I’ve always thought custom made monograms were delicious.  Even though I didn’t change my name when I got married, I secretly coveted a cool custom monogram of our new married life/name. When I saw this  great how to on Design Sponge via the NYPL I thought well, maybe I’ll finally get (make!) that custom monogram!

I happened to find two vintage wooden picture frames in the trash outside my building (this never happens to me in NYC) and so am going to transform them into bulletin boards for two lucky ladies in my life this Christmas.  Cost: Roll of cork (around $11 a roll at Staples — you can get about three bulletin boards out of a single roll), foam core backing ($5) and duct tape ($0 since I have an almost endless supply).

These two cuties from Martha Stewart are made from old sweaters (cost: given that I’ve been saving a couple of Tim’s for a project like this: ZERO). These I have in mind for my friends with new babies. The complete how-to is found here. More handmade ideas here.

I’ve mentioned that my side of the family is doing full-on handmade christmas this year to both save money and refocus on what the holidays are really about. I’m excited but really want to do handmade right: we’ve all been on the receiving end of not-quite-successful handmade gifts that end up being a burden rather than a gift (ugly handmade ribbon belts that constantly slip or rock-hard cookies come to mind). Don’t worry, no one who gave me these things reads this blog! Worst of all, sometimes making something by hand ends up costs WAY more than just buying it (say any knitting project!). With these two things in mind – true chicness and true cheapness (of materials) – I’ll be sharing some the projects I’ll be making this week.

First up: great paper covered bic pens which are cheap, cute and easy for the non crafter!!. They would be fun as a stocking stuffer or to accompany this great DIY calendar with fabric inserts from A Little Hut: the downloadable template costs $5 on Etsy. A perfect way to use up a paper or fabric stash!

We’re headed to North Carolina for the holiday and I’m so excited to try and make this wreath! From Martha Stewart Living, of course.

This dresser is so fun and the best part: Lena Corwin posted a step-by-step how to here.

Ta da! Here is the almost finished baby quilt I’ve been working on. I finished free motion quilting the quilt last night (and boy am I sore today!). Free motion quilting means that instead of sewing in straight lines you move the fabric in organic, rolling lines. I’ve never done free motion quilting before and was really proud of myself for figuring it out. I just have to bind it and in the mail it goes to C. I think my favorite part is the strips of her father and her husband’s dress shirts bound into the backing. PS This is the quilt that inspired it all. Alissa was so nice and answered lots of my silly quilting questions. She has a great sewing blog with lots of great projects.