I'm A Little Frantic This Holiday Season

As you can probably tell from the title I'm getting stressed out already about Christmas. Mostly because I don't know what to get anyone and even if I did I don't exactly have a lot to spend.

I decided the best thing to do was to get crafty and make some stuff. This could either turn out well or people are going to think that I'm not only cheap but that I give horrible gifts. I'm aiming towards "quirky" or "creative". So here are some ideas for crafts I already made (in case you're wondering) and other gifts I'm going to try this year. I do have to warn you that I go a little loopy here. I'm not apologizing or anything I'm just giving you fair warning. The holidays make me crazy.

Burlap & Canvas

I made my sister-in-law a canvas picture of her kids and burlap table runner using stuff I found at Walmart.

For the burlap runner: Burlap, black fabric paint, stencil (or make one using a piece of plastic, a X-Acto knife, and a google image search), sponge paint brush

Directions: I cut the burlap to the appropriate size and made a stencil. Then I put it where I wanted it to go, sponged on the paint and bam! Done! Just let it dry.

For the canvas: 8x10 canvas, transfer paper, printer, iron, Mod Podge (I used matte finish), small paint brush

Directions: Find a picture you like, print it on to transfer paper, and iron it on. Once cool, brush Mod Podge over it. I'm not really sure why I did that last part so you could probably skip it. It worked for me so... I'm just guessing here. Give it some rational thought and decide for yourself. I'm not the boss of you!

Other Stuff You Could Totally Make

I got the idea to make some food and drinks to hand out as gifts. They sound like they could be difficult but I don't think they will be. I'm mostly excited for the infused vodkas because alcohol.

Country Living has a slideshow of 29 Homemade Food Gifts that I'm interested in. Specifically the flavored salts and maybe some Espresso-Flavored Sugar Cubes or Tart-Cherry and Dark-Chocolate Bars. I'm going to look like Martha F-ing Stewart!

Speaking of Martha Stewart, there were also some ideas on her website. Like infused vodka. It's happening, bitches, and I don't even like vodka! I'm going to buy some vodka and throw some strawberries in that shit!

Photo from marthastewart.com

Sorted (British Youtube channel) also has some ideas for food you can give as gifts. I like the recipe for Spiced Nuts and Marinated Olives. They have other great ideas, too!

As I try these I'll try to remember to let you know how they turn out. I'm hoping they turn out well! If you try any let me know how they turn out for you!