Learn about Handmade Gifts from Great Makers

On my most recent Substack newsletter, I posted the Taxonomy of Handmade Gifts- Skilled Edition, where I organized handmade gifts into categories and listed the most common examples of each.

Shortly after hitting “Publish” on that post, it occurred to me that I could use the taxonomy to link to makers for the different types of crafts. This would be helpful for anyone wanting to learn a little more.

Below, I’ve recopied the taxonomy and added lots of links to related tutorials and websites. You’ll find this useful if you’ve been hoping to start making gifts for loved ones, or if you’re simply interested in seeing skilled makers at work. (There are so many talented sewists, crafters, painters, and other makers creating tutorials on YouTube, so definitely search and browse on your own.)

The Taxonomy of Handmade Gifts- Link Roundup

1. Fabric (sewing)
   1. Quilts (Your First Quilt by Melanie Ham)
   2. Pillow shams (How to make a Pillow Sham by Crafty Gemini)
   3. Garments (Rectangle Skirt by Angela Clayton, T-shirt by WITHWENDY)
   4. Kitchen items: aprons (Erica Arndt), potholders (Sewing Room Channel), coasters (Shabby Fabrics)
   5. Bags (totes– LearnCreateSew, purses– Sewing Channel, small pouches– Sew Sweetness)
   6. Toys (dolls– Savannah Dwyer, animals– Seams Like Sarah)
   7. Storage: bins by Whitney Sews, baskets by Mister Domestic
   8. Rag rugs by Beverly Martin
   9. Other decorative items
2. Yarn (crochet and knit)
   1. Garments (sweater by ExpressionFiberArts, vest by TL Yarn Crafts)
   2. Accessories (scarves by Sheep & Stitch, cowls by Blue Mouse Knits, mittens by Megan Brightwood, socks by Crazy Sock Lady, hats by it’s erin b.)
   3. Toys (dolls by Crimson & Wool, animals by FalseBubbles)
   4. Other decorative items
3. Needle crafts (embroidery, needlepoint, cross stitch)
   1. Wall hangings by Phil’s Next Kick
   2. Pillow shams by Hijabs and Aprons
   3. Other decorative items
4. Food
   1. Jam by America’s Test Kitchen
   2. Sauce by The Daring Gourmet
   3. Cookies by The Hungry Hutch
   4. Candies by Chef Rachida
5. Body care
   1. Soap by Elly’s Everyday Soap Making
   2. Scrubs by WholeElise
   3. Lotions by Humblebee & Me
   4. Balms by Torera George
6. Candles by sheri vegas
7. Paper
   1. Handmade paper by Make Something
   2. Wall hangings
   3. Journals by Johanna Clough
   4. Paintings/Drawings
   5. Photographs
   6. Other decorative items
8. Ceramics
   1. Dishware by Evolution Stonewear
   2. Mugs by Lolita Olympia
   3. Flower Pot by Jana Storm
   4. Other decorative items
9. Jewelry
   1. Earrings by Harvest Moon Designs
   2. Rings by The Art of Metalsmithing
   3. Necklaces by Kellie’s Bead Boutique
   4. Bracelets by KnotLikeTheOthers
10. Macrame (decor) by Soulful Notions
11. Woodworking
    1. Frames by Fix This Build That
    2. Tables by Matthias Wandel
    3. Chairs by Molding Wood
    4. Stools by Josh Wright
    5. Toys by DM Idea
    6. Other decorative items
12. Metalsmithing (not jewelry)

Handmade by… You!

If you haven’t been a maker in the past, there’s no reason not to learn a new skill. If you combine your developing talent with the interests and needs of future gift recipients, you’ll end up with very happy friends and loved ones.

What will you make next?