Merry Christmas everyone! I finally have a stocking!!

We used this recipe to make butterscotch gingerbread men cookies yesterday. I’d never had this cookie before. Yum! We added butterscotch chips, cookie icing, cinnamon dots, and heart sprinkles to decorate.

using PZ's vtech camera

I’m trying to “deck the halls” over here, but between swim classes and doctor appointments I haven’t even gotten my lights up yet! Oh, well. We have at least gotten our tree up (a bit early for us this year) and I have been trying to help PZ make little decorations for it. Of course, it seems like every decoration we put up, Q toddles over and grabs to go hide somewhere. I’ll be finding decorations in the strangest places come spring, I’m sure.

If you’re in need of some inspiration for holiday decorations this season, or perhaps you’ve just got a little time on your hands, maybe you could try one of these cool creations! Enjoy!

Pimp Stitch – Jingle Mouse Ornament

Katie Cupcake – Felt Polaroid Christmas Ornament

Fantastic Toys – Felt Christmas Ornaments

Zakka Life – Bird Cage Ornament

Diversions – Christmas Owl Decorations

Zakka Life – Felt Christmas Ornament

Alpha Mom – DIY Holiday Wreaths

Elise Blaha – Cardboard Wreath

purlbee – Two-Sided Felt Snowflakes

the Light Garden journal – Christmas Pinecones

Bella Dia – Chenille Wreaths

Pretty Ditty - Yarn Trees

Bella Dia – Cereal Box Houses

Katy Elliott – DIY Salt Dough Ornaments

Simply Handmade – Felt Snowman

Zakka Life – Origami Glitter Cranes

Roots and Wings Co – Silhouette Ornaments

purlbee – bird ornaments

Wise Craft – Holiday Trees

resurrection fern – beeswax heart garland

In true Portland fashion, Sesame Seed Designs makes home and personal accessories that are not only fun and attractive, but also environmentally friendly. As an ecologist, fiber artist, and mother, Casey makes functional, nature-themed items using recycled wool and cashmere sweaters. Cozy and eco-friendly!

If you are local, check out Sesame Seed Designs this weekend (Dec 13) at the Crafty Wonderland Super Colossal Holiday Sale and next  (Dec 19) at SCRAP’s Holiday Bazaar. For those not in the Portland area, make sure to check out her shop and newsletters for further updates.

Perfect for stocking stuffing or even an early Santa gift for yourself, Casey is generously giving ONE winner the choice between a pouch or coffee sleeve. To win, leave a comment here before Sunday Dec 13th midnight PST. Tell me which you choose and I’d love to hear about a favorite gift from recycled materials that you’ve either given or received.

For a second shot at winning tweet about this giveaway and leave the url in another comment.

Want a third and final chance? Subscribe or follow my blog. Good luck!

Ghainsom from Germany won my Humble Luna giveaway with the comment, “This tail is a great idea. Count me in!”. She’ll be picking out one of the tails from Humble Luna’s shop. Remember, if you are interested in buying one of these adorable costume dragon tails type “The Handmade Experiment” into the notes for seller’s section and receive a 20% discount!

Grace won my Craftypod eBook giveaway with the comment, “I think the project linus charity is pretty cool! I love that you’re donating 15% of your profits! My fave is crafty tree trimmings!”. So she’ll be receiving a copy of Crafty Tree Trimmings. If you’d like a copy of this eBook, don’t wait. They are only available for purchase until December 31.

Thanks again everyone for such a great SMS Giveaway Day and for leaving really fantastic and encouraging feedback for the artists.

Don’t forget to check out my current giveaway with Sesame Seed Designs.

It’s not too late! There’s still plenty of time to make your kiddo or loved one something special for the holidays. Check out some of the tutorials I’m considering using.

Chez Beeper Bebe – A Dozen Animal Sewing Cards

Elizabeth’s Quilted Laptop Cover

Make it and love it – Felt Mr. Potato Head

Zakka Life – Eco Christmas Wrapping Bags

Zakka Life – Miniture Stuffed Animals

Wise Craft – Homespun Checkers

Martha Stewart – Washcloth Duckie

Martha Stewart – Felt Slippers

Cute Kitty Felt Puppet – Craftster

simple up – Easy No Sew Sock Puppets

Disdressed – baby scarf

Chez Beeper Bebe – Little Book of Vintage Paper Crafts or Dolls

Creative Jewish Mom – Mobile

If you are looking for my SMS giveaway posts either scroll down or click here for HumbleLuna’s (the tail) and here for Sister Diane’s (ebook). I know it feels like I’ve become a giveaway blog, but I promise I’m still here. Motivation has been a bit of an issue lately. I’m hoping I can get a good deal done this weekend. Keep your fingers crossed for me!

I wanted to show you guys something, even if it isn’t one of the presents I’m working on. (I’m taking pictures of all my finished presents and will post them after Christmas so you guys can see the last hurrah). Here are some “fancy pants” I made for Q. I found the black wool, think peacoat material) at Mill’s End and the vintage lace at Knittn’ Kitten. PZ saw these and immediately asked where hers were, so I’m going to have to make her something similar. Is a 4 year old too old to have ruffles on the butt? I kind of think maybe. Perhaps I’ll put the ruffles down the sides or on the knees. Let me know what you think!

fancy pants

its a faux open-cuff

Q modeling

umm... where is Q going?

talk about your unwilling models!

*comments closed

Diane Gilleland, aka Sister Diane, is one of Portland’s top crafters and craft authors. Her podcasts, tutorials, tips and tools have helped guide many crafters and small business owners through the murky waters of the handmade movement.

That is what this blog is about too. I started this whole experiment as a test. To see if I could really do it. Teach myself to sew, learn how to read patterns, find a community and a group of people that help to spark my creativity and inspire me to learn and do and handmake more.

And the more I’ve learned the more I’ve tried to share with you. So what could be better for my Sew, Mama, Sew December Giveaway Day contribution then a chance to help Sister Diane spread the word! Diane has graciously offered up one of her ebooks (winner’s choice!) for giveaway and all you have to do to win is leave a comment here before Sunday December 6th, (midnight PST) telling us which ebook you would be interested in winning and why.

For an extra chance to win please leave a second comment telling us your favorite crafty charity. I know a lot of people are feeling the need to reach out this holiday season and your comment might give someone the information they need to do some good.

Diane, along with Susan Beal, Linda Permann, Kayte Terry, Betz White, and Patricia Zapata are helping reach out by donating 15% of each sale of their new ebook Crafty Tree Trimmings to Project Linus. They’re a nationwide charity that collects handmade blankets for children who are suffering from serious illness, trauma, or otherwise in need. This ebook will be on sale only until December 31, 2009!

Thanks for reading this past year. Make sure to check out Sister Diane’s podcasts and tutorials. Her book Kanzashi in Bloom is on sale now. And good luck! I’ll pick the winner at random and I’ll announce it on Monday. Good luck!

Just wanted to remind everyone that there ARE some perks to reading my blog - discounts! That was my favorite part of the job when I worked retail.

In appreciation for everyone’s kind words during his giveaway, Bill from House of Six Cats is offering a 20% discount if you shop before Christmas. Humble Luna, our current giveaway artist, is also offering 20% off to my readers.

All you have to do to, at both shops, is type “The Handmade Experiment” into the notes to seller before checking out and a 20% discount will be taken off the before shipping price and you’ll receive an updated invoice. Happy shopping and thanks for supporting Portland artists and handmade this holiday season!

Sandy from Shopaholicmommy.com won my House of Six Cats giveaway. Thanks everyone for entering and keep reading! I’ve got a great giveaway from Humble Luna happening right now and I’ll have another fun giveaway on Wednesday so stay tuned!!