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Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Secret Santa for teachers

So, I'm trying to do some handmade presents this year. At work we do Secret Santa. Monday - Thursday we give $2 gifts and on Friday we give about a $20 gift. Then we leave for Christmas break, which is really the greatest present of all. :-)

The person I drew had a few things I honed in on. Here is how my days are looking:

Monday: Six pack of Sprite Zero
Tuesday: Hot chocolate mix in a zippered pouch
Wednesday: Lanyard and a Reese's Peanut Butter cup
Thursday: 100 calorie pack rice cake things
Friday: Tote bag and a gift card

We fill out a questionnaire about our favorite things to give our Santa, so everything was chosen from that list, wait did I mention she loves zebra print and her favorite color is pink? Bingo!


I made this pouch from Patty's tutorial again. Super fast.


It has a hot pink inside.
And I measured it to fit this cute hot chocolate packet I found at the store.


I made a lanyard out of a 6 inch strip of the same fabric folded up like a strap and stitched down both sides. I added on a clasp to the end. Teachers always wear these for keys and ID badges. Vera Bradley ones are hot right now, but why pay for someone to manufacture something homemade looking? I saw a cute one with small yo-yos on it...oh, the possibilities.


Here is a close up of the clasp I used from the jewelry department at Joann's.


For Friday's big gift I mad a matching tote and I will put a gift card in it. I didn't use a pattern for this, so if anyone is interested in a tutorial let me know. It's four rectangles and a strap. It took about 20-30 minutes total. Oh, and it is reversible.



I did different colors of thread in my bobbin and needle. That gave me hot pink top stitching on the zebra side and black top stitching on the pink side. 


I made it flat bottomed so when she carries binders or paperwork in it it will stand up a little better.

All stuff a teacher can use right? I would have gone more handmade, but I hardly know this lady. I was scared I would turn into a Secret Santa horror story..."One year my Santa made me an entire week of zebra stuff she made herself. I was so tired of zebra I never wanted to see one again!"

3 comments:

  1. As always, your creativity shines through,Stacie! I'm so proud of you! Your friend will be thrilled to have you as her Santa. I'd love a tutorial on your tote. It's exactly what I've been searching for since I need something with straps long enough to fit over the handles of my walker and deep/wide enough to carry everything that needs to go with me everywhere. Can't wait to see your next creation!

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  2. I love everything you made!
    What a fortunate lady to have you as her secret Santa! I know she's loving each new surprise. Way to go! :)

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  3. did you know you show up as a no-reply blogger? you requested a christmas tree skirt pattern from me, but I don't have a way to get in contact.....

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