Get Crafty: DIY Ideas for November

I'm not sure why, exactly, but November has always been my favorite month for making things. There's something so calming and almost magical about hiding indoors from the cold, settling down on the living room floor, occasionally sipping hot cider, all the while surrounded by craft supplies. Whether you're getting an early start on this year's holiday gifts or you're simply overcome by the seasonal crafting spirit, here are a couple of fun and easy projects to help you appease the DIY Gods.

Berry Basket Calendar
A friend of mine made one of these for each of us in our circle of girlfriends a couple of years ago and words can't do justice to how much we all love them. Using a few vintage postcards, a bunch of index cards and an empty berry basket, you can make a super-personalized reusable calendar (that also turns into an awesome keepsake).

Giant Lavender Bath Soak
This is one of those crazy-simple projects that makes a great stocking stuffer for family “en masse” at Christmas. All it takes is some lavendar, oatmeal, epsom salt, essential oil and a bag made from organic fabric. Alicia DiRago (creator of the above tutorial) observed that this might be a good gateway project for someone interested in bath and body crafts. Speaking from personal experience, she was totally right.

Photo courtesy of flickr.com.