With the Boys starting Kindergarten in a few weeks, there will now be 4 children attending parties and when you consider they are likely to EACH be invited to between 10 and 20 parties during the year, that is a lot of gifts to buy and when I plug some figures into the online budget, it starts making cranky noises at me and telling me the food budget will be compromised. This simply won't do.
Given that the chance of winning the Lottery is very slim, I have decided to set myself a little challenge to make handmade gifts for everyone and every occasion this year. It's not only budgetary constraints that have made this necessary, I also really love making things and have found that most people enjoy receiving handmade gifts too. Maybe that will change as the kids get older but for my current 0 to 8 year-old bracket, history has shown an appreciation for my little (wonky) creations. I know at least the Mums would be pleased to receive less plastic into their homes.
So here I present to you my first gift for 2013. It's a Bunny with a "T" for Thomas on the front and was sent off today to my friend in Sydney who just welcomed a baby boy into the world. It's actually my first attempt at Amigurumi that doesn't resemble a part of the male anatomy. In my defence, when I made the Minecraft Creeper I had no idea I was doing Amigurumi and therefore picked the wrong yarn and hook for the job.
This was so fun to make and since it was made in parts, it was easy to manage with a newborn on the scene. A leg here, an arm there and the head during nap time.
Anyway,it's Friday tomorrow so I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!
I'm joining in here this week.
Oh, your bunny is gorgeous! I try and make hand made pressies for most kids parties too, it challenges me to try new things.
ReplyDeleteso cute!! i've taught myself how to crochet a few months ago and can't wait to make little animals. when i'm done with the things i'm currently working on i want to make a dress for my niece and perhaps a little bunny like you did. thanks for mentioning that picking the right yarn and hook is crucial. i sometimes impatiently start a project without paying attention to details like that.
ReplyDeleteI love Fridays, and I adore your little rabbit. Homemade presents are the best because they're real presents, not just something you grab in K-Mart to satisfy a school pal for his/her birthday. I hate that whole idea. And some Mum's spend a fortune on gifts. I get embarrassed a bit because I draw the line at a decent book or something small and cute. If you have the time to make sweet little gifts, then I think you're right. They'll be much more appreciated. Love your work all-round.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your handmade challenge. I like to try and make gifts, but life often gets in the way, and often the birthday girl/boy ends up with an IOU. Your bunny is terribly cute x
ReplyDeletei love your bunny mel! handmade is so very lovely i'm sure your gift will be treasured. i hope you have a wonderful weekend too!
ReplyDeleteLove the finished product, turned out super cute! I agree, kids all love a cute new teddy. You even have the creeper's that you can make for the Minecraft fans!
ReplyDeleteThat's so cute! I love making presents as well especially for the little kids. I am in the middle of making a baby shower gift for my friend who is due in February.
ReplyDeleteThat is such a good idea. Now the party circuit is dropping off with older kids opting for movie outings and such but the little girls still go to a lot of present parties. Getting hooky is definitely the answer!
ReplyDeleteGosh Mel, that would be a lot of parties to buy for! I DeFiNiTeLy think your idea of making handmade items is a great idea. I usually try to make something handmade for my nieces and nephew and am always so pleasantly surprise that they love them. Last year I made my 8 yr old nephew a doll that 'looks' like him and made the top in his footy colours, he adored it! My niece is a big Harry Potter fan and I made her a Harry cushion that she loved. Another idea for girls is a little zippered pouch with a matching eye mask and/or a bought lip balm - my sis-in-law does that one quite a bit.
ReplyDeleteYour little bunny is adorable and I bet he'll be treasured for many years to come. Individualised handmade gifts are so special. You've inspired me!
Jo x
I love your bunny! What a lovely gift. Trouble is, it would take me months to make that.
ReplyDeleteMy passion for crafting started when I left work and our income halved and I had to start thinking about making gifts for friends and family. I still love to do it. I often buy cheap, plan t-shirts from supermarkets and then applique on a fun design (flower, cupcake, apple, racing car, boat, dog etc) and they only take an evening to make and are always well received.
Good luck with you project!
Gillian x
Lovely. and I am still laughing at your making of male anatomy
ReplyDeleteI think handmade gifts will be very well received - especially when you do such a good job of them!
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He's so cute! where do you find the time, and you're so neat if you do work in small stages .... the new babe will love him for sure. cheers Wendy
ReplyDeleteoh this welcome bunny is adorable! I'm the same when it comes to gifts - handmade where ever possible!!! I've made about 4 little handmade noughts and crosses kits given they were such a hit...everyone on our birthday radar I think will be receiving one! I love handmade too, the fact that it's not plastic is a bonus!! have a wonderful weekend too Mel xx
ReplyDeleteI'm sure your cute bunny will be adored! I feel the same way about gifts and try to make my own as much as possible. It is the only way I can give a really worthwhile present without it costing more than I'm able to spare.
ReplyDeleteMel, you are incredible! So talented and creative and budget conscious to boot! That is a beautiful idea to give handmade this year, I am trying to do something similar with my tees/singlets etc... It does add up with all the birthdays etc... Your bunny is too cute and will definitely be a much loved gift xoxo
ReplyDeleteYou are very clever Mel. If only I knew how to knit, I'd be whipping these cute bunnies out as baby gifts for sure! x
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