I don’t know exactly where I developed my love for handmade items. My mother made the majority of my sister’s and my clothes. That was probably a start. Then later I worked at Historic Fort Snelling as a “costumed interpreter.” My job was to dress in clothes from 1827 and live as though that were the year while tourists visited with us. Some of our clothes were provided but things like cold weather gear were not. I learned to knit just so I could make my own mittens and keep my hands warm.

That year I learned to knit I made scarves for all my cousins for Christmas. I was hooked. Now each year as Christmas approaches I get very excited. I try to figure out what those on my list might like and what I have time to produce. This year those on my list can expect knitted items, sewed items, homemade beauty products and cheese.
 
It really helps get in the mood for Christmas when you start now.

Here is a recipe I made for myself for an early Christmas present from Natural Beauty at Home by Janice Cox.

Basic Cold Cream

1/8 tsp Borax powder
1/4 cup distilled water
1/2 olive oil
2 Tbsp grated beeswax

Dissolve the borax in the water in a glass measuring cup and set aside.

Mix together the oil and beeswax in another glass measuring cup. Place the glass cup in a pan water (about 1 to 2 inches of water), making a water bath. Heat the oil-besswax mixture in the water bath over medium heat until the beeswax is melted (8-10 minutes), stirring occasionally.

When the wax is melted, bring the borax-water mixture almost to boiling –I do this by putting the glass cup in the microwave on High for 1 minute. You may also use a water bath. Remove the oil-beeswax mixture from the water bath. Slowly add the borax-water misture to it, stirring briskly.

Pour the cream into a clean container with a lid. To use massage a small amount into your skin and tissue off or rinse off with warm water.

I used it last night. Proeun even used it and it worked great.