Paper Cone Angel
Make this pretty paper cone angel to decorate your table or tree. The angel is easy to customize and personalize using your favorite festive rubber stamps!

Goofy Reindeer Ornament
Need a little silly on your tree? This easy ornament from Tammy Powley will lighten the mood on your tree this year.

Curly Branch Paper Tree
These are a recycler's dream and can be made from a used pencil or colored pencil and a sheet of any paper or curling ribbon in any color - try used gift wrap or ribbon to make a wonderfully stylized forest.

Little Tree Cross Stitch
Stitch a tiny, tiny tree using this pattern by Connie G. Barwick and add it to a card or gift tag. Or, add more pizazz and decorate the tiny tree with sequins and beads.

Christmas Tree Pillow
This easy to knit pillow has a simple Christmas tree motif on one side, and plain red and green stripes on the other, so you can use it all winter long without feeling too mired in Christmas decorations.

Puzzle Piece Ornaments
Create your own unique ornaments for your Christmas tree or other holiday decorating needs by recycling old jigsaw puzzle pieces. You can use the ideas and directions I provide on these project sheets to create a variety of ornaments. Use my projects as inspiration to create your own designs.

Christmas Scrubby Soaps
This project from David Fisher is a simple variation of my Animal Melt and Pour Scrubbies project - except with Christmas themed nylon scrubbies.

Sparkling Holiday Pin
This elegant sparkles pin from the Bliss Tree blog is really easy to make, especially if you start with a pre-formed pin with drop loops.

Recycled Christmas Needle Book
From the Craftside blog, create this needle book out of scraps from recycled wool felted sweaters. HTis is the perfect gift for the stitcher in your life.

Painted Christmas Cards
Imagine receiving not just your average Hallmark card, but one hand painted by a dear friend. Spend a cozy night painting a few cards with the instructions and technique guides from Marion Boddy-Evans.

Want to Join Make it Merry to show off your holiday crafts? We will showcase your crafts and recipes of all holiday traditions. Learn more.

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Things are looking up, but it's no secret that the economy is still on crutches. While you can't MacGyver up a WiiFit Plus or shiatsu massage chair, you can at least take care of those complimentary gifts to pad the bottom of the tree, give as Chanukah gifts, or just fill out a stocking or two. There are lots of affordable handmade options online, some with low priced or free shipping. You could also create your own holiday gifts with a little time and technique.

Some of the most popular handmade gifts this time of year are those that will keep us cuddly and warm till we all thaw out in the Spring. Here are a few handmade selections from crafty artisans that are ready to be shipped to you, or directly to a loved one across the miles.

If you are looking to save some cash this year by crafting those special items yourself, check out our 100 Handmade Gifts guide, or hop over to Sarah, our Guide to Knitting or Amy, Guide to Crochet.

Already have a project in motion? Let us know what you're working on.

It's the first week of December, so it's time you got cracking on those holiday crafts. Here are some winter treasures to get started with.

Winterscape Needlepoint Ornaments
Create a needlepoint ornament with these Winterscape printable patterns. Cheryl Fall has your pattern and how-to.

Antique Christmas Scraps
Use these great looking antique Santa illustrations to use on all your paper projects-- scrapbooks, cards, ornaments and newsletters!

Knit Tinsel
If you can make an I-cord, you can use a fancy eyelash yarn to make knit tinsel in no time for your hearth or holiday tree. Sarah E. White shows you how.

Shrink Plastic Necklace
Use shrink plastic to create unique charms to make necklaces and other items of jewelry. These are quick to make and are perfect for last minute gifts!

Sweater Holiday Lighting
Make a light-up Christmas tree using an old sweater and a little know-how form the Sweater Surgery blog.

Printable Paper Sleigh
A Printable Sleigh to fill with goodies. This sleigh fits dolls house scale dolls, but it also stands nicely behind most commercial reindeer figures to make a table decoration. You can print it in the colors shown, or use the template to construct your own sleigh in the color you want.

Peace Cross Stitch
One message during the holidays that everyone can agree with is 'Peace'. Create this simple cross stitch with the free pattern and instructions from Connie G. Barwick.

Draw a Santa
Decorate cards, tags and more when you learn how to sketch the perfect Santa from Helen South.

Glittery Wood and Wire Snowman Earrings
These super easy snowmen earrings are a whimsical design that even the beginning jewelry maker can create.

Ribbon Wreath Craft
Find out how you can create a unique wreath using pieces of ribbon. By looking at this finished project, you will never believe how easy it is!

Holiday Pear Quilt
Create a pear quilt as a holiday gift or just to spruce up the place. Cyndi Lavin at the Mixed Media Blog has your tips and instructions.

Cuttlebugged Christmas Cards
These quick Christmas cards were made using my Sissix Big Shot, ProvoCraft Christmas Tree embossing folder, Versamark inks and embellishments. Get the instructions at the Firenze Cards blog.

Christmas Card Art Worksheet
Make a watercolor Christmas Card out of a cathedral rose window without all that pesky drawing. Just print this outline from Marion Boddy-Evans on a sheet of watercolor paper using waterproof ink.

Want to Join Make it Merry to show off your holiday crafts? We will showcase your crafts and recipes of all holiday traditions. Learn more.

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Time out for a public service announcement.

Sure, you take pride in the entire family calling you the 'crafty' one, in this case throwing your objection of labels to the wind. Who doesn't like to be infamous for artistic flair, resourceful usage of scrap yarn and flaunting mad ninja sewing skills?

Let me rephrase that question...who's got two thumbs and is everyone's best friend when they're in a crunch for a handmade gift? `Tis the season for you to lay low, my friend.

From innovative present wrapping to pretty-please suturing a dress seam for the office Christmas party, it's time for everyone you know to come out of the woodwork to ask for those crafty favors. Your generosity may very well be your downfall as the requests for your sparkling talent flood in -and you are all to eager to oblige. It is so easy to suddenly have too many projects happening at once in the whirlwind of winter wonderland. Shopping, attending holiday events and...dare I say it...even crafting for yourself.

I'm not saying you should be a total Scrooge, but try to keep your favors to a minimum. Here are a few scenarios that I've encountered so far.

The Awkward Sneak:
Mrs. C: Hey, girl. Remember Janine?
Rain: Sorta. Did she work here?
Mrs. C: Well, besides her need for new throw pillows, she's doing just great.
Rain: Oh, is that what you're gifting her this year?
Mrs. C: Hey, I know you've been a little busy, but...
Rain: *nervous laughter*

The Direct Hit:
Ms. N (who will swiftly murder me after reading this): "Do you know how to knit?? If so, do you think you could granny us up a pair of "hobo" gloves for a not so hefty, but still a fee?"
Rain: "I dunno how to knit."
Ms. N: "I'm blown away by that omission! You were the one person I thought I could count on in the knitting dept."
Rain: *declines to mention crochet skills*

The Family Crowbar:
Aunt B: Here, have some coffee. do you take cream?
Rain: Oh, thank you, yeah, I-
Aunt B: Oh, and here's the sugar, too. Did you see the quilt I'm working on, here? You know I just loved that blanket you made for your daughter last year. Here, you didn't get any cake, I'll fix a plate.
Rain: ... *quickly texting husband to request exit call*

So what is the best way to handle these requests? Can we avoid a stress overload without fostering an awkward moment? Some people say to just be direct and let them know you are too tied up with your own holiday craziness. I've talked to a few people who operate on a first-come-first serve basis, accepting those first favors and then artfully deciding when they're all booked up. Then there are those, like me, who have in the past taken in every assignment with a loving smile with the hopes of crafty glory in the end.

So how do you negotiate the holiday craft load? Any tips for shutting down loved ones this holiday season?

Happy Thanksgiving, folks. Welcome to another edition of Make it Merry, where talented crafters share their holiday how-to's.

Snowman Ornament
Sherri Osborn will show you how to create a cute snowman face using a clear, glass ornament. It's a great project for the whole family.

Recycled Pine Cone Gnome
Get a glimpse of this pine cone gnome at the Recycled Crafts blog. It's a cute reason to collect a few pine cones around the yard.

CopprClay Pendants
Try your hand with pendant making this year with a little help from some winter foliage. The Beading Arts blog will show you how.

How to Make Paper
Handmade paper not only makes a great gift for the avid scrapbooker in your life, but you can also create tags and cards for every present on your list. Marion Boddy-Evans shows us how.

Little Town of Bethlehem Cross Stitch
Get down to the true meaning of Christmas with this simple cross stitch pattern from Connie G. Barwick.

Mitten Earrings
Tammy Powley shows us how to make these cute mitten earrings using lampwork beads.

Christmas Stocking
This cute two-color Christmas stocking is a breeze to knit, even if you've never knit a sock before. Worked with bulky yarn on big needles, it will be done and ready for you to embellish in no time.

Advent Garland
If you are looking for something a little different when it comes to counting down to the holidays this year then take a look at this pyramid box garland. Use the free template to make the boxes and decorate them with your favorite festive stamps.

Miniature Gift Boxes
Have a little gift to give? Check out these free printable miniature gift boxes for small gifts or advent calendars from Lesley Shepherd.

Manga Holiday Card
Instead of a traditional Christmas card, you could go with something a little more contemporary this year. Helen South has tips on how to create a manga style card.

Want to Join Make it Merry to show off your holiday crafts? We will showcase your crafts and recipes of all holiday traditions. Learn more.

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For this holiday season, I'm getting a lot of crafting requests. It seems like whenever an event comes around the bend, all of your buddies realize how crafty you are. Well, I've given in and I'm making a few wizard style scarves ala the Harry Potter houses. Since these are simple striped scarves, the pattern and methods are the same whether you're a Hufflepuff or Slytherin.

• Crochet a Hogwarts scarf
• Knit and Felt a Harry Potter Scarf

Welcome to another edition of Make it Merry, where talented crafters share their holiday how-to's.

Advent Candy Tree
Everyone loves counting down to the holidays...add candy to the mix and you've got a fun Advent calendar from Sherri Osborn for the whole family to enjoy.

Pumpkin Cross Stitch Pattern
Use a variegated floss to make a swirling pumpkin that would look great near the Thanksgiving table. Connie G. Barwick has the free pattern.

Knit Wreath Ornament
Scrap knitting makes for fun quick projects that are perfect for any skill level. Sarah E. White has the instructions for this cute wreath.

Miniature Glitter Houses
Snowy villages look great upon every mantle and tabletop. Lesley Shepherd has a free printable so you can make your own tiny houses.

Paper Bead Star Ornament
If you're looking for something a little different to do with your paper beads then take a look at this paper bead star. This project is simple to adapt in a wide variety of ways.

Rustic Pillar Candles
'Tis the season for running out to buy candles. David Fisher will show you how to make these festive pillar candles with the perfect finish.

Pear Diamonds Painted Card
This card has an intricate finish, but it is so easy to make. Tina Jones shows us how to create this colorful card from start to finish.

Christmas Apron Pattern
Just because you've got to bake cookies for the whole family doesn't mean you can't look fabulous! Phyllis Dobbs has created this adorable holiday apron, and she's got the free pattern just for you.

Flower Petal Ornament Cover
Sometimes those plain ornaments just need a little dressing up. Tammy Powley will show you how to use seed beads to create this unique ornament drapery.

Paint a Christmas Tree
Instead of paying a premium for a colored tree, Barbara Crews will show us how to paint your tree red to match the latest holiday trends.

Want to Join Make it Merry to show off your holiday crafts? We will showcase your crafts and recipes of all holiday traditions. Learn more.

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Every now and then I like to check Twitter for up-to-the-minute fresh handmade listings. I just found these cute toddler pants by CatChick6. She made them out of a minty Lord and Taylor cashmere sweater and put on her own hand drawn appliques.

Don't you wish you could wrap your legs in cashmere? Babies have all the fun.

Welcome to another edition of Make it Merry, where talented crafters share their holiday how-to's. This week we've got some friendly characters and festive Thanksgiving crafts to create.

Create a Pumpkin Candle
What better to put in the middle of the feast. David Fisher will show you how to make this easy and impressive pumpkin tealight holder.

Make a Sesame Street Wreath
For 40 years, Sesame Street has been part of our lives and has encouraged us to accept all holiday traditions. Barbara Crews will show you how to create this wreath dedicated to some of our favorite Muppets.

Draw a Penguin Pilgrim
For Thanksgiving crafts like place mats and name cards, you'll need some festive art. How about a lesson from Helen South on drawing this cutie penguin.

Embroider a Gift Bag
Save cash for presents when you reuse gift bags or buy those inexpensive plain bags. Phyllis Dobbs will show you how to dress them up for the re-gifting process with a touch of delightful embroidery.

Stitch a Swedish Ornament
If you've got an ornament exchange to attend this year, a traditional Swedish ornament will really stand out in the crowd. Cheryl Fall will show you how to hand stitch this original piece.

Wax Resist Holiday Cards
Add a contemporary look to your holiday while saving some cash on Christmas Cards. This wax resist technique from Marion Boddy-Evans is just what you need.

Pumpkin Foam Sticker Earrings
For a quick Fall look in a pinch, try these pumpkin sticker earrings from Tammy Powley. She'll show you how to make them in five easy steps.

Paper Globe Ornament
This dimensional ornament has an intricate look, but is actually simple in design. Kate Pullen will show you how to cut and stamp this delightful addition to your decor.

Knit a Stocking Ornament
A mini stocking is a creative way to give a gift card, or hide a little treat on the tree. Sarah E. White shows us how to knit this cute little sock.

Christmas Tree Bunting
Decking the Halls has never been so fun, and this one is perfect for helpful kids to take part in. Use up those scraps of fabric with this decorative craft from the Sadie and Lance blog.

Make a Mini Hippo
Stuffed animals add a bit of fun and tenderness to any slew of presents. Stuff a stocking with a smile when you sew this little hippo from Lesley Shepherd.

Snowman Candy Jar
Top off your candy jar with a snowman face as sweet as the treats inside. Sherri Osborn will show you how to paint and assemble this wintry decoration that is appropriate to show off all season long.

Joy Ornament Crosstitch
Stitch a little bit of joy for someone this Christmas. Connie G. Barwick has the free pattern for this jolly cross stitch project.

Want to Join Make it Merry to show off your holiday crafts? We will showcase your crafts and recipes of all holiday traditions. Learn more.

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Most guys get at least one necktie for the holiday. I'm in love with these hand painted styles from Morgan Silk that sure beat those boring department store neckties.

Click "Comments" below to tell us your ideas.

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