Hi friends,

Wow! I am so enjoying reading all of your comments on Monday's post. The tales you're sharing about the best handmade gift you've ever received are thoughtful, funny and poignant – sometimes all at once. Thank you all for sharing these little gems. (If you haven't commented yet, there's still time – you have until Sunday at 11:59 p.m.)

Now that Halloween is out of the way, I feel like I can finally hunker down and concentrate on my Christmas crafting. (Oh yes, the countdown is on!) I make many of my Christmas presents, and I know that many people are thinking about making some (or all) of their holiday gifts this year, and so I've been thinking about ways to make the process fun, festive, and affordable. Here's what I've come up with so far.

• Start early. Staying up all night knitting or sewing on Christmas Eve  = falling asleep in your turkey dinner.
• Make a list, check it twice. It's easy to get overwhelmed when you walk into a giant crafts or fabric store, and being overwhelmed can lead to overspending. Before you go supply-shopping, write down a list of the crafts you're going to make; then make your shopping list detailing exactly what (and how much) you'll need.
• Be realistic. Choose projects that match your skill level and the amount of time you have available. And don't waste time making something for someone who won't appreciate it. Some people just prefer purchased gifts. Save yourself the time and heartache; buy a gift card.
• Take advantage of sales. Use those 40% off coupons from the big box craft stores; make the most of your fabric store's discount club card. Watch the circulars for deals.
• Make multiples; set up an assembly line. Consider making similar-but-different gifts for the people on your list (for example, simple mitts or scarves; monogrammed books or mugs). Make one, so that you get the hang of it; then make all the rest, completing one step at a time in assembly-line fashion. This saves time (you only have to climb one learning curve) and money (you'll get best use out of each supply you buy).
• Order takeout. I hate having to clean off my kitchen table – which is where I do much of my crafting – in mid-flow, just so that I can make and serve dinner. And after a full day of Christmas crafting, who wants to cook?

What are your tips for fun, festive, affordable holiday crafting? Leave a comment telling me what you'd recommend and you could win!

The prizes for this surprise giveaway are two tickets to the upcoming Seasons Christmas Show at the International Centre in Mississauga OR a copy of Tree Top Decorations by Emma Hardy. In addition, I'll feature my favourite tips in a round-up next Thursday. (Comments accepted until Wednesday, Nov. 11 at 11:59 p.m.; round-up will be published and winners announced on Thursday, Nov. 12.)

Hi friends,

I'm encouraged by your positive response to the idea of putting craft templates online (see Monday's post – and enter the contest to win the craft kit!). Some of you have mentioned that you're having trouble finding the templates for the "Bring the Leaf Motif to the Table" article online, and the web team is working on that right now find them here.

You can also download them right here:

• Click to download the napkin ring templates.
• Click to download the table runner and place card holder templates.

• **Please open these files in Adobe and print them from there to ensure you're getting the proper size image.**

Two notes:

1) If you don't have access to a printer, we'd be happy to mail the templates to you.

2) I'd like to make this pattern the subject of the first Great Results Roundup. If you make any of these projects, email me a photo and I'll feature it in a special blog post after Thanksgiving!

Canadian Mojito, photography by Edward Pond

Hello friends!

I know that summer started officially on June 21, but for me, it's not really summertime until Canada Day arrives in all its red-and-white glory. And if you're looking for a crafty way to mark our nation's birthday, I've got a few ideas for you.

• Keep the kids busy with one (or more) of these eight Canada Day crafts.
• Capture the colours of Canada with this spectacular quilt and wall-hanging.
• What's more Canadian than a knitted toque? (OK, so it might be a bit warm for that...but why not get a head-start?)
• And from around the web, some more ideas for you to try with your kids:
  • Print out a maple leaf pattern then use it in myriad ways.
  • Keep your cool with a patriotic flag fan.
  • Make a cute Canada Day wreath.
  • Try one of a variety of maple-leaf-y crafts, from leaf rubbings to wind socks.
• Too hot to craft? Turn up the A/C and head over to Poppytalk for some good old Canadian design inspiration.
• Once you've crafted up an appetite, you might as well try this special menu for your Canada Day barbecue, straight out of The Canadian Living Test Kitchen. Mmmm-mmm. It's the perfect thing to fuel you up for an evening of fireworks and fun. (And don't forget dessert!)

Have a great Canada Day, everyone. I'll see you back here on Thursday.

ps Don't forget about Weekly Giveaway #9! You have until 5 p.m. on Friday to enter to win your copy of Backcountry Betty Crafting with Style: Nature-Inspired Projects. I can't wait to read all about your favourite Canadian vacation destination!