Even the tree was handmade! (Kind of.)
The tree was actually once 8 feet tall and came with lights attached to it, but had been dismantled for a few uses. One was for our mini XMas tree, which my boyfriend made for me because our cats are too crazy for a normal tree. So, he grabbed a basket bucket out of the garage, stuck in some floral foam, & made a mini tree for us…
…after he made a gift for my teenage cousin. I was having a lot of trouble coming up with an idea for her; I know she likes peace signs, so he suggested he make a copy of the giant peace sign wreath he has hanging way up out front of the barn. So, he stripped all the lights off of several branches & wove the branches together to make a decoration I hope she enjoys for years to come. Maybe even throughout the year! Watching him make it was quite incredible; this man truly has the patience of a saint!
And he really loves to create. He browses the internet for all kinds of fun things to try. At work, he cut a few slices of wood to make a wall hanging, & blackboard notepad.


He got an old lightbulb from work, wrapped some copper wire around it, & made me a steampunk like earring display!

He made steampunk like stockings for his daughter & son in law. The pants used were from the local Salvation Army, we used bells from the Dollar Tree, & embellished one with a clock button & some chain, and the other with a handmade zipper butterfly & the decor from the bells.
I made some candles, which…I’m learning, lol. I think the wicks I have burn too quick for my soy wax. I also crocheted a really cute Batman plushie, but I don’t have a pic of it right now. I do, however, have lots of pictures of all the bracelets I made for my cousins…
These were made for my young cousins, a sister & brother (thus the similar styles, so they don’t argue haha)
Another sister & brother combo, both made with leather, for somewhat older kids. I really like how these came out!

And last but not least, my first men’s bracelet, made with leather & moonstone. I also really like how this one turned out.
Handmade items take thought, energy, and time.
And t
here were more that went around, including this cute fake tealight holder. (When the lights are off, it casts forest-like shadows on the walls!) I’d always wanted to make gifts, because I think it’s the right way to celebrate the holiday. Plus, I’m poor & trying to start a craft shop 😉 I’m really happy with everything, & I hope you enjoyed all these random ideas. Stay tuned, I’ll hopefully be opening up shop soon…!


