Crafter’s Wishlist 2012

Can you believe that this is our 4th annual Crafter’s Wishlist? One might wonder how we continue to come up with supplies to covet for our stash, but aren’t we amongst our people in our lust for all things crafty? So here is our list for 2012. The Crafter’s Wishlist is a mix of items we have purchased and love, have been sent to review, or simply drool over from afar. Of course, you don’t need many supplies to create and it’s more fun to use your family’s holiday budget on loved ones but if your own brood demands some gift ideas for mama, here are some thoughts to send their way.

We’ve never given much thought to wool felting but ever since Simplicity introduced us to the Simplicity Electric Hand Held Felting Machine, we have been exploring the possibilities like these adorable heart elbow patches from Honestly WTF, then striped blankets and ombre throw pillows!

You might remember how much I worshiped my Epiphanie Clover bag on our Italian Adventure last Summer. That amazing bag holds everything a blogger/photographer needs. Now I’m going to be greedy and admit that I have my eye on a second Epiphanie, the brand new compact Charlotte in Burnt Orange. Some days a gal needs her camera but not a laptop, flash and 3 lenses, ya now?

And while you are snapping away in style, you might want to drop your lovies a hint that you would adore a new camera strap like this gorgeous chevron number I picked out from Mod. Jaime opted for the genius Strap Wrap in houndstooth, to carry a few essentials on a shoot.

Let’s talk books! I few favorites that have arrived on my doorstep are America’s Test Kitchen: Simple Weeknight Favorites(We already have a few family favorites from this realistic cookbook) and Anna Maria’s Needleworks Notebook. I’ll be honest, I don’t have much time for hand embroidery but her designs are inspiring. It’s enough just to look at the projects and dream.

And a few books that are on my own wishlist? Heather Ross Prints: 50+ Designs and 20 Projects to Get You Started. In addition to a book of projects by one of my favorite designers, there is a CD of Heather Ross’ patterns to use for your own crafts. I don’t know that I can wait til Christmas. And how about A Hip Handmade Holiday by Susan Petersen of Freshly Picked, and Alison Faulkner of The Alison Show, with Matt Mildenstein? It’s a digital craft book (meaning when you buy it you get a 150+ page interactive pdf) with 18 projects, 9 instructional videos and over 100 printable gift tags, stickers, labels, stencils, and patterns. $10 people!

I bet right now you are wondering how you will entertain the children while you peruse your new craft books. How about the lovely I See Me Personalized Coloring Books. I already have some stashed away for my little ones to open up on Christmas Morning. Check out the adorable personalized Christmas book we are giving away, A Christmas Bear for Me, Nov 20th (today) is the last day to enter!

Personally, my most creative tool is my trusty iPhone. I fell in love with Colleen’s phone cover when I was in LA last month and I’ve been thinking my tiny BFF (pathetic) might need a few new outfits. These from Switch Easy are top on my list.

What creative things do I do with my phone? Well, besides the obvious, I Artkive all of my kids artwork. with this app you can collect, organize and even create gifts from your children’s (or your own, I guess) masterpieces.

And the most crafty fun I’ve had this year was with the Brother PE-500 Embroidery Machine. Brother made embroidery affordable with this sweet (and pink!) little machine. The possibilities! See the PE working away in our How to Use an Embroidery Machine and How to Applique videos.

Ready for a new (and shiny) hobby? We recommend Gold Leafing. We had so much fun turning this plain china into a glittering tablescape and we know you will be addicted too.

So what’s on your Crafty Wishlist this year? Send us your holiday dreams and fantasies, shamelessly materialistic we know, but for a minute let’s just think about what we all greedily want stuffed in our stocking!

by Jacinda