Handcrafted Wedding Gifts

I made a lot of our gifts this holiday season. I love a handmade gift, and I hope that the people who receive my gifts feel the love and heart that goes into each handcrafted item. A store bought gift is great, as are cash and gift cards. But there is nothing better than making something special for the people I love and appreciate the most. I like to put a lot of thought into each gift, to make sure it is designed especially for them and their needs. It gives that personal touch, that something extra that says... you mean the world to me. I LOVE that!

All the cousins draw names and then buy for each other. There are 17 grandkids, which means lots of noise, chaos, love, and laughter. I wouldn't want it any other way. One of the names we got was my niece who is getting married next week. I was so excited to make her some monogrammed, personalized things for her new married life! She got a full size journal with her initial, a set of cards with her new married monogram, a mini journal for her purse, and a family name frame.

I made several of these family name frames to give. They might be my new favorite thing to make! First I cut the paper to fit inside the frame. Then I cut out their last name, the initial, and the established date out of vinyl with my cricut. I applied the vinyl directly onto the front of the glass. That way she can change out the paper to match anything or any room when she wants a change. Easy peasy. I know the paper is a little busy and distracting, but I fell in love with this Amy Butler paper set and new it was perfect for Hannah. And really...can you go wrong with anything Amy Butler puts her name on??? I think not!

When she opened the journal she was so excited she had a wedding journal. I didn't even know there was such a thing, but apparently I made her one! I also made my boys' 4 teachers each a set of journals...one full size and a mini with a coordinating print. In my haste to finish them the night before the last day of school, I forgot to take pictures. So you'll just have to take my word that they were stinkin cute! And as you can see below, I also like to paper the inside covers of the journals. Again, it adds just a little extra touch of personal. Can you tell I'm really into the small details? It's a sickness that I suffer form daily.

I almost forgot to wish everyone a happy 2010. Here's to another great year and to the beginning of a fabulous decade full of surprises and adventure!





HAPPY NEW YEAR FRIENDS!!!!