My favorite part of the holiday season is hand painting the wrapping. I light my candles, turn on the sprig of christmas lights, pretend I am stuck in a cabin in the northwoods and I play. It's really fun if the snow is blowing outside! Which it hasn't actually done very much this year. This tradition I have created started because I didn't want to spend the money on wrapping and then it became so well liked by everyone, now they collect them. It is so satisfying to create these little pieces and customize them. I feel like a little kid coloring and I love it. The fact that they are so well received is just a bonus.
I don't always make my own gifts, but this year I did. Out of a large piece of leather I made little bags decorated with my old jewelry, customizing each piece to suit it's intended. I wasn't sure how these would go over, but I am a believer in giving something of yourself, something that you'd like to give...not what others want or expect. They were treasured by most...and it all made for a very good holiday season.
Now bring on the snow!!!
