holidays

Gifts for Crafters and Makers

This list of gifts for crafters could also be titled Things I’ve Bought, Things I Want (hat tip to Kim France). I hope you find it inspiring. I’ve limited it to small, independent stores and creators as much as possible.

Christmas Gnome Ornaments: Free Pattern

These gnome Christmas ornaments are a great easy, indoor project when you need a quick win. Sometimes you just need something you can finish in an hour, just to get that quick dopamine hit — so many things in our lives complicated and drawn out. And what’s not to love about gnomes, am I right?!

Christmas Crafts and Decorations

For me, one of the best ways to stay grounded and find meaning around the holidays is through making Christmas crafts and decorations. I especially like decorations and ornaments that are made from simple or natural materials — a wreath made from fresh cuttings, a dried orange garland, a felt ornament with hand embroidery.

Molasses Cookie Recipe (Very Easy)

This molasses cookie recipe has been in my family FOREVER. I’ve been making them since I was a wee cutey pie, as has my daughter (they’re her favorite). They are so delicious but so unfussy. Sometimes they come out crispy, sometimes chewy, sometimes puffy, sometimes flat — they are always delicious because of that molasses-ginger-cinnamon-clove magic!

Dried Orange Garland: Homemade Christmas Decoration

Sometimes the simplest form is the best. Dried orange slices are nature’s little stained glass windows. When you have something so beautiful, why gild the lily? This simple orange garland is a quick craft for a cold, dark, wintery afternoon or evening.

How To Make Beautiful Paper Lanterns

I love making these origami paper lanterns for celebrations and holidays. I show you how to make these lanterns out of watercolor paper in the video below. Follow along step-by-step — they are actually quite easy to make!