A Handmade Christmas

This year for Christmas, I wanted to make as many of the gifts as I could. I had special ideas for all the girls on Jesse's side of the family and I love how each one turned out! I just wish I would have remembered to take photos of the recipients with their gifts! But luckily I did remember to take pictures before I gave them :)

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Jesse's mom recently purchased a home! She had the fun idea to name her new place "The Hen House"...I love it! So I made her a sign that is perfect for her new home :)

I cut it out of wood with my laser and made the wing a separate piece. I painted the wing orange (to match her kitchen!) and engraved the words on the wing. I then glued it together and added a hanger on the back. She loved it!

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For Jesse's sister-in-law, I made a large 8x10 picture frame with all their names on it. I put their last name on the top and all of their first names along the bottom. This frame matches their other home decor perfectly, so she loved it :)

For Jesse's other sister-in-law I made a super cute Double Name Album! Of course I had a lot of fun making this one since it's in my favorite colors :)

I did a mix of fun/summer/party pages as well as couple/love pages. It turned out great and of course, she loved it :)

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Did you make any handmade gifts this year? Tell me all about them!

On Santa's Nice List

I must have been on Santa's nice list this year, because my Secret Santa brought me some great gifts!!!

The Blogging Business Artisans Team celebrated Christmas with a secret santa gift exchange and we had so much fun! I want to send a special thanks to my Santa today, Athena, and tell her how happy I am with my gifts!!! Check out these goodies!

Bath Soap...in my FAVORITE scent...Vanilla!

Beautiful earrings in my FAVORITE color...Pink!

Athena purchased these beauties from another team mate, MysticWynd, and I just ♥ them!

Wanna see what everyone else got? And what I gave? Check out all the posts HERE!

Thanks again Athena :)

Friday Features - Graduation

Graduation time is here again! How exciting for these graduates to be moving on to the next stages of their lives, be it college, grad school or work. A new life awaits!

As you know, I'm partial to gifts involving photos :) I love to make scrapbooks as gifts and personalized gifts are always on the top of my list. I searched Etsy and found awesome photo gifts that would be great for any grad!

Graduation Gift, Personalized Custom Picture Frame Gift

by YourPictureStory

Unique graduation centerpiece block set

by dwdoublemintdesigns

Graduation Gift - Personalized Plaque

by janetarizona

Congrats to all the grads out there :)

Friday Features - Great gifts for $5

With Cinco de Mayo yesterday, my mind has been stuck on 5's! Today I wanted to share with you some items that you can get for just $5! Every one deserves to buy themselves a gift or two now and then, but we seem to be the last people we buy for! At prices like these, you won't feel guilty and won't break the bank! Heck, get one of each :)

Engraved Wood Magnets - Floral Mix - Set of 4

by memoriesforlifesb

Butterfly Pink Ribbon Necklace

by LizsWares

PDF Pattern Ruffle Twirl Skirt

by NicoDesigns

Pink Ribbon Coffee Sleeve, Breast Cancer Awareness - Hot Chocolate

by magnoliasurprise

Now go treat yourself :)

Gifts for Baby

Everyone loves to give a unique and special gift to a new baby and parents. I love giving my albums as gifts as I know no one else will give one too :) I recently relisted these Baby's First Year Calendar Albums with new photos! They give the new parents space to write about baby's firsts and a layout for each month of the baby's first year. There is also an intro page and a growth chart to complete the albums.

Baby Girl's First Year Scrapbook Photo Album Calendar

Scrapbook Photo Album Calendar - Baby Boy's First Year

(Update...this album sold before I got my blog posted...YAY! I hope to make more soon!)

I also offer 4x6 Baby Photo Albums for the busy mom who wants a special gift that she can quickly add her photos to. And my Custom Baby Name Albums are the most personalized gift you can give :) Make Mommy and Daddy happy with a gift the new baby can cherish for years to come!