Tuesday

{HomeSpun Christmas Gifts from Kids}

My kids are getting into the Christmas spirit.  They are at an age where they understand it's not just about the getting.

They are finding that the giving is good too.

Idea #1 Personalized Recipe Towel (written and drawn by kids)

I found the most fabulous idea for one of their Grandma's who loves cooking (and she's without internet, so I'm free to share).

And since my kids love to eat her delicious recipes, I thought this was perfect:

A kitchen towel with one of her recipes (from my kid's perspective)!

Art Projects for Kids I found this idea at Wonder Time. You can read their version (with instructions) here.

After my kids wrote their hilarious version of Nanny's Gravy and Cinnamon Bread, I scanned their artwork and printed it onto iron-on transfer from a craft store.

I have to say my first attempt was an utter DIY failure. I couldn't find a print shop to make the transfers (per the  Wonder Time instructions) , so I decided to make my own transfers. I went thru an entire package before reading the instructions because I'm smart like that.  But after another visit to the store, I had better luck. 

The transfers worked like a charm (just don't forget to reverse the image before printing).

I bought flour sack cloths in the kitchen towel section of Wal Mart. These are just large cotton white hand towels (5 towels for $4.50).  They worked really well.

I put two recipes on each kitchen towel.

I used Stitch Witchery and ironed festive ribbon around the bottom of the towel.

And I can't wait to se my mother-in-law's face when she reads them!


Idea #2 Personalized Paper Weight

I saw this cute idea in the December issue of GooberPatch magazine and thought it would make a perfect gift for Dad or a teacher.

And it's easy enough for my kids to do all by themselves!

Grab a glass ashtray, photos, and stickers.

Glue the photos behind the glass, add stickers to personalize and that's it!

Join Kimba for a fun Holiday Open House!




18 comments:

Anonymous said...
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Tammy said...

Such cute ideas, Kristen! Someone will be very pleased on Christmas morning over those custom towels.

And I am still loving the Christmas Tree tour!

Anonymous said...

What cute ideas! I can't wait until my kids are old enough to draw something legibly. At this point it would just be a big scribbly blob.

Thanks for sharing!

Catherine said...

Great ideas! I love the towels.

Janet said...

Great ideas! I love the paperweight.

Stacy White said...

I am sooo doing the towel thing this weekend. My boys were both kept by my MIL before they were in school. The hardest part will be to get them to narrow down their favorite recipe! Thanks for sharing!

Unknown said...

Great inspiration as always :)

Tanya said...

LOVE the towel idea!! So cute. I'll have to remember it for when my kids are a little older and can write their own stories.

Anonymous said...

I love all these ideas. Keep them coming.
When all of the grandkids were much younger, we traced their hands on a dish towel and stitched over the tracing. As the families all live in separate states, this required mailing, but it was a big hit for Grandma!

Happy Mommy said...

I love the Christmas towel idea! Very cool!

Suzie said...

I love the towels great idea

Kasey said...

I really like the towel idea. I just might have to use that one.

Unknown said...

What awesome ideas! I love the snow on your blog -- so Christmasy!

Musings of a Housewife said...

That is SUCH a great idea!!! Love it. Now if I were just craftsy enough to try it. My poor kids are so deprived.

Unknown said...

Those are such cute ideas! I bet your kids had fun with those too!

Help a family very dear to my heart have a memorable Christmas. It only takes a stamp!http://www.three-peas.com/2008/12/operation-christmas-card.html

Holly said...

Great ideas! Thanks, I'll tuck them away for the future.

Anonymous said...

Cute ideas! I love the paperweight one!

Manuela

Erin said...

I love the tea towel idea - I'm so stealing it some time :)