I have to show off some of the loot I scored at Christmas. When one of John’s daughters suggested that we all exchange handmade or recycled gifts (or any combination thereof) I wholeheartedly agreed and passed the idea on to the Gaughan side of the family as well. I made out big time.

Mom made me this cool, biologically inspired "needle" vase, which sits upon the GORGEOUS coffee table John fashioned from local oak slabs and planks.

The Ultra Alpaca hot pad Mom gave to John.

...and oh man, isn't this adorable? Mom's design for this "yarn ball" is simply brilliant. (That's Inca Gold being corralled.)