handmade christmas.

It's December, already.

wow.

I can't say I didn't know it was coming, after all it does come every year, faithfully after November 30th, I just can't believe how fast it's moving.

So as you may or may not know, I like to make stuff. And this Christmas is no exception for my handmade gifts. The only problem is, that I want to share them with you, but I don't want the recipient to see them before hand.

What's a girl to do?

Well, I'm going on the honesty of my family and friends that they won't peek. I hope that you will have better restraint than I would have. And I'll won't post pictures in the post, instead I'll make an album that you won't be quite so tempted to go and look at. But we'll cross that bridge when we come to it. Today we'll start real simple... this is one that everyone can look at.

Last year for my Nursery kids, I made really cute gift bags filled with play-dough, a cookie cutter and some candies. You can check it out here. (just keep scrolling past the movie night, it's at the bottom of the post)

So this year I really had to come up with something creative, and this is what I did.

I bought some wooden blocks that measure about 4" x 2.5", they have a bit of a routered edge. And I painted them a variety of colors.

It would be best before hand to find out what their favorite colors are. I knew a couple of kids color preference, but I wish I could have done them all in their favorite color.

Anyways, the next step is to cut some black vinyl. I used my Cricut machine and 2 different fonts. The first more chunkier font I cut out "LOOK WHAT MADE". Then with a more scripted font I cut out each child's name.

Once the blocks were dry, I sanded the edges a bit for a more weathered look. Then I stuck the vinyl to each block.

Then for the next step. On the back of the blocks they were a bit messy, some extra paint that had oozed onto the back, and some sticky adhesive still left from the price stickers.

 So I painted the back of each block black. (Phew that''s a mouthful, back, block, black)

The next step is to add some magnet. I wanted my magnet to cover the entire length of the block, for maximum coverage.

Measure the magnet and stick it down.

 
 
 And you're done.

Wondering what you just made?

Fridge magnets of course, for your child's sweet art work.

The best part about this project was the cost. Each block cost me less than a $1.00!! Can you believe it! The blocks were 50¢ each. The paint and vinyl was supplied by my lovely friend Myril. (Thanks for all your help!!) and the magnet was $2.00 for the whole roll, and I used about half.

Of course I know a Nursery aged child will not appreciate a block of wood for Christmas(haha) so I have some candy to add to some cute bags for them.

I ♥ handmade gifts.

Many more to come... I just gotta finish them all, and that's the scary part.

Comments

[Amy]

I got the blocks from Hobby Lobby! Hope that helps! :)

[Ashley S.]

Where did you get the blocks?

[Kim]

These are so cute! Love them.

[shells]

I'm also with Amanda....I want to see the boys :(

[Julie]

You have not dissapointed us...yet once again you have inspired and motivated many of us,I'm sure, to find the spirit of Christmas in lovingly created handmade gifts. Thank you so much for sharing.

[allison]

I'm with Amanda... where's the boys pics?

[Trisha]

Love them! Thanks for sharing!

[nikki workman]

really cute!

[Jenn N]

I love that--- so fun.

[amanda]

That's very perfect and all that, but what I really want to know is where are Hunter and Grey's Halloween pictures???

[Nicola]

CUTE!

[lynn Crapo]

You are simply the most talented woman I know. ; D