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Creativity e-Letter by Katie Hacker

Charmed, I'm Sure
My husband gave me a charm bracelet when our daughter, Lily, was born. We travel a lot, so I decided to add a charm to the bracelet for each place that our family visits. Eventually, I'll give the bracelet to Lily to commemorate all of the different places she's been. It's already a wearable scrapbook of special times we've spent together.

In this issue of Creativity, you'll find ideas for making meaningful gifts for your family, a pattern for a sweet little charm bracelet and letters from readers.

Have you impressed your family with meaningful, personalized gifts? Click here to share your story. I'd love to know what you made, for whom, and what made your gift special. By sending your feedback, you grant Creativity the permission to use the contents of your e-mail in future publications.

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Heirloom Gift Ideas
Whether you're planning ahead for Christmas or making a last-minute Father's Day gift, here are some ideas for creative, personalized gifts that your family will cherish.

Heritage photo crafting.
Reproduce vintage family photographs and use them to create ornaments, charm bracelets or collages that will become beloved mementos. Use durable materials that will stand the test of time.

Miniature keepsakes.
Miniatures aren't just for dollhouses. Use them to create small scenes that commemorate special events or favorite hobbies. Include personal touches such as miniature versions of important documents, pets or photos.

Quilts.
Use treasured articles of clothing, favorite fabrics, or photo transfers to make personalized quilts. One Creativity reader made quilt squares from her grandfather's ties. Another made a graduation blanket from her son's favorite T-shirts.

Favorite recipes.
When I graduated from high school, my mom gave me a recipe book filled with instructions for making my favorite meals. Add photos and journaling for a scrapbooking twist or make a compilation of recipes that have been passed down through the generations.

Collections scrapbook.
My dad collects tools and other old stuff. I plan to take pictures of his collections and organize them in a bound book for easy reference. This would work well for other collections or hobbies, too.

Legacy plants.
My mother recently gave me some fern starts, originally propagated from my grandmother's garden. They'll be perfect additions to my shady flowerbeds but are also sweet reminders of two of my favorite ladies.

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Free Charm Bracelet Pattern

Charm bracelets never go out of style, but they're currently enjoying some time in the spotlight. Recent celebrity sightings and high-fashion versions only add to their universal appeal. Click here for instructions to make this sweet charm bracelet for a new mom or grandmother.

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Spring Clearance Sale at Annie's Attic!
AnniesAttic.com has reduced the price on many top-quality patterns, kits and supplies! These are the best prices you'll find this season - up to 60% or more! Here are just a few of the great bargains you'll find.

Send me your comments.
To send me an e-mail, please do not reply to this newsletter. Instead, fill out my easy feedback form and let me know your thoughts, questions, what you're working on and what topics interest you. Even though I can't respond to each e-mail, I do read every one. You never know, I may feature your letter in an upcoming issue of Creativity. I'm looking forward to hearing from readers and sharing your ideas here from time to time.

Sharing Creativity,

Katie Hacker signature

Katie Hacker
Editor, Creativity

Letters

I have seen kits for making your own mouse pads and using your own photo. I have been unable to locate where they may be purchased. Can you help?
Jeanne

Many online photo printing companies can create custom mouse pads using your uploaded pictures, or you can decorate your own with a mouse pad from Transitions Studio. Ask your favorite paper crafting store or craft store if they carry Traditions Studio products. If not, you could always ask if they could special order it for you.

Your newsletter is the most welcome e-mail I receive! This is the only one that I read from one end to the other and also check out your links. I have learned so many things from you and your readers that I just had to say a great big "THANK YOU ALL." Keep up the good work, and I look forward to your next letter.
Lynda

I always learn so much from readers, too, Lynda. Fortunately for us, the Creativity community is full of people who enjoy sharing their ideas about crafts. The more the merrier! Follow the link below to forward this e-mail to a crafting friend.

I am in charge of creating crafts for a church bazaar in October. What is a great source for easy, interesting craft items for fall and Christmas?
Sue

Did you know that you can access all of the archived Creativity e-letters and free patterns online? Check out the December 11, 2006 issue for lots of easy, last-minute gift ideas that would be appropriate for your holiday bazaar.

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PS - For more information on items or organizations mentioned above, please click on the following links:

Creativity archive - December 11, 2006
CardMaker magazine
Annie's Attic

 
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