gifts wrapped in brown paper with red and white string. Tag says 'Made in Santa's Workshop'

Gift Ideas for a Handmade Christmas

by Evin // November 28, 2023 // No Comments

I am making nearly all of my gifts this year and isn’t as crazy as you may imagine. You could knit, sew, paint, or carve your loved ones something special. It doesn’t have to be exactly like something out of... Continue reading →

Homemade jam in jars with labels and dates. This batch is Strawberry-Rhubarb and dated August '21. A small stamp on the label likely signifies the farm or maker. Photo by Max Goncharov

8 Thoughtful [But Not Too Personal] Gifts That Don’t Break Your Budget

by Evin // November 21, 2023 // No Comments

From office gift exchanges to something to bring when going to a holiday party at a friend’s home, there is a necessary place for thoughtful [but not too personal] gifts that don’t break your budget. I mean, you can’t always... Continue reading →

Caucasian legs outstretched on a knit blanket beside an evergreen wreath with a casual strand of lights and a couple brown paper packages with natural accents. A book in the person's lap is titled 'Your Soul is a River'

More Creative Gift Wrapping Ideas

by Evin // December 22, 2022 // No Comments

It’s the season for gift wrapping and I am back with more ideas. You may recall my previous post with creative gift wrapping ideas, well it was popular so I’m sharing another installment. Here are a few ideas for creative... Continue reading →

Beautiful black baby dressed in little Santa Claus costume

Engage Your Audience by Being Authentic & Inclusive on your Social Media Platforms

by Evin // December 17, 2021 // No Comments

Today, I’m sharing a helpful and insightful guest post from Emeka Ikechi, Director, Vanity Studios. You may remember Emeka wrote a previous guest post for EvinOK earlier this year titled, How can you make sure you get wonderful pictures from professional photoshoot?. Both... Continue reading →

Handmade Felt Heart Christmas Tree Ornament | EvinOK

Handmade Felt Heart with Blanket Stitching

by Evin // December 14, 2021 // No Comments

I love a bit of sparkle for any holiday, especially at Christmas and Valentine’s Day, but I have two small children and that’s much like having curious cats because knocking things on the floor to see how they bounce is... Continue reading →

Let’s Make Paper Snowflakes

by Evin // January 7, 2021 // No Comments

It’s a beautiful snow day here in Cork, so I wanted to share a classic tutorial for making paper snowflakes. This is one of my favorite quick crafts and a good way for younger children to practice scissor skills. Quick crafts... Continue reading →

Creative Gift Wrapping Ideas

by Evin // December 23, 2020 // No Comments

I previously wrote about the beautiful and fun gifts sent to me by In The Book, so today I want to go over what I’ve been sharing on my Instagram about creative gift wrapping. How I Do It I love... Continue reading →

Creating a Christmas Quilt with Vintage Vibes

by Evin // December 25, 2018 // No Comments

This is a brief post because the holiday season is go-go-go, but I wanted to share this stunning Christmas quilt that Marseille made last year. I’m loving the retro colors and cheerful vibe. Here are some photos of baby A... Continue reading →

Handmade Felt Christmas Tree Ornament | EvinOK

Sewing a Felt Bear Ornament for a Toddler-proof Christmas Tree

by Evin // December 6, 2018 // No Comments

I wanted to make some felt ornaments this year to fill our Christmas tree nicely. With a two-year-old on the prowl, I’m sticking with unbreakable ornaments for a little while, so wood, metal, and felt. Materials I saw a... Continue reading →

Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix

by Evin // December 19, 2017 // No Comments

For a homemade gift if you’re not a knitter, sewer, or crafty sort, there is always assembling something in a creative way. Fill Mason jars of hot chocolate mix for an insanely easy and special mix. For added charm, get... Continue reading →

Button Christmas Tree Ornament Tutorial

by Evin // December 14, 2017 // No Comments

One of the easiest Christmas crafts I know is also a fun one to do with kids or friends – button Christmas tree ornaments! It’s so easy, Tiger sells a kit. I have made them a few times, so these photos... Continue reading →

Advent calendar from aVividYarnStudio on Etsy

Yarn Countdown Calendars for Knitters 2017

by Evin // October 24, 2017 // No Comments

Gone are the days when a mass-produced chocolate Advent calendar can excite me leading up to Christmas and now I find there is a world of creative versions awaiting our discovery. You can buy or make one focused on beer, Lego, Kiehls... Continue reading →

Tis the Season for Festive Holiday Sweaters

by Evin // December 4, 2015 // No Comments

I’m in the holiday spirit so I’ve created a roundup of some fun holiday sweaters. This is one of those posts that is actually devoid of real content and just for fun, so sit back with your egg nog or... Continue reading →

Dark Chocolate Painted Pretzel Twigs

by Evin // February 12, 2015 // No Comments

Salty and sweet can be such a lovely flavour combination, so I thought I’d try to make my own chocolate-drizzled pretzels. And since they make such a fun gift, I am sharing the recipe here with step-by-step photos. You may... Continue reading →

Candy Cane Fudge Recipe

by Evin // December 26, 2014 // No Comments

If you’re thinking, “Why did I buy the big box of candy canes?”, I’m here to help you. You can crush them to make my Candy Cane Fudge Recipe. This is also a lovely gift if you’re going to a... Continue reading →

Tasty Treats for Holidays, Parties, or Binge Watching TV

by Evin // December 23, 2014 // No Comments

How is it already nearly Christmas Eve? I’m putting the last few touches on our holiday, our home, and our gifts. So with the real work done, I get to focus on the last-minute items like baking! Since my son... Continue reading →

Brilliant Things for Holiday 2014

by Evin // November 24, 2014 // No Comments

I’m starting to get in the holiday mood, so this Brilliant Things post is very gift-focused. Of course, for more ideas, here are additional BRILLIANT THINGS. TOYS Schwinn Roadster 12″ Retro Tricycle We already have this bike for my son (his 2nd birthday gift... Continue reading →

Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix and Homemade Food Gifts

by Evin // October 10, 2014 // No Comments

A tasty treat plus thoughtful wrapping and you have a gift that may end up being the most memorable of the year. Here are a few ideas for edible gifts and a recipe for homemade hot chocolate mix. May your... Continue reading →

Christmas Craft Workshop: More Handmade Gifts

by Evin // September 29, 2014 // 3 Comments

Some of my favorite holiday gifts have been the ones that I can enjoy again and again. A favorite gadget or beloved cardigan or, best of all, something edible or handmade. It is that little touch that truly defines the... Continue reading →

Quick & Easy Union Square Spiced Nuts

by Evin // August 21, 2014 // No Comments

There is a place in New York where the bar nuts are so good, they’ve won an award! Not just an award, but a cookbook too (The Union Square Cafe Cookbook: 160 Favorite Recipes from New York’s Acclaimed Restaurant is... Continue reading →