Homemade Gifts: Update

So, last month I posted about considering doing all homemade gifts. You guys gave me so many great ideas and opinions! I really appreciated all the honest feedback. After thinking it over, I decided that I want to go homemade whenever POSSIBLE, but not feel completely restricted by the rule if it just didn't work out. (It seems like we all agreed, some people - MEN - are just too hard!) So far I'm doing quite well, mostly things I've done myself mixed with a few bought items. One thrifted item! (Shhh... don't tell.) It's definitely taking a lot more time, but it's certainly a lot more fun.

Out of the 9 birthdays, 1 baby shower, and 1 baptism I've had on my list... here are some of the highlights so far!

For my niece's baptism, I found this easy tutorial

to make her a baptism towel!

No joke, it took 40 minutes and 3 bucks!

(Shhh... don't tell)

That link even includes the CTR emblem

and cute poem to attach.

For my bro-in-law's birthday, I made this collage

of his 2 kids

for his desk at work.

I found a really cool masculine frame for $5.00

printed it right off on regular ol' paper

and stuck it in the frame.

(Shhh... don't tell)

AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST...

I was finally able to give my sister

her big birthday gift last night.

It's been extremely hard not to talk about it

for the last several weeks

and keep it a secret!

Reactions like this are always fun...

She got her very own quilt!

Yah, not exactly a money-saving homemade gift,

but I bought all the fabric a YEAR ago

debating whether I was going to do it or not

and deciding HOW it would come together.

So the recent purchases really weren't much.

Mostly I was just glad to do something I know

she has always wanted.

Here is the front side.

My 2 kind helpers went outside to take some

finished photos with me,

even if they WERE blinded by the sun.

And this is the back.

This is a picture of my big "OOPS" on the quilt.

I didn't realize that this part of the selvage edge

was printed so far into the fabric.

A bit of the designer's name was still visible

in one of the pieces I cut out.

I never noticed it until it was WAY too late!

Oh well, Heidi Grace, I guess you are forever immortalized

on this one!

There are still a few more gifts to give for September,

but I don't want ruin those surprises yet!

Please keep your ideas and suggestions coming! I would love to continue this effort into Christmas time!