I was asked if I wanted to participate in a 'stocking swap' for Christmas this year. I initially didn't because I just didn't think I could make 13 gifts along with everything else that was happening in my life but, in the end, I decided to do it. And to SIMPLIFY. Everyone posted who their kids were (I only knew one other Mama out of 5) their ages and if it was for a boy or girl. It was a range in ages from about 1-10? So I start thinking what I can make for that age group. And then it came to me: crayon pouches. Because who doesn't love crayons or pouches for that matter? 
The boys got the groovey green corderoy (on top) and the girls got this vintage green fabric with the yellow lining. I thought I was being all sorts of clever you know, it's like 2 gifts in one. The gift that keeps on giving. And then....I saw what all the other mama's were making and it wasn't looking good for me or my pouches. They each made individual, personalized gifts for every child. Now I start looking like I took the easy way out (I totally did.) So then I try to make up for it (sort of): 
by putting on clever Christmas ribbon and a big jingley bell...something tells me they will not be fooled. Oh well, at least I don't have to worry about doing it all again next year.
For those who purchased the Holiday Essentials Studio- the step by step tutorial on how to make these pouches is listed there. AND it's never too late to sign up! You've got a whole week ahead of you to get your craft on :) Click the sidebar link at the top over there ----------------->
Want to see some of the cleverness? Check it out here. I am going to go & crawl under a rock now.
