Making cards and gifts for the holidays takes some planning. Since I’m organized at heart, I start thinking about it early in the year. When I was young and broke, I made all my holiday gifts. Life got busier and I fell out of the habit. When my boys were young, I didn’t have the time or the energy. I’ve come full circle this year (for the most part). I’m trying to make my cards and a few small gifts. Alternatively, it’s fun to buy from craft fairs. I enjoy supporting artisans in my community.
Mini Photo Fold-Out Album
Last spring I attended a mini-workshop lead by designer Karen Phillips. Karen is a paper crafter and Creative Memories consultant. She designed a charming, pocket-sized photo album which she sells in kits. She lead us through the process of creating our own.
I’ve made two so far, one in pink with pearl accents, and the purple mini album pictured below (with a floral theme, of course!)
We like to show our appreciation for the boy’s teachers at the holidays with a small gift. I plan to make a few of these to include with a monetary gift card.
Cosmo Seed Cards
Late summer, when the Cosmos were in full bloom, I collected seeds from the prolific flowers. Cosmos are easy to grow under many conditions. They brought me such pleasure. I wanted to share their beauty with others. I made seed packets using glassine envelopes from The Paper Source. I designed a card using digital software, a cute little five-sided fold out. It’s the perfect size. I’m waiting for the 20% off sale before placing my order. Stay tuned for the completed project.
So many of you are crafty souls. Are you planning on making gifts for the upcoming holidays?
Gardening Nirvana 
I would love to but I haven’t come up with any great ideas (like this one) So pretty!!!
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These are great teacher gifts, Betsy. You could buy some of Karen’s kits, then come over one afternoon and we can make some together.
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I love it Alys! Karen’s idea is fabulous, isn’t it?
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Her ideas are fantastic! I sent her a copy of this blog. I wonder if she has a link to her other designs?
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That’s so cute Alys, I really like how it folds out horizontally. Have you seen the Garden Totems at Gardensunshine.wordpress? I’ve started to look for bits and pieces to put together a couple of those as gifts…..I’d like to use some vintage things in them. I also have 1 more ball of yarn for a twisty scarf and must get that finished too. I admittedly have far more projects than I have time LOL. You never know what catches my fancy next.
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Oh, I know that feeling. I like knitting, sewing, paper crafts, gardening, decorating, digital scrapbooking, reading, writing…and the list goes on. On the other side of life I have dishes, laundry, dirty floors, beds to make, bills to pay, you know…all that glamorous stuff. Oh yeah, my part time job as an organizer, a blogger a mom and a wife. Did I mention the four cats? Crazy life, eh?
Yes, I’ve really enjoyed those garden totems and would love to try one myself. They are so clever!
I can’t wait to see your vintage vibe on one of them in a future post.
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I honestly don’t know how you manage it all with such gusto. I am so, so spoilt. I merely indulge my own schedule most of the time. You’ve really segwayed into the perfect profession. Ha, I know why you’re a fast walker now..it’s a necessity really.
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LOL! I will be “you” in a few more years, when my boys are young adults.
I’m glad you are enjoying your life. What could be better than that?
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It’s a great gig, you are going to love it!
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🙂 We can take vacations together. Paris anyone?
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oui absolument, ce serait magnifique 😀
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♥♥♥
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Great idea… and what a lovely idea for a gift, filled with memories!
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Thank you, PJ!
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I love the way the card turned out. I still have my “kit”, but have yet to make mine! I’ve been so busy with my own holiday cards…7 more to go…then I’ll have 60 completed for the year. They are all addressed. Now I just have to make the time to sign them all. That might even take longer. Better get started next weekend!
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Your cards are so beautiful. Congratulations on getting them close to finished.
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Thanks for saying so. You get to see all of them most of the time, so there is never any surprise for you ;0)
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I enjoy watching you make them. That part is fun for me.
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Alas, I’m “artsy” not “crafty”. When I had more time I used to design our holiday cards but I’ve had too much to do lately. I marvel at how much you accomplish!
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Artsy is good! By the way my sister is following you on Pinterest.
Thanks for the compliment!
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What a lovely gift and the colours are gorgeous. I have to get down to some serious crafting this weekend both for our church charity coffee morning craft stall and for Christmas.
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Wow you do have a lot to get done. It’s so much fun though, once you get down to it. What will you make?
I’m glad you like the colours. Purple, blues and greens are my favorites.
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