Haik Avanian‘s mom wants to turn your old sweaters into scarves and hats. The project is called Reknit, and for those of us that have favorite sweaters that don’t really fit anymore (or that have a few holes in them) it’s is a dream come true. The downside? It’s a little pricey – it costs $99 for the sweater transformation. [via peachpout]

Have you ever heard of the Exquisite Corpse game? (I hadn’t.) It’s a method of creating where words/images are assembled in a sequence; each contributor is only allowed to see the previous person’s work. In the case of The Exquisite Book, 100 independent artists drew on separate pages, using only a single horizon line to connect one page to the next. Backed by Dave Eggers, this project succeeds at being imaginative, whimsical, entertaining, and endearing all at the same time. You can buy it at a discounted price, and shop for prints online. You can’t blame me for being a bibliophile when books like this exist.

Is it just me, or are you also tired of all the ‘peace on earth’ and ‘deck the halls’ bullshit that arrives in the mail each December? Instead, send an awesome Hank Jr. Greeting Card, and personalize your correspondence with a message that actually means something. Better yet, send it in January, just because! Sir Hank was created by Jocelyn Duke, an amazing artist currently calling San Diego home. We think she’s pretty outstanding, and anyone that receives this gem in their mailbox will certainly agree. Huzzah!

Wikileaks, North Korea, Afghanistan and that loony woman up in Alaska…is it just me or could Billy Joel come out with an update to We Didn’t Start The Fire? It’s times like these that I think we have a choice – either get worried and depressed by it all or inject some positive energy by helping ourselves and others. For our new readers, this is what Holiday Matinee is all about. We really believe that the more people out there doing what they love, the better off this world will be. And that’s exactly why we put out a book this year – we wanted to share the stories of some amazing people, projects and ideas going on right now, in hopes that you will realize – hey, that could be me too.

I Swear To Good You Are God At This is an inspiring guide to being creative and making awesome that we know will make a meaningful gift for you or the people in your life that you really care about. Watch the trailer, buy the book or pick up a free digital preview right here. We have a funny feeling that what you read about is going to fire you up like nothing else.

Aside from personal hygiene and protecting myself from hearing loss at shows, I really don’t like putting things in my ears. Sure, earbuds are convenient and easy to carry around, but they can’t match a great pair of headphones. That’s why I’m totally eying the new Marshall Major. Designed for comfort in everyday day use, these headphones look stunning and make a great gift for music lovers. Even the box is sexy as hell. Well, for a box.

Giving one handmade greeting card is rewarding for both parties, but what about 365? That’s just what Carolyn Sewell had in mind with Postcards To My Parents, a project that one-upped every gift idea I’ve ever had. In celebration of their anniversary, Carolyn mailed her parents a hand-drawn postcard each day for one whole year. Messages ranged from funny phrases and memorable quotes to simple equations and timeless debates. I’m keeping my digits crossed that she follows through with her suggestive tweet, because I would like to see this creative idea blossom. And for the record, I wouldn’t mind if it rained tater tots either.

This Mother’s Day, you could give a special gift that benefits more than one mama. To Mama With Love is a project that pays tribute to mothers while simultaneously raising money for children that need a home in Tanzania. To participate, either update your Facebook and Twitter with reasons you appreciate your mother, or give a small donation in her honor. After contributing, tell mom you changed the world with her in mind by sending a personalized e-card with information about the cause. Consider this option if you’re looking for a way to show some love to mothers across the globe, because let’s face it, your mom’s already got enough jewelry, candles and flowers.