Creative Gift Giving (Or, How I Am No Martha Stewart)

It seems like the holidays just snuck up on us like some kind of Holiday creeper. I can't believe Christmas is only 6 weeks away! And of course like everyone it got me to thinking about holiday gift giving.

I just finished reading "The Tao of Martha" by Jen Lancaster, her book about spending a year trying - and sometimes failing - to infuse her life with the influence of Martha Stewart (great read by the way, very funny). And although she often came up short on her expectations, she did step away with an appreciation for taking time to focus on things she valued most and less on the things that were simply distractions.

Which brings me to the holiday part.

I am no Martha Stewart. That's like comparing Mother Theresa to Robin Thicke. Just ask my kids about my non-existent baking skills. Just last week I was trying to repair a broken piece of china with Super Glue and only managed to fuse my fingers together. So handmade gifts for me are a dangerous experiment for not only myself but for the recipient. However, I still want to find ways to give things that are meaningful and show that someone took the time to really think about that person.

Customers often bring me items which they'd received from someone significant to them, looking for a way to turn it into a new heirloom that they could enjoy as a way to remember them, or create something new as a meaningful gift. So I thought I would offer some ideas we can help with in the spirit of purposeful holiday giving.

I had a client a few years back who brought me her husband's grandfather's favorite chair and a stack of his old flannel shirts which we used as upholstery on the chair. That became her Christmas gift to him. (Insert Kleenex here). It was truly wonderful. So bring us a favorite blanket, shirt, quilt, etc., and we can find a way to create a new/old heirloom! Maybe you have a favorite piece of furniture or lamp that has been passed down that just needs a little updating to make it extra special. We can do that.

Although Christmas is just around the corner, there is still time to put together something special - even if, like me, you are no Martha Stewart. But here at FOUND we know design, we appreciate creativity, and we know the significance something like a piece of furniture can hold for an individual. We would love to help you with ideas to create something special for the holidays. Stop by our store at 203 East 8th Street in Holland, MI, or email us at foundon8th@att.net. Happy Holidays!

~Susan