Happy Handmade Christmas (the Giveaway!)

A little over two years ago I started this blog.  I think Ordinary Lovely is pretty much what I expected it would be - small, cozy, sometimes prolific and sometimes dry, sometimes... boring ;), usually conversational and drama-free.  But I don't think I knew back at the beginning how much I would enjoy making friends via this outlet.  I've really enjoyed it!  And I really like you guys (fyi: in Western New York, "guys" means everyone - so even if you're a gal, it means you!)  

It's one of my favorite things ever to make stuff for friends and family.  (I probably love it more than they do...  "oh boy, another craft Theresa's trying her hand at... ;0))  The past two years on the blog I've given you a glimpse of the things I've made and given them as Christmas gifts.  But today's edition of Happy Handmade Christmas is so that I can give something to you - my friends and readers!  

My gifts to you are simple, humble, and of course handmade... by me, so maybe they're not as exciting as some other opportunities out there.  (still no sponsors banging down my doors with lots of pretty presents for you ;0)  But I offer what I have to you as a sincere thank you! from me.  Thank you for making it a joy to blog.  Thank you for getting to know me here, and most especially, thank you for letting me get to know you!  

I almost didn't have a giveaway because I really would love to give something to everyone that reads here.  But as it is, I have four small gifts to offer.   Please accept my thanks and enter to win one if there's something here that strikes your fancy!  Leave a comment with the one or two things you like the best.  (You might get bonus points if you throw in some suggestions of what you'd like to see at Ordinary Lovely as I start planning blogging for the new year!!)  If more than four people "enter," I'll organize a very fair, highly supervised drawing from a hat Monday night.   Winners will be announced on Tuesday morning, December 16.  And... if I get your address in time, maybe your gift will arrive before Christmas.  And if it doesn't, surely you'll accept it as an Epiphany gift instead! 

(Item 1) 

Set of 6 Crocheted Nesting and Stacking Bowls 

in brown and pink colors

My girls love these as toys and I think they'd make a sweet gift for a littler one, or you could keep them for yourself to use as jewelry organizers, office supply storage, or ___ (fill in the blank!)___ 

The largest bowl measures 4 1/4 inches across and 2 1/4 inches high.

The smallest is 2 inches across and 1 1/2 inches high.

The six bowls stacked together measure approximately one foot tall.

my girls love theirs and use them for all kinds of things...

(Item 2)

Child-Size Kitchen Apron 

A reversible apron in green and white polk-a-dots and friendly snowmen.

Perfect for winter-time baking and helping around the kitchen :)

The apron measures 20 1/2 inches from just below the neck strap to the bottom.

(if you want to make your own smaller, toddler-size version, here's the link to my pattern and tutorial.)

Ruth is modeling it for you.  She's an average size 4 1/2 year old.  I'd say the apron could fit up to a 7 year old, and could be adjusted to fit down to a three year old.  

(Item 3)

Holy Family Painted Wooden Peg Dolls

Small and sturdy for little hands.  Simply painted for imaginative play.

Mary and Joseph measure approximately 3 1/2 inches tall.  Baby Jesus is approximately 

1 1/8 inches tall.  

They are finished in a glossy varnish to seal and protect the paint and to make it easy to wipe off pencil scribbles / toddler artistic expression (ask me how I know...)

(Item 4)

Women's Size "In Bloom" Crochet Beret

Crocheted in classic Oxford Gray.

A super soft blend of wool and acrylic.  Washable.

Light weight for warmer climates, but covers your ears for when and where it's colder!

It's stretchy, cozy, and comfortable - in fact, I can't wait to make one for myself!!

Made using this free Ravelry pattern.

look!  I even went out in real snow to model it for you :)

If you see something you like, I hope you'll enter!  I'd love to extend my love for handmade gift-giving to my lovely and frequent readers!  Don't forget to enter before Monday, December 15, 10 pm Eastern Standard Time.  

Thank you to all the Ordinary Lovely readers and the friends I've made here!  

And (almost!) Merry Christmas!