22 Handmade Gifts for Men or anyone really….. with Tutorials.

1. Vintage Trophy Coat Rack by Design Sponge.

2. Gardener's Apron by Martha Stewart.

3. Leather Journal by Duo Fiberworks.

4. Honey Walnut and Dried Fruit Topping by Martha Stewart.

5. Car Wash Kit by Martha Stewart.

6. Oilskin Zippered Pencil Case by Momtastic.

7. Upcycled Messenger Bag From Cargo Pants by Noodlehead.

8. Framed Initial by Make It and Love It.

9. Whimsical Key Chains by Living With Punks.

10. Dishtowel Apron by Made By Petchy.

11. Wooden Pendant Necklaces and Keychain by Lil Blue Boo.

12. Retro Duffle Bag by saltwater Kids.

13. Personalised Coffee Blend by Martha Stewart.

14. Toffee by Martha Stewart.

16. Homemade Book Plates by Martha Stewart.

15. Jam recipes with Printable Labels by Funkytime.

17. Rollie Pollie Pillows by So You Think You're Crafty.

18. Large Paintings Full of Text by Redefining Creativity.

19. Paint Chip Wall Art by How About Orange.

20. Car Travel Kit by Martha Stewart.

21. Monogram Mugs by Designmom.

22. Big Scrappy Painting by Redefining Creativity.

Dani’s brooch. Which one will she choose?

The 'Bronte' with original tag brooch.

My friend Dani’s husband bought her this bag for her birthday recently.

She loved the bag but wasn’t convinced of the black and white tag brooch…. so I have made a few different ones for her to choose from, so her bag will be exactly right.

Which one do you think she will choose?

Tag brooch 1. The red buckle ribbon brooch.

Tag brooch 2. Grey and red button rosette brooch.

Tag brooch 3. Silver buckle tag brooch.

Tag brooch 4. The metallic button brooch.

Close ups.

…or maybe she wants  a rosette…. I will show you those soon.

Tag 1

Tag 2.

Tag 3.

Tag 4.

Lots of new listings on Etsy… have a peek!

My etsy shop is full to the brim with Christmas gift ideas. Click on the owl below to have a look!

Repost: Will I make it this Christmas?-Packaging

Use this download and tutorial for tea (I would wrap it in some kind of cellophane wrap first for airtightness) or for a set of cards

 

This image is from Just Something I Made

 

 

Rose Petal Jelly or a jar of anything (cookies, lollies, buttons,  pencils, chocolates, t-shirts) would be well received in these from Design*Sponge

 

Image from Design*Sponge

 

Label your gifts so that they know what is in them. I quite liked this one on Making Chicken Salad.

This download from Flights of Fancy is also simple and pretty.

 

Image from Flights of Fancy

 

 

Image from Making Chicken Salad

 

Well, that leaves you something to get on with for the week. Off you go!

Repost: Will I make it this Christmas?- Upcycling

A lot of people find my blog searching for upcycled gifts…. so I thought I would share a few more.

Crowns any king (or princess) would love to wear. Image from Bitter Betty Blogs

Any girl under 6 ….and many boys…. would love one of these.

They look so delicate and authentic, like real filigree.

Could be used for a wise man or King in the school play. Not difficult. See the tutorial here at Bitter Betty Blogs

Sooooo pretty .... Martha Stewart image source.

Odd pieces of china sell cheaply in op shops, and you can often find candles there too. Try these for family friends, teenage nieces or use them around the house for a delicate Christmas feel. Find the tutorial here.

Image from Needle Book. Coasters to make you smile.

I love this idea from Needle Book.

Children’s book illustrations are some of the best images around. Think Dr Suess……. but don’t stop there. Use quotes from your favourite people, favourite passages from books,  bible quotes or small pieces of your favourite fabric/paper.

Every gift needs a tag! Picture from Eco Etsy Street Team

The tutorial for this one has gone to the wonderful land of ‘Error 404′ but i am sure you can work it out.

If you don’t have fabric lying around, use paper….or old Christmas cards one on another ….. and then stitch. Beautiful!

I am still keen to see what you have made or are making. Drop me an email and share, or leave a comment with a link to your magic.

Thanks for stopping by!

T-shirt Gallery

I have added a new book to my gallery.

T-shirts

The book is a collection of commissions, one-offs and re-orderable shirts.

Some are already  made and are available now.

Check out the captions below to see which is which.

Create your own free picture slideshow

Give Away: This is it!

You have only hours to make an entry in the blogoversary bag give away. Don’t miss out!

I have compiled a list of entries because I wanted to be sure everyone was entered the correct number of times! If I haven’t got you listed and you think you should be, let me know. If you are not listed and you want to be, there is still time!

But only until Midnight tonight!

1. Stepanie
2. Stephanie: Facebook
3. Stephanie : blogged at Moobear
4. Stephanie: tweet
5. Ali:
6. Ali: Facebook
7. Ali: blogged at Something this foggy day
8. Liz Cameron
9. Liz Cameron (fb)
10. Michelle
11. Michelle (fb)
12. Su
13. Sophie
14. Sophie: blogged at storms dressed as stars
15. Thora
16. Thora: Facebook
17. Laura
18. Laura: Facebook
19. Laura: blogged at Lily & Me
20. Nicole
21. Nicole: Facebook
22. Nicole: blogged at 168hours
23. Christine
24. Simone R
25. Simone.R: blogged at another something
26. Jo C
27. Jenny K
28. Jenny K: Facebook
29. Cathy McKay
30. Cathy McKay: Facebook
31. Cathy McKay: blogged at the Best Book co-op
32. Caroline E
33. Caroline E: Facebook
34. Caroline E: an extra because she wrote her comment as a poem. That certainly took some thought.
35. Rebecca
36. Lou Blencowe
37. Lou Blencowe: Facebook
38. charissa forrest
39. Heather
40. Heather: Facebook
41. Heather: blogged at epiphany
42. Kath
43. Kath: Facebook
44. Kath: blogged at listening space
45. Therese
46. Theresa: Facebook
47. Theresa: blogged at all my days all my hours
48. Mel
49. Susan Ravenhall
50. Susan Ravenhall: Facebook
51. Leah Egiziano
52. Meredith
53. Elizabeth
54. bec c

Give Away… don’t miss out!

Thanks everyone for entering so far … and blogging …. and facebooking.

Just in case you were wondering…. you don’t need to be an Australian resident to enter.I will get it to you where ever you are!

Don’t be shy

More details here

Back to the business….. of making things.

It has been months since I have shown you anything that I have made because …. it has been months since I made anything. I have had a bad case of analysis paralysis. I just haven’t known where to start… lots of options….. what to focus on…. hard to decide…. what I want this to be…. unsure …… Basic confusion and inaction. Yes Analysis Paralysis.

I am now in the process of making some things. At the moment it’s bags, for special order which I will get to show you soon. But for now, I want to show you a little of the softer side of harrysdesk.

Started out as a gift, but after a needle prick involving blood that wouldn't come out....it became a very cute pre-school piece for 3 year old.

Close-up detail.

Detail of back label

For a niece....

For Christmas I experimented with some other reclaimed textiles. This time doilies (isn’t that a great word!). I previously posted these pencil cases which showed a leaning in this direction. More experimentation soon.

Last Minute Craft Market

Yes, that’s exactly what it is.

You'll never guess what I am ..... I am in disguise.

Tomorrow Saturday 19th December 2009

Cnr Johmstone and Booth Streets Annandale.

Come between 9am and 12 midday for all your last minute gifts.

Lots of handmade. Lots of beautiful pieces. Lots of local talent.

Mention you blog along at harrysdesk by saying. “I KNOW All ABOUT YOU!” (because of course you don’t), and I will give you wholesale price on all pieces.

See you there!