DIY with Sons of Norway

With experts expecting a bleak economic landscape this holiday season many Americans are looking for ways to cut expenses. If you're like me, you may be looking for some DIY (Do It Yourself) projects that would make for decent Christmas presents. There are a number of places for us like minded folks to look, like the DIY Network, where you'll find do it yourself instruction on everything from quilting to crafts to jewelry making. All of which can be made into easy, inexpensive yet meaningful gifts.

Now, you may be wondering why is the Sons of Norway Blog running a piece on something non-Norwegian? Well there's a couple of reasons.

First, the DIY mentality is very Scandinavian and very, very,very Norwegian. For centuries people in Norway, and their descendants who immigrated to the United States, were proud of their ability to be self sustaining while doing more with less (the cornerstone of the DIY movement). So much so that I'd argue Scandinavians were more proficient at it than almost any other culture.

Also, did you know that Sons of Norway offers some great DIY projects that can be turned into the perfect Christmas gift? We do, and that's the second reason for today's post. All members of Sons of Norway have access to a number of different Cultural Skills lessons that can teach you how to rosemal, chip carve, knit or make a hardanger embroidery piece (among other things). I've personally seen what members are capable of making after going through a CS program and these items can make the best gifts imaginable. Not only are they hand-made, but they are also one-of-a-kind gifts that can have more meaning than a store-bought gift.

Another DIY offering from Sons of Norway, which could be very helpful this holiday season, is our recipe collection. Often, gifts of food are the most practical and cherished. Consider making some lefse or krumkake to give as gifts this year. Just remember that many baked goods, like krumkake are very fragile, so they don't do well if you are planning on mailing them to a loved one who lives far away. If that's the situation you find yourself in, I suggest you check out Viking magazine to see if there is a Scandinavian food seller closer to your loved one and order from them.

Well that's all for now, but be sure to check back tomorrow when I'll have a post from Nichole Neumann where she interviews District 2 International Director Bill Fosmoe.