Homemade Gift: 3 (2012)

Remember that one time in 2012 that I decided to give five homemade gifts to Facebook friends?  Yeah, me neither.  Okay, I kid.  I actually did get this project done in December and gave it to the recipient within the correct time frame.

Jessica is a pretty crafty person, so I had to think of something she wouldn't just make for herself.  I found the tutorial for these blocks on Shanty 2 Chic.  This blog showcases very inexpensive projects- but usually involves tools (simple as they may be) that I don't have.  Luckily this one involved steps I could take without having to purchase anything huge.

 

 What I purchased at Home Depot: wood (employee cut it down for me), sanding block, primer, paint (samples that were marked down), foam brushes, upholstery tacks

What I had: cloth, felt for flower backing, fabric glue, handmade paper

I took the photographs at a family birthday party and printed them on handmade paper from porridge papers.  The paper soaked up the ink pretty well, but I love the textures in it, as it adds to the worn feel of the blocks.  Instead of painting the letters, I ran the cloth through the inkjet printer.  Meaning- Ben helped me tape the cloth to light cardboard and mess with the computer and printer until it ran through correctly.

Thank you, Shanty Sisters!!

El Zorro

It really caught me by surprise.  I was catching up on reading some favorite blogs, and found this Animal Love: Fox post on Design Sponge.   The next thing I knew, I was entranced.  The first item that did it for me was the scarf.  Never mind that it was $85 (yes, was!  I just saw it finally went on sale- but is not available anymore.  Boo!).  Never mind that some of the other items were less than appealing.  My obsession with foxes began.

This is definitely something I wanted to keep quiet at first, for fear I might start receiving any and all fox items.  I honestly don't know how long this little obsession will last, but for now I am content with the two items I do have:

I absolutely could not resist buying this calendar set as a present to myself (Christmas money!).  I love the appropriate monthly illustrations and text.  The 4x6 card is on a magnet board right above the right compy so I can see it anytime from my seat.

 I found this little treat at Gingiber's Shop on Etsy.

Amanda gave me this towel for Christmas - and I literally shrieked when I opened it.  The copper color, the simple yet whimsical shape, the fact that I can hang it in my kitchen and see it all the time; I appreciate everything about it!  

Amanda purchased it at faces are funny on etsy.com.