With ten more days until Christmas Eve, we're thinking about handmade gifts. Setting aside some time to make a heartfelt present is a fun way of expressing creativity and can even be therapeutic!
We've gathered a few of our favorite gift ideas you can make for the special people on your list. No need to fret if you don't consider yourself very crafty...we have oh-so-simple ideas for you, too! And if you don't have the time right now, after the holidays, you can get a head-start on next year's presents!
Make a holiday memory tray! Paint a wooden tray with craft paint. When dry, arrange cut-outs from favorite photos and Christmas cards on the tray. Glue them in place using découpage medium, then brush another layer or two over top and sprinkle with glitter.
A button bookmark makes a sweet gift for any book lover on your gift list. Stitch buttons of different sizes onto a satin ribbon, then unravel and knot the ends to create a fringe.
Appliqué Tote
- canvas tote bag
- wax paper
- 4 to 6 5-inch sqs. cotton fabric
- pinking shears
- fabric glue
- sewing needle and thread
- buttons, beads, charms, other embellishments
Lay tote bag out flat; tuck sheets of wax paper inside tote bag to prevent glue from soaking through. Use pinking shears to cut a decorative edge around each fabric square. Arrange squares on tote as desired; attach with fabric glue. Let dry; discard wax paper. Use needle and thread to attach embellishments as desired.
Make hot cocoa cones...a welcome gift to send to college students! Just fill disposable frosting bags (found in the cake decorating aisle of your craft store) 2/3 full with hot cocoa mix. Add a layer of mini marshmallows, chocolate chips or even crushed candy canes and close with a twist tie.
Cheery Stamped Bulletin Board
- craft glue
- 8 to 10 round craft buttons
- 8 to 10 flat silver thumbtacks
- flower rubber stamps
- stamp pads in coordinating colors
- 24"x18" bulletin board
- yellow gingham ribbon
Glue buttons to the flat surface of thumbtacks; set aside. Stamp the flower stamps in stamp pads and stamp 8 to 10 images on bulletin board in desired pattern; allow to dry completely. Add button thumbtacks to the center of each flower. Glue gingham ribbon around the edges of the bulletin board.
A sweet sewing jar is a speedy gift perfect for a crafty friend! Fill a Mason jar with vintage buttons, mini thread spools and other sewing notions. Top the lid with batting and a circle of homespun, add a few pearl headed pins and it’s ready to give. She’ll love it!
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