Hand made christmas gifts...

 

I haven't had a chance to sort through my photos from Christmas day yet, so in the mean time I thought I'd show you some of the gifts I made this year.  I love hand making my gifts, as it forces me to slow down and really think about each of the recipients during the creative process.  This year I was a little pressed for time so I had to keep things simple.  Our new kitchen bench was installed in the week before christmas which meant we didn't have a stove or kitchen sink until Christmas eve so I really had to minimise my baking plans.  Likewise, my sewing time was limited as we were plastering and painting the room I normally work in.  Here is a look at what I did manage to put together...

This is a simple little reversible bag I made.  The shape was inspired by a bag I got many years ago from Douglas and Hope.  It's made with silk I salvaged from a kimono and has a reversible mustard interior.  Minty is my hand model showing how it loops over to be carried!

 

This apron for my sister was made with a lovely printed Japanese cotton.  I lined the apron to give it some extra weight.  It does have a pocket but it's camouflaged in these photos!!

 

I also made this apron for my folks, along with some matching linen/cotton blend tea towels.  I paired it with a plait of lovely organic locally grown garlic.

 

I made a pot of spoon oil for my mother-in-law.  I use this beeswaxy goodness to oil my wooden spoons and chopping blocks.  You can find a recipe for spoon oil here.  This was gifted along with another apron and garlic plait.

This year's sweet treats included hazelnut truffles (I used this recipe) and maple bacon peanut brittle (not pictured but you can find the recipe here).