Day 16 - Easiest Clutch

Welcome back, friends! This month we're working on 31 handmade gifts for everyone on your list. You can find links to the full series here.

Today we're making my only other bag-type project - a super easy clutch!

This is seriously easy to make and pretty affordable to boot. It's great for quick runs to the store or can tuck inside a bigger bag to help you stay organized.  The finished size is about 9" wide x 7" tall.

Here's what you need to make one:

• 1/2 yard main body fabric (duck cloth or similar weight, I used a floral duck cloth)
• 1/2 yard accent body fabric (duck cloth or similar weight, I used brown corduroy)
• 1/2 yard lining fabric (I used quilting cotton)
• 1/2 yard medium weight fusible interfacing
• 3/4" button (I bought a fabric covered button kit to make a matching button)
• 3" of elastic cord
• thread

Day 15 - Scarf-to-Skirt

Welcome back, friends! This month we're working on 31 handmade gifts for everyone on your list. You can find links to the full series here.

Today's project is pretty fast and easy. And it turns out super cute! We'll be turning a cheap scarf into a fun skirt!

You can adjust the way the scarf is folded to make a variety of sizes and lengths.  And they turn out so fun and flowy!

 

 Mine is super-soft & comfy, too. Paired with a simple tank top it would be perfect for lazy days around the house and runs to the grocery store.

Day 14 - Nest Necklace

Welcome back, friends! This month we're working on 31 handmade gifts for everyone on your list. You can find links to the full series here.

We're working on ladies' week and today we'll be making some sweet little bird's nest necklaces.

These are really easy to make, and one of the fastest projects we'll do this week. So they are great if you're looking for last minute ideas.

But my favorite thing about these is how sweet and personal they can be. They a great for moms because you can match the number of eggs to their number of kids, use her favorite colors, and even use different colors or sizes for girls and boys if you want. What a beautiful tribute to a mom's greatest work!

 

I made this necklace for myself with two little aqua colored eggs for my two boys. It's even more special to me because I brought the beads back from a mission trip years ago. Seriously, guys, there are so many ways to give this gift a really meaningful, personal touch.

Day 13 - Favorite Tote Bag

Welcome back, friends! This month we're working on 31 handmade gifts for everyone on your list. You can find links to the full series here.

Did you think I forgot today? :) I didn't... I'm just riiiiight on the verge of falling behind. Oops. But I'm here, and today we're kicking off a week that's all about the ladies! Starting with one of my very favorite tote bags!

I don't know about you guys, but I have a lot of bags. A lot. They just speak to me. But one of my very favorite bags is a small, striped tote. I drooled over it at a thrift store and my sister snatched it up for Christmas. And it's the perfect size. So I used it as the inspiration for this new tote pattern!

I changed a few things like the way the straps are attached just to make it a little spiffier. But that beautiful perfect size is the same. The finished size is about 11" wide x  9" tall x 4" deep.

Here are some new pics for scale (thanks for the suggestion!). I'm about 5'2" and a little bit pregnant. :) We've been using this as our library bag.

It's small enough to use a purse, but big enough to stuff in a couple diapers and wipes while I run errands. It has pockets inside and outside, and deep gussets for lots of usable space.