Who Needs Cookies? How About a Craft Swap?

Ok .... I need cookies.  That's a different story, though.

For the third year, a group of friends, old and new, got together to trade handmade gifts as an alternative to a traditional cookie swap.  (Speaking of cookie swaps, check out Rianne's virtual cookie swap at Art of Dessert for some allergen-friendly options.)

Each year our Get Your Craft On event gets bigger and better.  It is so much fun when you see all the creativity and craftiness that 40-plus women can put into an awesome kick-off-the-holiday-season event.  Let me tell you, Pinterest really helped up the game this year!

Painted Santa Gourd

How does it work?

Each friend brings 10 of the same (or similar) handmade gifts.  She then gets to take 10 gifts that others made.  With all of the offerings, it was really hard to pick what to take.  Last year, I was really planful and got all of my teacher gifts and some presents for some family members.  This year, I pretty much am keeping everything I took.

There are other rules we follow to keep it organized and fair--everyone goes in shifts, you get to take 5 unduplicated items in your first pass, then we go through a second time, etc.--but basically you make 10 things, you get 10 things.  It is a blast!  I strongly encourage you and your friends to give it a try.

What did people make?  I was crazy busy during the party, so I didn't take any pictures that night, but here are some photos of some of the stuff that I got.

There was jewelry.  I made rings from vintage buttons.  Other gals made necklaces, barrettes, pins or bracelets.

Knitted wire cuff -- so pretty!

Decoupage cuff --so cool and arty!

There were knitted and sewn accessories.  Scarves, mittens, hats and aprons.

There were food gifts, like dark chocolate peppermint bark, infused olive oil, a spice mix and granola.  There was booze, like cranberry and orange-infused vodka and amaretto.

There were gifty gifts like adorable mirrors to toss in your purse, sugar scrub, trivets, note cards, ornaments, yoga mat spray, decorated tote bags, picture frames, and the cutest Santa gourd.

I can't wait for next year!

I shared this post with Eat, Make, Grow Blog Hop.

Happy Holidays!
Kim

Looking for a great gift for the holidays or any time?  Welcoming Kitchen:200 Delicious Allergen and Gluten-free Vegan Recipes makes a thoughtful gift for the cook on your list.