Happy Thanksgiving, folks. Welcome to another edition of Make it Merry, where talented crafters share their holiday how-to's.

Snowman Ornament


Sherri Osborn will show you how to create a cute snowman face using a clear, glass ornament. It's a great project for the whole family.

Recycled Pine Cone Gnome


Get a glimpse of this pine cone gnome at the Recycled Crafts blog. It's a cute reason to collect a few pine cones around the yard.

CopprClay Pendants


Try your hand with pendant making this year with a little help from some winter foliage. The Beading Arts blog will show you how.

How to Make Paper


Handmade paper not only makes a great gift for the avid scrapbooker in your life, but you can also create tags and cards for every present on your list. Marion Boddy-Evans shows us how.

Little Town of Bethlehem Cross Stitch


Get down to the true meaning of Christmas with this simple cross stitch pattern from Connie G. Barwick.

Mitten Earrings


Tammy Powley shows us how to make these cute mitten earrings using lampwork beads.

Christmas Stocking


This cute two-color Christmas stocking is a breeze to knit, even if you've never knit a sock before. Worked with bulky yarn on big needles, it will be done and ready for you to embellish in no time.

Advent Garland


If you are looking for something a little different when it comes to counting down to the holidays this year then take a look at this pyramid box garland. Use the free template to make the boxes and decorate them with your favorite festive stamps.

Miniature Gift Boxes


Have a little gift to give? Check out these free printable miniature gift boxes for small gifts or advent calendars from Lesley Shepherd.

Manga Holiday Card


Instead of a traditional Christmas card, you could go with something a little more contemporary this year. Helen South has tips on how to create a manga style card.

Want to Join Make it Merry to show off your holiday crafts? We will showcase your crafts and recipes of all holiday traditions. Learn more.

If you have other knitting (or crochet) fans on your list, knitting or crocheting gifts for them is a great idea (because makers so rarely seem to get homemade gifts themselves). But you can also craft a gift that they can use in their crafting, and do so in a lot less time than it might take you to actually knit or crochet a worthy gift.

For example, check out my super-simple knitting needle case tutorial, which could also hold crochet hooks. I'm not a great sewer, but I still managed to make this in an afternoon and it's incredibly useful, holding lots of needles in a small space.

Or try these beaded stitch markers. One of them literally comes together in minutes, even if you're not really skilled at beadwork, and a set of a bunch can be made in an afternoon. They're sure to bring a smile to any crafter who uses them.

If you're looking for a place to spread a bit of charity knitting this holiday season, you might want to consider Operation Lap Wraps, a program of USA Cares, which helps post-9/11 service members with financial and advocacy support.

The group also collects lap-sized blankets that are distributed at military hospitals to patients who have lost limbs. Some are also used by the children of wounded service members. They ask for lap blankets no larger than 45 by 45 inches, made in any design or using whatever technique you choose. You can attach information about yourself or a note to the soldier who will receive the blanket if you like.

The guidelines don't say so, but I'd imagine they prefer washable fibers when possible because they are for use in hospitals.

Finished blankets may be sent to:
USA Cares, Inc.
C/O: Operation Lap Wrap
562B N. Dixie Boulevard, Suite #3
Radcliff, KY 40160

Photo (c) Sarah E. White.


This collection of yarn reminds me of the bounty of the harvest, which seems appropriate in this Thanksgiving week. To all my knitting friends, in America and beyond, I wish you the warmest season, full of family togetherness and lots of great fiber. I'm thankful for each of you who make it possible for me to write about this craft I love for a living. Have a great holiday!