A homemade Christmas gifts

I love homemade gifts! Growing up in a big family, making Christmas gifts was kind of a tradition. I always thought that it was like giving a little piece of yourself. The gifts that I made were corny and down right ugly at times... but they are getting better.

Now with my little family, I am trying to teach my children about giving from the heart. And the cycle of interesting and crazy homemade gifts starts anew with my girls old enough to use a glue gun. It is always a challenge for me to think of something that is not going to be just another toy (that I will have to pick up).

I couldn't post this before Christmas because I knew my little guys would probably see the pictures. This was the gift I made for my two boys... to go on their bunk bed. I had seen a few on-line and decided to give it a whirl. Thanks to tons of suggestion and a little help from family and friends... this is what I came up with:The castle front is sewn to a flat sheet that goes under the top mattress to hold it in place. The turret piece (at the top) slips over the railing like a pillow case.The gray fabric came from my mom. Sweet! The banners, flags and curtains were all ribbon scraps. (Also from my mom... I know, she's awesome!) I got the brick-look by mixing (ceramcoat)gray,white,black paints and applying it with a large sponge.

This was the most challenging gift I have made so far, but also the most fun! And the best part... I can play in it too!