audrey's Country Crafts is having a giveaway open house. This means lots of sweet handmade giveaway items from 14 different shops. Here are some of the available prizes:

---

_{Stay up to date on DIY Fashion by signing up for Rain's weekly newsletter, choosing to become a fan of DIY Fashion on Facebook, or following DIY_Fashion on Twitter.}

Mimi of Sterling Roses Design is giving away this stunning Sunshine Citrine Lilly necklace on Audrey's Giveaway Blog. Learn a bit about Mimi and get entry details.

Click “Comments” at the top of the post to share your thoughts.

---

_{Stay up to date on DIY Fashion by signing up for Rain's weekly newsletter, choosing to become a fan of DIY Fashion on Facebook, or following DIY_Fashion on Twitter.} More Wordless

Welcome to another edition of Make it Merry, where talented crafters share their holiday how-to's. This week we've got some friendly characters and festive Thanksgiving crafts to create.





Create a Pumpkin Candle
What better to put in the middle of the feast. David Fisher will show you how to make this easy and impressive pumpkin tealight holder.

Make a Sesame Street Wreath
For 40 years, Sesame Street has been part of our lives and has encouraged us to accept all holiday traditions. Barbara Crews will show you how to create this wreath dedicated to some of our favorite Muppets.

Draw a Penguin Pilgrim
For Thanksgiving crafts like place mats and name cards, you'll need some festive art. How about a lesson from Helen South on drawing this cutie penguin.

Embroider a Gift Bag
Save cash for presents when you reuse gift bags or buy those inexpensive plain bags. Phyllis Dobbs will show you how to dress them up for the re-gifting process with a touch of delightful embroidery.

Stitch a Swedish Ornament
If you've got an ornament exchange to attend this year, a traditional Swedish ornament will really stand out in the crowd. Cheryl Fall will show you how to hand stitch this original piece.

Wax Resist Holiday Cards
Add a contemporary look to your holiday while saving some cash on Christmas Cards. This wax resist technique from Marion Boddy-Evans is just what you need.

Pumpkin Foam Sticker Earrings
For a quick Fall look in a pinch, try these pumpkin sticker earrings from Tammy Powley. She'll show you how to make them in five easy steps.

Paper Globe Ornament
This dimensional ornament has an intricate look, but is actually simple in design. Kate Pullen will show you how to cut and stamp this delightful addition to your decor.

Knit a Stocking Ornament
A mini stocking is a creative way to give a gift card, or hide a little treat on the tree. Sarah E. White shows us how to knit this cute little sock.

Christmas Tree Bunting
Decking the Halls has never been so fun, and this one is perfect for helpful kids to take part in. Use up those scraps of fabric with this decorative craft from the Sadie and Lance blog.

Make a Mini Hippo
Stuffed animals add a bit of fun and tenderness to any slew of presents. Stuff a stocking with a smile when you sew this little hippo from Lesley Shepherd.

Snowman Candy Jar
Top off your candy jar with a snowman face as sweet as the treats inside. Sherri Osborn will show you how to paint and assemble this wintry decoration that is appropriate to show off all season long.

Joy Ornament Crosstitch
Stitch a little bit of joy for someone this Christmas. Connie G. Barwick has the free pattern for this jolly cross stitch project.

Want to Join Make it Merry to show off your holiday crafts? We will showcase your crafts and recipes of all holiday traditions. Learn more.

It's that time of year when most everyone who blogs about crafts has their Halloween costumes up on display. Here are some awesome costumes that were made for the 2009 trick-or-treat and party scene.

• Snow White Costume at Sewing with Spin
  
• Paper craft self portrait by Eric Testroete
  
• The Pale Man (from Pan's Labyrinth) at Crafster
  
• Nerd Hello Kitty at That's It
  
• Furry Green Monster by EmoSeal
  
• Google Costume by Serpetuity
  
• Wonder Woman and others by A Small Town Girl's Guide
  
• Bob the Builder and Elephant from Uniquety
  
• Owl by Caley
  
• Bee, Ewok and Gangster from Sweet Things
  
• Amy takes a trip down Halloween memory lane with a Lion, Fairy, Hershey Kiss, pumpkin and more.
  
• Mouse by A Hint of Home
  
• Minnie Mouse and Ariel by Alexis
  
• H1N1 Survivor Costume by Wendy
  
• Pregnant Skeleton by Kirk Baby
  
• Super Girl by Mountain Mama
  
• Fisherman Costume by Rachel
  
• Matryoshka Doll by Happy Zombie
  
• Snake Belly Dancer costume by Wardrobe ReFashion
  
• Sock Monkey by Holli
  
• Mad Scientist and Tinkerbell by Utah Mom
  

Have a handmade costume to share? Click “Comments” at the top of the post to share your thoughts.

---

_{Stay up to date on DIY Fashion by signing up for Rain's weekly newsletter, choosing to become a fan of DIY Fashion on Facebook, or following DIY_Rain on Twitter.}

Clothes Pin Holiday Card Holders
What to do with all those holiday cards? Hold them up with clothes pins as dazzling as twinkling lights with this how-to from Kate Pullen.

Make a Gingerbread House
Ever want to create the perfect gingerbread house? Okay, I have yet to master this skill..but you can! Our Barbara Rolek will show you how.

How to Draw a Christmas Tree
Here is one that will come in handy for all those handmade cards. Master sketch artist Helen South will show you how to draw the perfect tree from start to finish.

Paint a Glass Ornament
Turn a plain glass ball into a work of stained glass art. Our Guide to Painting will show you how to create this delicate trimming.

Silent Night Cross Stitch Pattern
Don't just get cozy, get your stitch on. Create a Silent Night design with this free pattern from Connie G. Barwick.

Stitch a Pear Trio
Hang up something special in your home for that Thanksgiving gathering. This free 'Pear Trio' needlepoint pattern from Cheryl Fall is just what your walls needed.

Easy Christmas Ornaments
Start a tradition for the kids to make new ornaments each year. Sherri Osborn has the shape patterns and project ideas for these ornaments that reflect Christmas traditions.

Print Thanksgiving Placecards
Add some warmth to your table with these Thanksgiving place cards that will have your guests saying 'awwwww'. Barbara Crews has the free printable for you to personalize.

Wine Bottle Wrap Pattern
Instead of giving a bottle of wine in one of those skinny bags, make a felt wrap that the bottle can be displayed in all season. Phyllis Dobbs will show you how.

Make a Miniature Christmas Tree
Why are tiny things always so darn cute? Learn how to make a little pine tree with Lesley Shepherd.

Interchangeable Thanksgiving Pins
Sometimes you just can't commit to just one pin. With this interchangeable Thanksgiving pin by Tammy Powley, you can tell everyone when you're ready for pie...and when you're overstuffed.

Want to Join Make it Merry to show off your holiday crafts? We will showcase your crafts and recipes of all holiday traditions. Learn more. Click “Comments” at the top of the post to share your thoughts.

---

_{Stay up to date on DIY Fashion by signing up for Rain's weekly newsletter, choosing to become a fan of DIY Fashion on Facebook, or following DIY_Rain on Twitter.}

Click “Comments” at the top of the post to share your thoughts.

---

_{Stay up to date on DIY Fashion by signing up for Rain's weekly newsletter, choosing to become a fan of DIY Fashion on Facebook, or following DIY_Fashion on Twitter.} More Wordless