Gifts from the heart

I don't know what the deal is with me, but every time I make something with beads, I forget to take a picture of it or blog about it. I usually remember about the time I finish wrapping it up all cute-like in the box and I never want to undo all the wrapping just to take a picture. But in an attempt to show you that I really do other things besides cooking, I made a priority to remember this time.

A cute little red bracelet. I'm still perfecting things with more than 1 strand.

I am blessed to be part of a wonderful church family in which I have some really great friends. Not too long ago, I started to make it my goal to make something from the heart for these women for their birthday presents. We don't really give out Christmas presents to anyone outside of our family, so I wanted to make birthday's special instead. I don't always bead something, but as I've gotten more and more practice at it, I've leaned towards something beaded more often than not.

Not the best picture, there's another below.

A week or so ago, a friend gave me a wonderful compliment. She said that she keeps noticing these gals with cute jewelry at church and when she comments on it, she hears, "Thanks, Kendra made it." It was so encouraging to hear that my gifts are being used and loved. That dear friend's birthday is very soon, so I was excited to sit down yesterday and create something just for her.

You can see the pretty pink beads a little better in this one. A chunky bracelet.

I try to figure out my friends' favorite color or take note of colors they tend to wear before giving them something. I want it to be something they'll have the opportunity to use, and so far, I've been right on. I have used a few tricks to double check colors (thanks to facebook status surveys and daughter's who know their moms well!). I love it when I am right and I see their face light up when they open that little box. (Which, by the way, I make my own box, its super easy and only uses 2 sheets of 12x12 scrapbook paper!)

I hate the flash, but it was night. I love this black one with matching earrings.

Since Christmas is right around the corner, I figured I'd use up all my beading supplies and make a whole bunch of fun things. We don't do gifts for adults in my extended family for Christmas, but maybe this year my mom and sister's will find some fun little baubles just for them as a surprise! :-)

A work in progress. LOVE the purple colors.

What about you? What is your favorite gift to make for your friends and/or family?