As a crafter or artist of any kind, your talents will be sought after whenever anyone needs an artist of your skill set. I have been asked many-a-time at work to be involved in projects—or take them over—if they are of an artistic nature, but that is a post for another time.

What gives me the most fulfillment when it comes to my talents is sharing them with others. Gift giving is an excellent way of doing this.

When a birthday comes up, or the holidays are just around the corner, there have been many years when funds were low and I wasn’t sure how I’d be able to afford buying gifts. I am sure I’m not the only one who’s been in this boat.

During times like these, I thought about the person I was to buy a gift for. What were their likes? Would they appreciate a homemade gift?

I’ve given framed illustrations as gifts, Popsicle stick picture frames with pictures of the recipient’s kids inside, knitted baby blankets, slippers, and crocheted amigurumi (of course). These gifts were received with more appreciation than any store-bought trinket ever would have gotten.

The friends and family I give these handmade gifts to, realize all the hours I put into them. They appreciate the work that goes into making each one.

When my friend had her first child years ago, I made him an amigurumi lion (pattern available for free from Demonstrative Bears by Cynthia Sickler on Ravelry). As you can see in the picture to the left, the little lion is still holding up beautifully after four years of enjoyment. After that gift, I made his mom a box jellyfish (pattern courtesy of Edafedd on Etsy).

More recently, I decided to make him

IlDikko’s pattern on Etsy for Henri le Frog