Tomorrow is Chirstmas, its practically here!

I made more of my Christmas gifts this year than ever before, and while its been a bit busy the past month, its been a lot of fun. So much so, that I'm already thinking of next years projects. There are a couple of threads going on the splitcoast forum that are strictly gift and craft show ideas. I've spent hours reading them and they are full of fun ideas that I've bookmarked for next year-but this time I'm starting earlier (I say that every year).

A few of my family read my blog so I haven't wanted to post, but today they will be here so I think its safe now. If you are family, please stop reading now, no peeking!

Now keep in mind that part of the fun, is that I kept each gift under $3 (not counting my stock items, like etching cream or essential oil) because my siblings and I are not supposed to exchange gifts.... but I figure if its under $3 it doesn't count.

Harley Davidson etched mug:

Etched Bath Salts Jar:

For this one I used the bath tub from Everyday Paper Dolls, and the font from Storybook (done in DS). The epsom salts are Eucalyptus mint (I had no idea these were so easy to make, this will be high on my make list for next year).

Vinyl Tile

Napkin Coasters:

Card Gift Set

This little purse was made with my score-pal, inside I have 6 handmade cards with 6 handmade (on my cricut, plantin, cut at 6 inch) matching envelopes.

The cards inside (2 bday, 2 TY, and 2 Thinking of you)

And my favorite was 4x6 pocket calenders. These are just digital calender/digital stamps (stampin up from My digital studio, scrapgirls, and shabbyprincess), that I had printed out as regular 4x6. I will definitely be doing this again, but this next year, I want to do it early. I bought a psd file with the layout and thought it would be easy/quick and was just supposed to be an add on type gift. Not so, it took many hours...but they were fun hours and I love the finished project. I won't post all 12 pages, yikes, but here is a sample. Oh, and the best part of this is that once your done, you can print out as many as you like!

Today I have 7 dinner guests coming, 2 spending the next 3 days at my house. 2 more coming tomorrow to stay here 2 days. Its going to be a house full, pretty crowded for my tiny house, but so much fun! Now I'm off to make some cookies for my guests. Have a wonderful Christmas Eve!

10 Days left, glass etched mug

AHHHHH! I have only 10 days left to finish a mountain of gifts for family, friends and neighbors! The kids are only scheduled to have two days of school this week, and I have a feeling today will be delayed or canceled due to snow. No school next week, how I am going to get everything done????

Last night I tried glass etching for the first time for a gift for my nephew. It went ...OK...just OK. Fortunately I had bought 2 mugs, because I messed up the first one. The etching cream says 60 seconds, I did 15 minutes to be safe. WEll, that wasn't safe enough. The second time I just let it dry overnight, and it worked much better. If you want to try, you'll need a glass/plate/vase, some etching cream, and some vinyl (I used cheep vinyl book covers from the dollar store).

1. Cut your letter or shape (I used R in Old English font)

2. Weed out the part you want etched

3. Transfer to glass (I use clear contact paper for my transfer medium)

4. Cover with etching cream

5. Wait....wait....wait some more

6. Rinse - your done!