The best projects I believe, are the ones we share with others, the projects born out of the anticipation of someone else's delight. The ideas we pour our hearts and souls into and hand work with care and commitment. The projects that are dedicated to the celebration of a loved one's happiness are the projects whose results live on well beyond the occasion of giving. It's always nice to hear from Canadian Living readers and the best missives are those that come with pictures attached. I recently received one such letter from a loving daughter-in-law dedicated to honouring the handiwork of her 'amazing and inspiring' mother-in-law. It was a hand-made wedding quilt that started it all: "My mother in law Mary Card (Paisley, ON) took up the art of quilting after a 30 year career as a french teacher.  She was an outstanding and well respected teacher both among students and her colleagues. As a testament many of her students still keep in touch. Since retirement she has found a new passion in quilting and has quilted our daughters some amazing works of art.  As a wedding gift (and her first attempt at quilting) she quilted an unbelievable queen size quilt of The Irish Chain Star. It is beyond spectacular and probably the crowing jewel in all of the quilts she has done..." [caption id="attachment_12646" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Mary Card with her beautiful Irish Chain star quilt. Mary has been a Canadian Living reader for over 20 years.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_12648" align="aligncenter" width="465"] Mary Card with quilting projects completed for her granddaughters.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_12647" align="aligncenter" width="450"] Mary with her son and daughter-in-law and their hand-made wedding quilt.[/caption]

No one will remember the gift certificate you gave them with fondness, cuddle up with the makeup brush set on a cold winter's eve, or pass down that travel cup from generation to generation. While the belt and socks combo won't give a loved one warm memories of you, the special care you took hand-making that personal project will definitely show someone that you care.

Go on and make someone's day.

Literally.