To make or not to make?

I know we all do it. We domesticated divas feel it is our divine right to enhance others' lives with our artwork. Some of us feel obligated while others take the initiative full force with enthusiasm and gusto.

I'm talking about handmade gifts. I've been known to make custom clipboards for teachers, paper crafted paint cans, scrapbooks, ornaments and cards - just to name a few.

This year all of my clients will be getting something homemade from me: wooden blocks with letters spelling out Joy in vinyl. My female family members will be getting something homemade as well. I won't tell though, because sometimes my family members lurk without telling me - so I want to keep it a surprise. The teachers this year will be getting homemade ornaments - little mini books with pictures of the class (or blank - depending on the teacher).

Princess Monkey Eyes LO-HO-HOVES to dress up. Not only does she have 3 ballerina outfits (care of my mother, not that I'm complaining - I'm thrilled that the ballerina costumes started this), but she also has 4 princess dresses as well. Most recently her fascination has been with wedding dresses. She wants one. And she wants a veil. In fact, she has me tape wipees to little figurines in the form of wedding dresses and veils. So I scoped out Target and they had one - but I didn't like it. So I'm going to make her one. Check out what it 'should' look like when I'm done!

Pretty, huh? SOOO frilly & foofy & poofy & flowy. Just like Princess M.E. likes it.

Today I went to my doctor appointment (It's an hour and half drive, one way) and I stopped off at JoAnn's to check out the price on tulle. Did you know today was the last day of their Merry Moolah sale? That included 50% off of tulle. So, what SHOULD have cost me $1.50 a yard was only 75 cents!!! I bought the rest of the bolt (16 yards). I probably didn't need that much. I thought I read somewhere that to make a super puffy tutu you needed 12 yards of tulle. But then again, I think I read it wrong. So I really only need 4. Maybe I'll make a few for Ladybug and Butterfly, too - or for the other girl cousins... Not sure yet. Anyway - all that tulle cost me less than $13!!!

So - are you making things for Christmas? Are you baking for your neighbors? (I am!) Are you one of those people that feels obligated and does it because it's expected of them (like being LDS and marrying an RM) or do you actually take joy in the journey? I'm a little bit of both - although Popeye isn't an RM. Are your gifts received well? I know at least some of the time I get it right & people have enjoyed my handmade treasures.

But as for Christmas this year - at least Princess Monkey Eyes will be thrilled with the newest addition to her dress-up box!

Share your ideas here!!! I'm game for more!