There are certain gifts I’ve received throughout my life that really mean something.
Gifts that seem to stick around in my life, despite my moving across country twice.
Gifts that don’t become outdated.

Magically capturing the personality of the giver, cloaked in the uniqueness of our relationships and defining a part of me I can never quite put into words, these gifts all seem to come not just from the heart, but also from the hands.

The handwritten book of quotes, song lyrics, memories, and small notes of appreciation I received from the girls on my hall when I was an RA remains next to my bed to this day, seven years later.  A verse of scripture stenciled on decorative paper, set in a weathered frame, hangs above my kitchen door, on display in the fourth of four buildings I’ve lived since I’ve received it.

Handmade pillows adorn my bed, the pink knit scarf around my neck each winter, and the framed photos and sketches I’ve received from loved ones are displayed on walls and table tops throughout my little apartment.

Not only these special pieces created for me by the loved ones in my life, but items handmade by artisans, crafters, and fabulous people who make business out of a making business.  Things found at craft fairs, and artists tables, and street vendors, and the wondrous land of Etsy.  Gifts selected for me, which were birthed from another’s vision.

Using an artist’s time and inspiration and hard work to grant me a present unlike any other, these gifts are more than a purchase.  It is an act of supporting creative energy and creative community and creative process and creative emotion, purchasing handmade gifts.

It’s to but these thoughts and declarations into action.  This year, I will be celebrating the holiday season with Handmade Christmas 2010.

For me, this means:

-Hand making all the Holiday Greeting Cards I mail out to friends and family across the country.

-All gifts I give this Christmas season will be either be handmade by me, or purchased from an individual who created it themselves.

-All wrapping, packaging, and gift tags will be handmade as well.

-For an added bonus, this year I will also be decorating a Christmas tree in all handmade, paper ornaments and decorations.

I would love for you to join me in Handmade Christmas 2010. You do not need to keep the same guidelines and goals as I’ve stated – find what works for you! I’d love to hear about what your plans are to incorporate Handmade Christmas 2010 into your holiday plans. [Also, may I encourage a Handmade Hanukkah, Kwanza, or generally winter merriment?]

Through out the next several months, I will be sharing my favorite crafting resources, creative planning processes, tutorials, tips, tricks and more.  [Feel free to let me know what you would like to see along the way!]

Also, feel free to add the Handmade Christmas 2010 badge from above to your blog, link back here, encourage your readers to join in the fun, and use the #handmadechristmas2010 hash tag on twitter.

Are you going to participate in Handmade Christmas 2010?