Turning one is a special occassion that requires a special gift. A little one in the family will be turning one soon. I decided to make a book of animals for her. It was simple, but time consuming with canvas pages, felt animals, embroidered details, and iron-on words. This was my first attempt at something like this. It has inspired me to make a series of books when I find the time. I want to do Barnyard Animals, Animals that Swim, Jungle Animals, and Things that Fly. I think it will be lots of fun!

Here is the result:

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Last week I talked about getting all my holiday crafting organized, remember?

I was able to get one item from my list almost finished!  The bunny for my niece is almost complete – I just have to embroider the face.  Anyone have tips on this?  I have NEVER done it before!

I love making handmade gifts!  It brings me joy to pour my energy and love into something that I craft just for someone special.  I feel the same way about cooking.  I truly enjoy doing these things for others.  I am so pleased that this year I have a little more time available to craft up something special for everyone.

For the ladies: I am knitting some of these washcloths for my sister and her fiancé, since they just bought their first house.  I have finished one (still needs to be blocked):

My SIL just began sewing again, so I am going to work on a pair of these adorable pincushions for her!

I have not decided yet what I am crafting for either of our Moms.  I need to … quick!  Any suggestions?

For the men: I am thinking about doing one or two of these box pouches for some of the men in the family (in manly fabric, of course).

My FIL loves being in their mountain home, but doesn’t get to go as often as I’m sure he would like.  So I decided to give him a print of a photo I took of their view last time we were there so that he could have the view from their main home as well.

My Dad is a hard one to craft for.  He has exquisite taste, so whatever I make, it will have to be good.  [Insert your ideas here ...]

My kids are each getting something handmade by me.  I was going to be ambitious and make a quilt, but with time running out I have decided to make that a BIG birthday gift (not sure which b-day yet).  My oldest DD (who is 8yo) has been wanting a sleep mask.  I found some great fabric and will be making it reversible (purple on one side, black damask on the other).  I don’t have a pattern for this, so I am going to have to make it up as I go.  If it is successful, I will be sure to share it here on the blog!

I am going to attempt to sew this ring stacker (by Heather Bailey) for the baby (who is 10 mos) – I am excited to try it out.

Whew!  Looking a this, I am realizing how much sewing, knitting, stuffing, printing, and overall crafting I really have to do!  I better get busy!

I love making handmade gifts!  It brings me joy to pour my energy and love into something that I craft just " data-image="http://hurriedhomemaker.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/029-442x768.jpg" data-site="Hurried Homemaker">