Is the new economy inspiring you to make your own Christmas gifts? | Current Green Blog
source: http://blogs.current.com/green/2009/12/02/is-the-new-economy-inspiring-you-to-make-your-own-...
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- leahl
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DeliaTheArtist inspired me to get in the groove of thinking about what cool things I could make for holidays this year. Truth be told, I love making holiday gifts. My family has suffered through years of stained glass frames, knitted hats and scarves, and all kinds of random hobbies I took up in order to develop a skill that would be worthy of gift giving. Somehow the holidays have always seemed like a great time to make a loving commentary on your values. Back in the day when I sent holiday cards, I took old photos and stuck santa hats and snowflakes stickers on them and re-purposed them into holiday cards. I wrapped my presents in newspaper.
And then…I stopped. Partially because I could afford gifts, and partially because I didn’t have the time to make gifts. (The year I made my boyfriend a table and my mother a quilt was epic.) I still can’t get myself to step foot in a mall. When I purchase things that are based on a global economy that isn’t alligned with my values, I never end up leaving the situation (exchange of money for product made form sweat labor) feeling good. And selfishly, I get a ridiculous amount of joy watching someone open a gift I made for them. But what do you do when your loved one really wants something…electronic~ and after all, the holiday is about giving what people want and need, not necessarily what you think they want or need.
Last year, I went to the local farmers market craft fair and felt ridiculously happy purchasing some amazing hand made crafts. I felt good paying the artists money, and my loved ones felt good getting something they actually…liked.
This year~ I’m back on the band wagon of making things. I’m learning how to make cordials tomorrow, in high hopes of making that a gift for friends. What about you? What are your thoughts on how to handle the process of holiday gift giving?
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- groups:
- Green
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- tags:
- Gifts, Gift Ideas, Eco Art, Giftmas
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hirthebm
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Make Fudge !! Thats my plan this holiday season.
Candles to are good bets to reuse some old glasses. Candle wicks are like $3 for ten.
- 2 years ago
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hirthebm
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VickLantz
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I do photo crafts/collages and they are always a big hit. Sometimes I put a slide show togther for people, put it on a thumb drive and off it goes. People appreciate thoughtful presents.
- 2 years ago
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VickLantz
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hannahHULKK
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knit/crochet things for gifts! save money!
- 2 years ago
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hannahHULKK
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DeliaTheArtist
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I need to get a camera ASAP so I can post some craftiness! I really do think gifts are best when they are attention detailed and specific to the person...handmade art shows someone that you are willing to give them time, not just money!
- 2 years ago
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DeliaTheArtist
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sgwhites
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I'm sad--I realized somewhere in mid-November that I wasn't going to have time to do a handmade Christmas this year. I usually knit things, but there was no way I was getting them done in time this year. And frankly, after last year and the Aran Sweater of Doom that I knit for my father, I could use the break! But I love doing handmade gifts when I can--it just seems so much more personal.
- 2 years ago
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sgwhites
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Ogaal
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Origami is always an awesome way to go, especially if you can do the complex or the modular origami models.
- 2 years ago
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Ogaal
