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November 11 ~ Reading & Writing

We have so many great gift choices today for the people in your life who love to read, write and draw. Any of these tutorials will produce a beautiful gift and each one also lends itself to a natural, small addition. You could add a nice set of crayons, colored pencils, a favorite book or a blank journal for a lovely, complete package.
Crayon Roll
Have you seen beautiful crayon and pencil rolls on the internet and in craft books? Cindy gives you easy instructions in her Crayon Roll Tutorial via her blog, Skip To My Lou (which, with a little math, could be easily adapted to colored pencil size if you’re looking for an “older” gift).
Book Cover
Alex shares an easy, sophisticated Book Cover Tutorial via her blog, Moonstitches (be sure to click into Moonstitches for her latest tutorial too… So cute!).
Felted Wool Notebook Holders
Jodi was inspired by our Handmade Holidays to create this Felted Wool Notebook Holder Tutorial on her blog, Jolynncreations. Jodi notes it can be a great project even for young children who want to create something special for their own holiday gift giving.
Bookmark
Jess does it again (remember those cute pincushions?!) with this fun and easy Bookmark Tutorial via her blog, How About Orange.
Notebook & Pencil Holder
Jhoanna of One Red Robin shows how to embellish, personalize and adapt in her Notebook & Pencil Holder Tutorial so you can make the perfect gift for anyone on your list.

Pattern Recommendation

If you’d like to try a pattern, we suggest this one:

Note Taker

Fabric Recommendations

Here are just a handful of fabrics we love for these projects:

Beth’s choice Kristin’s choice Lauren’s choice
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Click the pattern and fabric images above to visit the Sew, Mama, Sew! store.
More Handmade Holiday ideas:
10 ~ Ties & Belts
9 ~ Fabric Ornaments
8 ~ Whimsy
7 ~ For Your Purse or Pocket
6 ~ Blankets for Baby
5 ~ Tote Bags
4 ~ Lunch Bags
3 ~ For the House
2 ~ Pincushions & Pins
1 ~ Aprons

Show us how you create Handmade Holidays! Join our Handmade Holidays photo pool!

We respect the copyright of all crafters.
All links and photos from blogs on our Handmade Holidays posts are used with permission.

This entry was posted on Sunday, November 11th, 2007 at 8:13 am and is filed under Handmade Holidays, Tutorials & Projects. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Responses are currently closed, but you can trackback from your own site.

80 Responses to “November 11 ~ Reading & Writing”

  1. Julia D responds:
    Posted: November 11th, 2007 at 8:30 am →

    WOW! I am overwhelmed by all the beautiful inspiration you are sharing! Off I go to plan MORE Christmas sewing! (bookmarks for book club, notebook/pencil holder for nephews.) Yay!

  2. Lil' d responds:
    Posted: November 11th, 2007 at 8:32 am →

    Those look like they would be great for my nieces. Thank you

  3. Andrea responds:
    Posted: November 11th, 2007 at 8:41 am →

    I really really want to make the bookmarks but I can’t seem to find that paper anywhere!

  4. Deb G responds:
    Posted: November 11th, 2007 at 8:43 am →

    Oh so many sweet things here! It’s getting harder and harder to choose what projects I want to work on first.

  5. Alison responds:
    Posted: November 11th, 2007 at 8:45 am →

    I don’t know that I’ll have enough time to get all these projects done for this Christmas! My list to make keeps getting longer with all these great ideas and inspiration. (I may need to start a list for next Christmas.)

  6. Holly responds:
    Posted: November 11th, 2007 at 8:45 am →

    Great gift ideas! A bit of adjusting to the size of the crayon roll and it could also be a makeup brush roll.

  7. Lisa NYC responds:
    Posted: November 11th, 2007 at 8:45 am →

    Think this is one of my favorite days! My Sewing To Do List gets longer by the day.

    I’m going to do some sewn bookmarks, one or two of those nifty crayon rolls (with Star Wars’ fabric…LOL) and a journal cover!

    There’s some additional tutorials for reading and writing posted on my blog today for added inspiration.

    Thanks for continuing to keep us focused on creating a holiday that’s special!

    With friendship,
    Lisa

  8. Mystele responds:
    Posted: November 11th, 2007 at 8:46 am →

    So excited about this post! Can’t wait to make the crayon roll for my boys! Yes!!!

  9. Kathleen responds:
    Posted: November 11th, 2007 at 8:57 am →

    I love Lauren’s fabric choice today. That would be great in the crayon roll!

  10. stripey_cat responds:
    Posted: November 11th, 2007 at 9:00 am →

    I like the idea of making the crayon roll larger for sketching pencils – less likely to break points than rattling round in a tin, and easier to fit in a pocket too.

  11. Anna responds:
    Posted: November 11th, 2007 at 9:00 am →

    I’m on a roll to make the crayon roll!! Every kid in site is getting one of these from me! WAAHOO

  12. Kerri responds:
    Posted: November 11th, 2007 at 9:04 am →

    these are just perfect for under the tree–whoop!

  13. Isabelle responds:
    Posted: November 11th, 2007 at 9:13 am →

    Another great entry! Love the notebook and pencil holder.
    Please, next time, could you post a tutorial on how to make days last 40 hours? :)

  14. Yvette responds:
    Posted: November 11th, 2007 at 9:51 am →

    Every day the projects get better and better. Now if only I had started making stuff in July…… maybe I should just plan to make this stuff for next year – then for once I’d be ahead of the game.

  15. Vickie responds:
    Posted: November 11th, 2007 at 10:49 am →

    I love them all! The notebook and pencil holder is great!
    Thank you again for all the tutorials!

  16. Niki :) responds:
    Posted: November 11th, 2007 at 11:12 am →

    Oh I’ve gotta make the notebook/pencil holder! thanks bunches :)

  17. samantha responds:
    Posted: November 11th, 2007 at 11:26 am →

    so cute! i can’t wait to try these

  18. Jessie Bryson responds:
    Posted: November 11th, 2007 at 11:32 am →

    I am so making 5 of the crayon rolls the kids on my list!

  19. Oiyi responds:
    Posted: November 11th, 2007 at 11:34 am →

    Really cute stuff!

  20. Natalie responds:
    Posted: November 11th, 2007 at 11:42 am →

    How About Orange is a treasure trove of great ideas and fun links!

  21. Myra responds:
    Posted: November 11th, 2007 at 11:53 am →

    Just found your blog. Love the tutorials and the beautiful pictures of the projects. Thank you!

  22. Debra responds:
    Posted: November 11th, 2007 at 12:03 pm →

    I have quite a few little artist in my family so I do believe those crayon rolls will be something I will be giving this year….and they are even great for little boys too!!! Sooo cute!!!

  23. andrea responds:
    Posted: November 11th, 2007 at 12:24 pm →

    the would all make great teacher gifts!

  24. jodie sylvester responds:
    Posted: November 11th, 2007 at 12:57 pm →

    I love this crayon roll!!! Thanks!

  25. Alisha responds:
    Posted: November 11th, 2007 at 1:00 pm →

    So much to love in this post! I love the fabric for the Crayon Roll and Lauren’s choice is fantastic. I think I’m going to try the Notebook and Pencil Holder for my niece.

  26. Sally responds:
    Posted: November 11th, 2007 at 2:24 pm →

    Moonstitches has such a well laid-out tutorial….and a wonderful blog! Nice choices!

  27. Christy responds:
    Posted: November 11th, 2007 at 3:10 pm →

    The book covers are a good idea. I could use some myself on textbooks and schoolbooks.
    And give some to other people as gifts.

  28. Jenny responds:
    Posted: November 11th, 2007 at 3:49 pm →

    These are great projects. I just love the crayon roll!

  29. Ashley responds:
    Posted: November 11th, 2007 at 3:54 pm →

    I really like that crayon roll! It is very neat.

    Ashley

  30. Laura responds:
    Posted: November 11th, 2007 at 4:11 pm →

    I want to make all these for myself! Thanks for this great set of tutorials; the whole month so far has been great.

  31. Violet responds:
    Posted: November 11th, 2007 at 4:35 pm →

    So many wonderful projects-all in one post.
    Thanks.
    -violet

  32. kirsten responds:
    Posted: November 11th, 2007 at 4:41 pm →

    awesome. i’m digging these posts more than i thought i would!

  33. dangermom responds:
    Posted: November 11th, 2007 at 4:44 pm →

    Oh, I love this day! I want to make all of them!

  34. Dian Schwanz responds:
    Posted: November 11th, 2007 at 4:49 pm →

    What great ideas you all have come up with! I have been stuck on the Tote’s pages, and have been making the one using dish towels, such fun. Now think I will move on to a Crayon Roll. All I need to do now is find a small child.
    Dian

  35. Becky responds:
    Posted: November 11th, 2007 at 5:10 pm →

    I have made several of the crayon rolls as gifts and they are great.

  36. Anna responds:
    Posted: November 11th, 2007 at 6:35 pm →

    Thanks for the crayon/pencil roll tutorial. It saves lazy me from looking for one. Love the fabric too.

  37. nikkapotamus responds:
    Posted: November 11th, 2007 at 6:36 pm →

    I just love the little crayon rolls. I’ve had my eye on making one of those for all the traveling we do.

  38. Carol responds:
    Posted: November 11th, 2007 at 7:07 pm →

    I love the book cover idea – you could also put a bookmark-ribbon on it. And a pocket for a pencil on the outside. OOOH! How about a combo bookcover-eyeglasses case!?!

  39. Ekioart responds:
    Posted: November 11th, 2007 at 7:27 pm →

    Cute! I’ve got lots of little kids in the family so those crayon rolls are going to be great ^-^

    Oh and I love

  40. Anna-Marie responds:
    Posted: November 11th, 2007 at 7:44 pm →

    Thanks for all the fun ideas. My 9 1/2 year-old daughter is itching to learn to sew and several projects you have posted would be doable for her friends’ Christmas gifts. Now we just have to narrow down our choices!

  41. Amy responds:
    Posted: November 11th, 2007 at 7:58 pm →

    More wonderful ideas!

  42. Meridith responds:
    Posted: November 11th, 2007 at 8:09 pm →

    These ideas are ALL so cute!
    Meridith

  43. anna responds:
    Posted: November 11th, 2007 at 9:26 pm →

    Ooooo! I love them! This is my first time visiting, and I do believe I’m hooked! Thanks for the great fabrics, and the links to the fun tutorials!

  44. Nicole responds:
    Posted: November 11th, 2007 at 11:11 pm →

    i am so excited at the thought of making some of these with my son–i know he would love the process as much as the end result!

  45. Letty responds:
    Posted: November 12th, 2007 at 12:35 am →

    Hi, these tutorials are wonderful, can’t wait to get started !
    Letty

  46. azurerocket responds:
    Posted: November 12th, 2007 at 12:38 am →

    love the crayon roll! i am definitely making one!

  47. Sandy responds:
    Posted: November 12th, 2007 at 6:38 am →

    I like the crayon roll alot.

  48. Natalie responds:
    Posted: November 12th, 2007 at 7:08 am →

    There is something for eveyone on my list! Thank you so much for inspiring me.

  49. Elaine responds:
    Posted: November 12th, 2007 at 7:11 am →

    If I don’t get some of these projects done for the holidays, I’ll have plenty to do in the New Year!

  50. adrienne responds:
    Posted: November 12th, 2007 at 7:55 am →

    Amazing! The crayon roll and notebook/pencil holder is on my to do list. Boy, you guys are making that list longer and longer everyday! =]

  51. mj responds:
    Posted: November 12th, 2007 at 8:08 am →

    This will be such a great resource to come back to again and again.

  52. Louisa responds:
    Posted: November 12th, 2007 at 8:37 am →

    Thanks for all of the great links! I am really enjoying checking them all out and learning about some new blogs. I think that this has been my favorite bunch of tutorials yet. Thanks!

  53. Concha responds:
    Posted: November 12th, 2007 at 9:29 am →

    I love that darling crayon roll!

  54. Loopy responds:
    Posted: November 12th, 2007 at 9:32 am →

    I totally just make a crayon roll for my colored pencils! I had seen the Notebook & Pencil set going for TONS of money in retail stores.. and thought, why not make my own!
    I totally wish I had this tutorial then! It would have saved me alot of heartache!

  55. Ashley responds:
    Posted: November 12th, 2007 at 10:21 am →

    I like the book holder. I could see myself making custom notebooks.

  56. Christy responds:
    Posted: November 12th, 2007 at 10:53 am →

    You keep making my sewing to-do list longer and longer! I love the little crayon rolls and they’ll be perfect to keep in my diaper bag!

  57. Addie responds:
    Posted: November 12th, 2007 at 11:04 am →

    I love these ideas! Now, if I just had time to make each and every one….

  58. Missy responds:
    Posted: November 12th, 2007 at 1:00 pm →

    That book cover looks so great!

  59. britt responds:
    Posted: November 12th, 2007 at 1:02 pm →

    Speaking of bookmarks: I saw some really cool and easy book marks this weekend. Print a foto of pretty landscape or buildings in your area. Put on construction paper. Laminate. Punch a hole in the top middle and then tie some pretty yarn in the hole. I thought the idea was very simple and great for something to send someone far from where you live. I plan on making some to send my penpal in England.
    Just thought that I would share since this goes with the topic but doesn’t really involve sewing. Sorry about that part.

  60. Barbara H. @ Stray Thoughts responds:
    Posted: November 12th, 2007 at 2:08 pm →

    Gorgeous! I love the crayon roll and the bookmarks

  61. Elizabeth responds:
    Posted: November 12th, 2007 at 2:30 pm →

    I love this website. Seriously love it. I can’t wait to finish my current project–my first quilt–and move on to the next one!

  62. Veronica responds:
    Posted: November 12th, 2007 at 3:45 pm →

    Another great entry! I won’t have enought time to craft everything I like from your posts T.T

  63. Tracey responds:
    Posted: November 12th, 2007 at 5:56 pm →

    Jhoanna’s notebook and pencil holder is great fun to make. I have also adapted it for a letter writer by leaving enough space on the pencil side for envelopes to be slipped into and creating an address book and notepaper for the notebook side. Her instructions are very easy to follow.

  64. layla responds:
    Posted: November 12th, 2007 at 6:02 pm →

    I love the crayon roll and bookmark. These are supposed to be GIFT ideas, right? – because I think I have to make these for myself!

  65. amelia responds:
    Posted: November 12th, 2007 at 8:52 pm →

    Moonstitch’s book cover is so cute. i can’t wait to make a few.

  66. Alisa responds:
    Posted: November 12th, 2007 at 8:52 pm →

    Love the notebook and pencil holder! All of the tutorials are great.

  67. Rose L responds:
    Posted: November 12th, 2007 at 9:02 pm →

    Did anyone find the bookmark paper anywhere?

  68. Kristen Borland responds:
    Posted: November 12th, 2007 at 9:45 pm →

    the crayon roll is too cute!

  69. Jodi of Jolynncreations responds:
    Posted: November 13th, 2007 at 6:26 am →

    I just love everything that has to do with books and notebooks! These are all inspiring! I think I need to move from Christmas to birthdays! Too many things to do for Christmas! Jodi

  70. Samantha responds:
    Posted: November 13th, 2007 at 6:46 am →

    Ooooh!!! A crayon roll (actually a marker roll) for my son was on my to-do list!!! Thank you for the instructions………. This blog helps greatly for a non-Chinese made Christmas………

  71. Megan/CreativeOutletDesigns responds:
    Posted: November 13th, 2007 at 7:07 am →

    fun! fun!

  72. Kelly responds:
    Posted: November 13th, 2007 at 8:16 am →

    I love the book cover – but then, Alex’s uses of tweed and linen are always so chic. And I’ve been looking for a crayon/pencil roll tutorial!

  73. Lynne H. responds:
    Posted: November 13th, 2007 at 11:24 am →

    These are such a good idea for little hands and for keeping the crayons in one place. It’s a nice change from keeping them in a box or bin that can be noisy in quiet places! :-)

  74. Cocoa responds:
    Posted: November 13th, 2007 at 6:00 pm →

    Goodie, goodie gumdrops!! is all I can think of to say about the crayon roll and book covers. So adorable!

  75. Chara Michele responds:
    Posted: November 14th, 2007 at 8:56 am →

    Love these ideas! Thanks! :)

  76. Rebecca responds:
    Posted: November 14th, 2007 at 2:01 pm →

    luv the crayon roll – very sweet – I’ll have to make it for my girls.

  77. Melissa responds:
    Posted: November 15th, 2007 at 6:50 am →

    All of the ideas here are lovely. I am much enjoying the project a day. And many of them are simple enough that even I can attempt them.

  78. Beth van Duzer responds:
    Posted: November 18th, 2007 at 8:51 am →

    I just found this blog and LOVE it. I can’t wait to make the crayon rolls and about 30 other things… Terrific Projects!

  79. Hashi responds:
    Posted: November 27th, 2007 at 5:51 pm →

    I scaled up the crayon roll pattern to work for a set of 24 coloured pencils (pictured on my blog). I used fat quarters and they turned out great!

  80. Kim responds:
    Posted: December 14th, 2007 at 3:48 pm →

    I love the journal covers and need to do one Tuesday- thanks for a great idea :)

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