Creative Guest...One Pretty Thing

Hi everyone! This is Rachel Klein from One Pretty Thing. Thanks so much to Kari from Ucreate for letting me jump in with a guest post while she's away!

Summer is here and longer days mean more time for crafting! Why not take advantage of those extra hours by getting a jump on the year's handmade Christmas presents? I've picked out ten tutorials that would make excellent holiday gifts. Start now and by the time December rolls around your list will be a lot lighter!


Double knit skit cap pattern from The Blue Blog Patterns

The men on your list will love this extra warm ski hat. Start now and you can cast one on for all the brothers, Dads and grandparents in your life. Don't know how to knit? Sign up for a class over the summer! With just a couple months of practice you'll be able to master some lovely beginner's patterns that make wonderful gifts. Looking for a giftable woman's hat? Try this luxurious cashmere pattern on The Purl Bee.


Reversible rick-rack napkins from Film in the Fridge

These are great for whole-family gifts, moms, grandparents, domestic divas and entertaining enthusiasts. The rick-rack adds an extra special touch and I love that you can use two complimentary fabrics. I'll be sewing up big batches for the extended family on my lists. They'll look so nice wrapped in tissue paper and tied with leftover rick-rack!


Money soap from Inspired Ideas

This is such a fun project! It's always daunting to try a soap kit for the first time but if you give it a shot now you'll be able to relax and enjoy the process. This is a fun way to give money to kids and grand kids, plus its a creative stocking stuffer for adults as well!


Margaret sling bag from Oh, Fransson!

This is one of my all-time favorite bag tutorials and is is oh so giftable for women and teens. Roomy enough to carry it all, long enough to sling over the shoulder and a classic style-this bag has it all. There is plenty of time to choose special fabrics and buttons for all the ladies on your list.


Doodle purse from MaCK Creations

I love this bag! It's MaCK's very own design and perfect to accompany kids in the car, to Grandma's or to a friend's, all while holding their art supplies nice and neat. Multiple kids on your list? Pick out custom fabric for each child and whip out a big batch assembly line style!


No-knit scarf from Martha Stewart

There are so many things I love about this scarf. It's the perfect way for the non-knitter to give a gorgeous fiber gift, the pattern is very easy to master and simple enough that you can make one for everyone you know. It makes a heartfelt yet inexpensive gift for teachers, mail carriers, co-workers and friends. Last year I made twenty of them and used them to to wrap gift boxes. They were a huge hit! This scarf is also a great one to make with kids. If your child is looking for a gift for a teacher or friend, start practicing now and by summer's end they'll have a stack of wonderful gifts they'll be proud of!


Felted sweaters baby quilt on Make Baby Stuff

This sweet blanket is perfect for the new mom or baby on your list. Sure to become an heirloom, you've got plenty of time to start hunt the perfect wool sweaters and to add an embroidered message to a new family member.


Coffee cozy from The Small Object

This is my favorite coffee cozy pattern because it uses Velcro and fits any cup! These cozy's are wonderful if your child has a gaggle of teachers and coaches and you'd like to give everyone a handmade thank-you they're sure to use. Cozy's are great to make in bulk and for an extra special touch you can add a homemade label with a special logo or saying. I like this label tutorial from Maya Made.


Bookmark/reading glasses case combo from A Room of One's Own

What I love about this is that you can gift it to a grandparent to hold reading glasses, or to the student to hold pens and other study supplies. If you're giving a special book, this completes the package. Don't forget to stuff a candy cane into the pocket before gifting!


Pillow case wth jcaroline creative
Try team fabric for the football fan, beloved characters for kids or favorite colors for teens.

These are practical a well as fun and can be easily made for everyone on your list!

Bonus-

Every year I like to pick one special handmade extra to whip up in bulk and attach to packages. Start now and you'll be able to add these little extras to the outside of everyone's gift!


Zakka Life's princess wands are perfect for topping little girl's gifts.


These felted stones on Design Sponge are fun conversation pieces on men's gifts.


Oh So Crafty's haute coture flower pins dress up women's packages.


And Little Birdie Secret's felt mustache is perfect for little boys!

I hope you're inspired to get a jump on handmade holidays!