Mique is here with 30days to share with the Gussy community a few tips on handmade gift giving {umm, yeow!}
I met Mique for the first time at The Creative Connection last month and she’s just as fabulous as I knew her to be online. I know you’ll love her, too :]
You can also find her on Twitter or Facebook.
A few years ago, teeny tiny 30days was born. Since then I have learned a thing or to about the handmade market. I feel so lucky to be a part of a blogging community that embraces creative, crafty people.
Today I want to focus a bit on why I started 30days. I’ve always loved handmade gifts. Always. They are the ones that I cherish above all. And my hope in starting 30days was to have a spot to put all my ideas, that I could go back to again and again for inspiration. Not only do I love receiving handmade gifts, I love making them. You too? (of course you do if you’re a Gussy fan, like I am ;] )
My top 5 handmade gift giving ideas:
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*Pay attention. It seems obvious. But the best gifts I’ve given have been from info I learned from the givee. If someone mentions they love buttons, I store that info away and for their birthday I give them a gift with a tag that has buttons on it. Even if it’s just a tiny little added touch, they will feel like you really know them.
*Plan ahead. This is my do as I say, not as I do rule. I am the world’s biggest procrastinator. BUT- my projects come together so much better if I plan well in advance. If you’re going to make one handmade gift, make 3 of the same and set them aside for the future.
*Take cues from blogs and magazines but then make them your own. Some of my favorite gifts have been ideas I’ve seen elsewhere but put my own spin on them. You don’t have to copy what you see step for step.
*To me, an imperfect handmade gift it 100 times better than a perfect store bought one. Don’t let perfectionism be your downfall. If it’s not perfect, it doesn’t matter- you spent your time making it, the receiver will love it.
*Don’t apologize for what you’re giving — be proud of it. I know there have been times that I’ve said something along the lines of “I made this for you but it’s really not that great.” Saying things like that just make the person your giving to feel awkward and lessen your hard work.
Because of my love for making handmade gifts, I also love love love buying gifts that are handmade. I know the time, care and love that the person I’m buying from put in. I wholeheartedly support the handmade community and feel lucky that I got to share my two cents here at Gussy Sews.
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Thank you, Mique!
xoxo.
Yes indeed, I looove giving handmade! My sweetheart’s mom & sisters love my cards, so I always make a few just for them to include with their gift. My cousin’s birthday was yesterday; her favorite color is purple, so I made her 2 petal pins with fun purple patterned fabric. She loved them! And it’s such a good feeling to say “Oh, I’m so glad! I made it for you.” :)
Great post! Thanks for sharing!
I tried last year – unsuccessfully – to go “all handmade” for Christmas. Perhaps I’ll be able to organize myself early enough to accomplish it this year!
I love this! Awesome tips! I love handmade gifts the best also! That’s also why I make them! I think that when I was younger I didn’t appreciate great grandma’s hand knit slippers and blankets as much as I do now! Great Grandma is gone but I picked up knitting again because of her and now I feel like I’m following in her footsteps by making and selling handmade goods. She would have been proud I’m sure! And my kids love cuddling up with one of great grandma’s knit blankets in the fall/winter…it’s like getting a big warm hug from her!
i heart mique!! such good advice. i love a meaningful, heartfelt gift. xxoo
Love this, so wise!
I too heart Mique! such a great post.
I especially love your last comment – the one about not apologizing for what you’re giving. This was a big struggle, especially when it comes to trying to sell items. It’s so easy to feel like what you have isn’t “good enough” at the beginning. Love your tips!
Mique is so sweet and 30 Days rocks! Great post!
2013 Bottega Veneta 13006 Black On Sale . seems to quite effortlessly stride the line between elegant and everyday !!