 Comments

It has been a regular ol’ Santa’s workshop around here lately! I am crafting up a storm. Yesterday I made six of these puppies:

Here’s the tutorial I followed. I wear a headband like this almost every day. It’s probably my favorite accessory and is especially handy when my bangs are in the annoying growing-out stage, or when I’m camping and haven’t washed my hair for days. I am so glad I learned how to make this kind of headband and I hope that my girlfriends who receive them will find them as handy and as cute as I do.

Hope your gift-making is going well! We’re getting down to the wire!

Homemade Holiday Gifts: Tea & Mug

Posted on December 6th, 2011 by Tonia 3 Comments

How are you all coming along on your gift-making? I’m starting to bite my nails and cross my fingers that I get all my projects done in time for Christmas!

This week I’m making tea packets {via this tutorial on one of my favorite blogs} and hand-painted mugs {via this tutorial on another awesome blog} to give to neighbors and friends.

I think it’s going to be a cozy and relaxing craft, and I’m excited to sample my tea concoction {to make sure it tastes good….} Good luck with your projects!

Homemade Holiday Gifts: Sugar Scrub

Posted on November 18th, 2011 by Tonia 5 Comments

It’s that time of year when we start thinking about what we’re going to give our loved ones for Christmas, Hanukkah, etc. Mike and I love to give and receive handmade gifts because the thought and time put into them make them so meaningful, they’re always one-of-a-kind, and usually it’s more economical than going to the store and buying something.

I’d love to hear what some of you are working on, and I’ll be sharing my gift ideas as well occasionally between now and Christmas.

First up, Jess asked me to share a recipe for homemade sugar scrub- a perfect gift for anyone! It’s all-natural, luxurious, and makes your body silky smooth by exfoliating and moisturizing.

It’s pretty inexpensive to make, but I would recommend splurging a little on a high-quality olive oil so you get the benefit of the most antioxidants possible. Cheap olive oil is more likely to be rancid, expired, or over-processed. I used Lucero Extra Virgin Olive Oil. They’re family-owned and operated and take the art of making olive oil very seriously.

Use equal parts brown sugar and white sugar {about 1/4 cup each for a 6 oz. jar} Fill to the top with olive oil, covering the sugars by an extra 1/2 inch.

Optional: Add 1-2 Tbs of vanilla extract for flavor, a couple drops of your favorite essential oil {something that you know your recipient is not allergic or sensitive to}, or 2-4 Tbs lemon juice for a scrub that lightens dark/age spots on skin.

Wrap it up pretty with a piece of scrap fabric and a ribbon. Done! Easiest gift ever! Thanks for the idea, Jess!