Felt Mailing Envelopes

"Felt Mailing Envelopes" from Hello! Lucky.

My heart swoons for these felt mailing envelopes. I can just imagine what trinkets could be saved in such a lovely package. Maybe gifts that are swapped back and forth between secret pals. Maybe mementos from a special occasion. Or my favorite... maybe this is how letters to Santa should be sent. (Add some felt holly leaves or candy canes to get in the spirit!) And, maybe with such a fancy envelope, Santa might even be willing to respond with a note of his own.

Nativity Blocks

"Nativity Blocks" from I am Momma - Hear Me Roar.

Another great project from Cheri at I am Momma - Hear Me Roar. I love that this nativity set is kid-friendly, inspiring kids to build and play with the characters. I love that she suggests that older children could help make them--I think that's awesome!

Magnetic Alphabet Puzzle

"Magnetic Alphabet Puzzle" on Someday Crafts from guest blogger, "I am Momma, Hear Me Roar."

I love games and toys that are cleverly designed, fun to play with, and teach something, too. That's the ultimate trifecta. These magnetic alphabet puzzles are super cute, and I love the magnetic lunchbox, as a storage container AND a play surface. The different cut designs are a great way to scaffold the activity for those who don't quite have the alphabet concept mastered. You could also make these for numbers or even sight words. I love how this mama personalized it for things her kids are familiar with, e.g. "T is for Transformers."

Bleached Out Tees

"Bleached Out Tees" from DesignMom.

Gabby's kids always make their own gifts for each other--a tradition in itself that I love. But, this particular gift seems fun and easy for kids to make, but still has a designer sense to it.

1. "Start by gathering your materials. You’ll need a 100% cotton t-shirt in a bright or dark color (you can use a pastel, but the contrast from the bleach won’t be as intense), bleach, rags and something to block the bleach. We used vinyl cutouts and duct tape as blockers.
   
2. Spread out the t-shirt, then put a layer of rags or an old towel between the front and back — so the bleach doesn’t bleed through to the back of the shirt.
3. Apply the design you want on your t-shirt. For most of our designs, we used sticky-back vinyl that was cut into shapes and letters using a Silhouette machine. If you don’t have a Silhouette machine, you could still buy a sheet or roll of sticky-back vinyl and cut out the shapes you want by hand.
   
4. Next, pour some bleach into a container and dip an old rag into the bleach. Press the rag on to and around the vinyl or tape. When the shirt is as bleached as you’d like it to be, life the front of the shirt, slip out the rags and immediately rinse the shirt in water to stop the bleaching process.
5. Dry the shirt in the dryer and you’re ready to wrap it up. Yay!"
   

Handmade Coffee Table

"Handmade coffee table" from Darling Dexter.

My husband and I have tried our hand at making furniture before. But most looked fit only for the dorm room in which it originally sat. This table from Darling Dexter is quite an inspiration. Doesn't take extremely skilled labor, but still looks lovely. Definitely need hardwood floors though!!

Blessed to Bless bags

"Blessed to Bless" bags from Joy's Hope.

I, too, often feel the awkwardness of giving to people begging on the street. A part of me wants to help and knows that I should help, but I wonder what is the best way to help.

I love that Julie encouraged her extended family to help out in this endeavor after a holiday meal and celebration. That with a few small donations from each person they were able to make a big impact. Could you do something similar at a child's birthday party?

Coupon Books

"Coupon Books" from Good Look Cookbook.

I always love the personalization possible with homemade coupon books. They are also a wonderful way to give the give of time, rather than more Made-In-China crap. I think it would be a wonderful tradition to put a personalized coupon book in each stocking. And, these are some mighty pretty ones, at that!