how to make gifting actually happen

Gifting is, like, a big deal.  Everybody's doing it.  Some people might give modest gifts to everyone they know.  Others might present their close friends with lavish, expensive surprises.  From having observed the gifting culture at my school, I know that it is sometimes frowned upon to not participate in all this gifting.  I've been caught empty handed after receiving colorfully-wrapped packages, having nothing but an old lollipop to give in return.

First of all, I don't have the money to buy everyone I know what they've always wanted.  I don't think that's the point of the holiday season, anyway.  It is nice to have a little something prepared, though.  Even though I hopped on the gifting bandwagon a little late this year, I still came up with some prototypes for next year - along with a more realistic concept of how much time it takes to become a prepared, gift-ready ninja.

Two months in advance
Step 1: acknowledge that you want to give gifts.

Step 2: make a list of everyone you want to give gifts to.

Step 3: separate that list into 2 categories - people you are going to give something cute and casual to (your friends and relatives), and people you are going to spend extra time on (your mom)

Step 4: brainstorrrm!!! Are you going to make your gifts by hand (very fun, very time-consuming) or are you going to buy them?

Potential store-bought gifts for everyone:

- mini deodorant

- mini soap

- tinsel

- candles 

- chocolate

- glitter

- stickers

- stationery

- cute beanie baby

Potential homemade gifts for everyone(ish):

Tutorial here.

Estimated time per bracelet: 1-2 hrs

Reserve 1-2 days for every bracelet you intend to make.

Inspired by this guy, Ryan Conners.

Materials I used:

- brown polymer clay

- acrylic paint (many colors)

- clear glaze

- cardstock paper

- scissors

- small knife

- rolling pin

Process:

Design your ornament shape on cardstock paper.  Cut out to make a template.  After kneading (and mixing, if necessary) your polymer clay, roll out a thin layer with a rolling pin.  Lay the template down on the clay and cut around the edges with a butter knife (or smaller tool, if you have one).  Bake the clay.  When cooled, paint on details.  When dry, paint on glaze.  Let dry overnight.

Estimated time per ornament: 20 min

Set aside 2-3 days for mass-producing ornaments

I used the America's Test Kitchen recipe, which was fairly pleasing.  Here is this mom's take on the recipe.

Estimated time per batch: 2 hrs

Set aside 2-3 days for mass-producing cookie plates (keep in mind: these do not keep for a long time in the fridge)

Now go and enjoy the REST OF THE YEAR!  This article may not be useful to you now now, but it will be useful to you sooner than you think! (hint hint)

community moment: 8th grade portfolio day

My art class is trying to become a magnet program.  It's already a fairly established class; we dwell eerily in the basement, hunched over elaborate still life drawings and moody self portraits.  Our two teachers fancy themselves philosophers, and have been reviewing portfolios for several decades now. In an attempt to streamline the process, they decided this year to host every 8th grade applicant at once.  We students came to help.

I can't say highschoolers are the most welcoming option when it comes to helping middleschoolers feel better.  We were careful, however, to smile and ask applicants for their names as we hung their work to the wall.  My particular roll was to assist in the photographing of each kids' work.  

The artwork we received was varied.  There were tentative attempts at still life, large collections of cartoon characters, and some impressive paintings.  Some kids were nervous, others seemed less nervous.

When the kids weren't having their work photographed or being interviewed, they were on the other side of the classroom drawing a big still life.  It was quite an event.  The only thing that kept it from dissolving into complete chaos was the "five hours of relaxing jungle music" somebody found on Youtube.  As the kids drew, they were soothed into silence by the rain forest sounds.  

holiday gift guide: cootie catchers

          

Wow!  It's winter!  How did that happen?  

A brief update on me: In addition to being a person in high school, I am in fact a senior in high school.  I have been learning how the college application process works (very "survival" worthy), along with learning to drive.  Woop!  Normal things!  I figured my crafty drive had ceased two summers ago, but many crafty schemes have since accumulated in the depths of my brain.  Why not keep sharing them?

Why now?  To be honest, I received a lovely comment encouraging me to continue!  Thanks, Ashley!

 

These cootie catchers are great to print out and share with yo friends.  I selected only the juiciest of dares, most intriguing of fortunes, and most puzzling of would-you-rathers.  What's the best thing about these cootie catchers?

You can color them in!  Isn't that fun?  

In case you forgot how to fold a cootie catcher, here's how:

They're perfect stocking stuffers, in my opinion.  Have your whole family asking each other which they would rather: being hairy all over or being completely bald?  You can stuff one away in your back pocket during holiday gatherings, then whip it out during awkward conversation.  The possibilities are endless.

Have fun!