Ryan and my anniversary is a few months away, but I always like to start the hunt for a gift early. And this year, I might have more of a chance to make something for him covertly because he’s going to be working out of town for the next few weeks. Don’t get any ideas, “break-in love makers”™ (my brother-in-law’s coined phrase from when he couldn’t quite remember the word “rapist”). I’ve got two VERY feral and ferocious cats roving about and protecting the property. You don’t even want to think about it.
Anyway, I’ve stumbled upon quite a few tutorials to choose from, so here’s a sampling of some of the awesome stuff. Spoiler alert - none of these things involve a drawn mustache in any way. I’m so over that trend. Blerg.
Leather journal cover. I’ve been dying to make one of these for a very long time. I found a very detailed tutorial a long time ago that shows you how to make a journal from scratch and I thought I was going to buckle down and give it a go. So…that’s still on my wish scroll. Honestly, it was the list of materials that made me the most nervous. But this is a tutorial for covering an existing notebook, so I’m going to assume it’s easier. No awl and clamps needed.
Black and tan brownies. This is an idea for groomsman thank you gifts, but I love this idea SO MUCH! The only down side to me is that 1) Ryan would just drink the little bottle of liquor and be done with it (although he’d be very happy), and 2) I’d have to make the brownies. Oh, and 3) I’d end up eating them all. Actually, this is a terrible gift idea, I guess?
Rosemary mint shaving cream. On our first anniversary, I got Ryan a really great shaving kit from Etsy. He totally loves it and every year since I’ve been supplementing it with new things. This year, maybe I’ll try to make this! Doesn’t rosemary mint sound heavenly?! Actually, could I use it to shave my legs because that seriously does sound great. And here’s another recipe for bay rum aftershave (which I don’t think anyone uses after shaving their legs, right?)!
Boxy dopp kit. I made Ryan one of these a while ago and he uses it all the time. But I love that this one uses some manly fabric and a great stainless steel (or whatever it is - plastic painted silver for all I know) zipper. I let Ryan pick the fabric for his and it has owls all over it. I mean, they’re not girly owls, but they’re no pinstripes.
I’ve been weeding through MANY more, but this is a good start. I’ll let you know what I decide to do. MAYBE ALL OF THEM!!
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