Handmade Christmas Gifts (I have faith in you)

Hi blog reading friends (both old and new),

Even though I’ve been around for a little over a year and have a very loyal readership that’s been with me from the beginning, I’ve recently acquired quite a bunch of new readers.  (Is it the volume of posts and pins?  The recent return to writing week-daily?  The slow-release ginger magic?)

So, since we are in a gift-giving time of the year, and since I try to make gifts and save money when I can, I thought I’d share a few ideas I’ve had (in the past) that I think would work well as Christmas gifts (whether individually or with something else).

For the full scoop — including a tutorial bedecked with sarcastic, strange, and/or pithy comments, — just click on the image to be linked back.

Oh, and unlike most of my round-ups, which are complete with inspiration from the World Wide Web, these are actually all my own ideas, pics, and… again… sarcastic, strange, and/or pithy comments.  So if you’re going to link or pin anything here, please attach the permalink, not just the blog’s URL (I’d do the same for you, my little chickens!).

Glass etching

DIY Chalkboard

Painted spoons

Handmade Clipboards

Things that (P)inspire Me: Teacher/Neighbor Gifts

**To read previous post in this series, go here.

This week’s “Things that (P)inspire Me” post could be best friends with the “Twelve Weeks of Christmas” series… total B.F.F.  This week, I want to look at Teacher/Neighbor gifts, but with a GPP spin — thrifty, crafty, and heart-warming (I just added the “heartwarming” part for today…. it seemed appropriate).

As I mentioned in this previous post, I think it’s important to remember teachers, neighbors, and any service providers during the holiday season, as they are often underpaid and under-appreciated.  This doesn’t mean you need to give them something particularly personal, as you are not necessarily “friends” with them, but some gesture will always be well-received (I speak from 6+ years as a teaching artist).

So, I have turned to Pinterest as a vehicle for organizing these ideas, and along the way I’ve offered my own tips.  A lot of these “pins” are things I have tried before but didn’t get any pictures.  As always, please click on the image for a link to the source website.

Enjoy!

Epsom Salt & Sugar scrub

Ooohh… spa-tastic.  I made these last year for my mom, mother-in-law, and Josh’s aunts (so does that make them my aunts-in-law?).  At the time, I just used epsom salt, pure olive oil, and Vitamin E oil, but I like this recipe even more (and it’s just as easy/cheap).  Here’s a pic (it’s from Do It Yourself Crafts).

I especially like these during winter because they exfoliate as well as moisturize.

DIY Sewing Kits

This super cute sewing kit was made over at Frugaliciousme.com.  The creator of this particular project was inspired by a similar (but far less cute) sewing kit at Anthropologie, originally priced for $48.00 (what!??!?).  This could easily be done for less than $4.  Dollar Tree has sewing kits for $1, mason jars can easily be purchased at any craft store or Wal-mart.  The top part is a pin cushion, and that could be made just by gluing polyfill (or balled-up plastic grocery bags), and covering with fabric.  Perhaps another option for a more firmly packed pin cushion would be to fill a nylon knee high with sand, tie the end, then cover with fabric.  Attach a label or tag, and ba-bam!

I want one!

Heating Pads and Hand Warmers

This particular project comes from The In Between Girls, however I have been using the same method for years.  These hearts are actually meant to be used as hand warmers, but if they were made bigger, they’d be great as heating pads to treat sore muscles.  My grandmother has made countless heating pads this way (she sewed them).  I did the non-sewing kind myself, and all it took was a clean tube or knee high sock (though I wouldn’t necessarily recommend this kind of presentation with a gift), filled with rice, and closed with a knot on the end.  Stick in the microwave for about a minute, and that’s it!  When filling with rice, I would recommend not letting it be too packed in, because you want it to have some flexibility, especially if you want to be able to wrap it around your neck (but not in a creepy way).

Linen Spray

homemade linen spray

Yeah, I pinned myself.  I made these the other day, but I really believe they’d be perfect for acquaintances like teachers and neighbors.  In case you missed it, here’s a link to check out the whole tutorial.

Obviously, these ideas have a bit of a girly touch to them, so maybe your loyal mailman or child’s T-ball coach wouldn’t appreciate linen spray or heart-shaped hand warmers as much as…. say… me (“Cold hands are for sissies!”).

That’s where baked goods come in!  Here’s a link to a GREAT resource for even more teacher/neighbor gifts for both genders:  Sassy Sites: 161 Gift Ideas.  If you scroll to the bottom, you’ll see a lot of fun ideas for the DIY-challenged.  I’ll admit some of these are a bit kitschy-er than I would probably do, but they could definitely be a good jumping off point for you.  Here are two (less kitschy) examples:

S’mores Kit

Cowgirl Cookies (or cowboy)

Put all the ingredients into a jar and attach directions.  Mmm……

Hope these help you in the gift scramble!   (Christmas is only two weeks away, after all — Eesh!)

Grab a button if you were featured in this week’s round-up!

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Other things you might like…

Things that (P)inspire Me

Twelve Weeks of Christmas

This hilarious picture of Ryan Gosling:

http://handmaderyangosling.tumblr.com/

It’s like he’s speaking directly to me?  Right?!?

Twelve Weeks of Christmas, Week 8: DIY Personalized Dry Erase Boards

***To check out the previous parts in the “Twelve Weeks of Christmas” series, go HERE.

A I mentioned earlier this week in my –LINK–postcard post (ha), I recently realized that I am behind on my twelve weeks of Christmas.  Oops.

That’s why you’ll see this post says “Week 8,” but that’s not exactly true.  However, bear with me, pretend we’re using Hermione’s time turner from Harry Potter, and all will be well.

Today, I have a DIY tutorial for those who are still looking for last minute Christmas gift ideas.  It’s SUPER easy, takes almost no time, and can be personalized in any way you want.  DIY Dry Erase Boards!

I’ve recently become very interested in this idea when I saw a few inspirational ideas on Pinterest:

Source: Little Birdies

Source: The Aesthetic Writer

(I loooove the dry erase calendar idea and this is definitely my next project!)

Source: Supercalifragilisricexpialadocious

Basically, it’s just a piece of paper in a glass frame, and you use dry erase markers on the glass.  EASY!

So, with one particular gift recipient in mind, one unused frame, and a little bit of word processor magic, I made one!

I used the “Angelic War” font found here (free for personal use) and made the “To Do” list using a white 8 1/2″ X 11″ sheet of paper.

Here’s the step by step:

1. I started with a picture frame that had a motivational message on it.  It was a gift at some point, but we’ve never found a place for it, so we kept the message but used the frame.  I figured it was time for the frame to get a promotion.

2.  I removed the hardware in the back so I could remove the original picture:

3.  Next I printed out the page to be inserted into the frame.  I now the inspirational images used colored or patterned paper, however I know this is going to a room that has colored/textured walls, so I thought something simpler would be more appropriate.  The dry erase markers can provide the color.

Here’s a close-up:

4.  Because my frame is 8″ X 10″, but the paper is 81/2″ X 11,” I traced around the frame insert so that it fit perfectly:

5.  Next, I framed the page and re-attached the hardware.

Here’s what happened when I was allowed to play with the dry erase markers:

Mhmmm…..

And here’s the document, if you want to copy it yourself (and perhaps use more exciting paper):

To Do List template

Obviously, the personalization possibilities are endless!  Here are a few more ideas that I’ve come up using the same method:

• framing scrapbook or wrapping paper
• using old newspaper (like the stocks or classifieds section)
• making the header a monogram
• printing a watermark on the page
• making a border out of comics or pretty paper, in lieu of a matte
• attaching flowers, medallions, ribbon, or other small details to the frame
• making a frame for “Inspirational Quotes”
• making a frame for the letter, number, or word of the day for children learning to read and write
• various kinds of to do lists including “To Buy” or “Future Projects”
• for kids: frame a simple outline of a body and let kids draw on the clothes, hair, and background scene (like dry erase paper dolls)
• homework list
• weekly and monthly calendar
• daily workout/nutrition plan, i.e., number of reps, servings of vegetables, et al.

Those are just a few ideas that come to mind — hopefully you found them helpful!

(Subscribe!)

You might also like:

Twelve Weeks of Christmas

Paint Chip Projects

DIY Vinyl Record Bowl

a nap

Twelve Weeks of Christmas, Week 2: How to Make a Bowl out of an Old Vinyl Record

Part 2 in a series of 12

 

“Twelve WEEKS of wha…?”   If you’re confused about the daunting title, read my two previous posts in this series, here and here.  Then you can come back to this one :)

Vinyl Record Bowl

Hooray!  The first of many handmade tutorials – I hope you’re excited . . .

These handy dandy bowls are actually made from real records!  (You know, those things from the olden days…  before CD’s, before cassette tapes, before 8 tracks? )   These make great gifts, and best of all, they meet some of the most important GPP criteria:  A) Cheap, at approximately 50 cents a pop, B) Thirft-able at most any second-hand shop, and C) Upcycled – one of my favorite words!

I first saw these in the Historic Charleston City Market while on vacation with my family in 2009. They were being sold for about $10 each — a huge profit for this vendor — and I thought they were so clever, I bought one!  Of course, I had an ulterior motive: I wanted to figure out HOW to make these.

Since then, I have made quite a few in various shapes and styles, so I thought I’d share the step-by-step process (so easy!) so you can make your own.  ENJOY!

 

How to Make a Bowl out of an Old Vinyl Record

(“Old…Record”:  that’s an oxymoron, right?

1.        Acquire a record.  These can be found in attics, basements, storage closets, and/or thrift stores.  If you do not have any or have sentimentality attached to the records in their current flattened form, you can easily obtain one at a thrift store or on Ebay for pennies.  Literally.  If you’re hard-pressed to find a record that has a label or band you like, keep in mind that once it’s a bowl, you won’t see the bottom if you have anything in it, so it probably doesn’t really matter.  Oh — and if you’re making these as Christmas gifts, it might be fun to use a Christmas album of some sort – thrift store shelves are often overflowing with holiday albums.

2.       Work in a well-ventilated space.  This is a really important one, since records emit toxic fumes.  However, as long as you open your windows or door and don’t stick your head in the oven, you’ll be fiiine.  Scout’s honor.

3.       Remove record from album sleeve and place on a flat pan or cookie sheet.  If you want to make a tray, then this is all the prep work you need to do.  If you want to make a bowl, you may want to put the record on top of an oven safe bowl, turned upside-down (more on this in number five).

4.       Place record and cookie sheet/pan in a 200 degree oven.  This is not a fix-it-and-forget-it kind of thing.  I would definitely advise staying in the room while the vinyl is heating up – it shouldn’t take more than a few minutes.  When the record is floppy, with the consistency of a fruit roll-up, you may remove it from the oven and begin to work.

5.       Remove from and mold with hands to desired shape.  Some people will tell you to use tongs; I find this completely unnecessary.  Either place a towel on top or wear oven mitts, using your hands to pull up and crinkle the edges.   If the record cools off before you can finish, simply place it back in the oven to re-soften and try to mold it again.  It may take a few attempts… or you may get it perfectly to your liking the first time.  If you want a very rounded bowl shape, you can place the record on top of an upside down, oven-safe bowl, OR  you can add an additional bowl on top, which will round out the bottom even more as gravity pulls the top bowl down while the vinyl is softening.  As before, use hands to further refine the edges; I recommend molding them into a wavy pattern.

6.       Allow to cool.  This shouldn’t take more than a few minutes, and then you’re done!

mhmmm...

 These make great, unique gifts, especially ideal for a bachelor pad dweller or a music enthusiast.  If you’ll indulge me while I channel my inner soccer mom, these would make great teacher gifts, too:  fill them with wrapped candy, baked goods, or other small items, wrap in cellophane, and tie with a bow at the top — a lot more cost-effective than buying a container or coffee mug and doing the same thing (and who hasn’t done this at some point?)

However, because these emit toxic fumes when heated, they are NOT dishwasher safe, and I probably wouldn’t recommend using them for (unwrapped) food.  Ok?  Don’t do it.  If you must clean them, just use cold water, mild soap, and a non-abrasive scrubber or towel.

Anyway, who needs to put food in these bowls, when you can use them for Post-it note storage instead?  Right?!

 

Don't judge me.

Early Christmas Shopping (Twelve Weeks of Christmas Preview)

Have you started your holiday shopping yet?

Today is September 26th, which means we are three months away from Christmas!   This may seem like a light year away, especially when you break it down:  that’s 13 weeks or 91 days away; that’s Halloween and then Thanksgiving; that’s the ENTIRE season of Fall; that’s one semester or two quarters of school.  It seems so far away…

However, if you are like me, you are already brainstorming about Christmas gifts, and not for what I want — though I have already set my sights on one thing in particular in case Santa is reading this – but rather what I want to give to other people, i.e., loved ones, charitable causes, et al.

Planning early helps me to avoid the last minute Christmas shopping trips (super stressful!) and rather, stretch out the gift acquisition over the course of 13 weeks.  I say gift acquisition all italicized-like because I do not just buy gifts — I also try to MAKE THEM. And not just things like the macaroni angel ornament you made in elementary school, though those were undoubtedly charming in their time.  Gifts that make the recipient go “You made this?  Really??”

So before the gift acquisition phase can commence (that sounds so sci-fi/fantasy!), here are some tips and tricks to help you find/make the best gifts without incurring ANY additional credit card debt — No really!

In this picture I was probably thinking about making lists, thus the happy expression.

1.         List all your family to whom you will actually be giving gifts.  This list will typically include mom(s), dad(s), your spouse/life partner, boyfriend/girlfriend, children, in-laws, maybe grandparents?  If your extended family is like my extended family, we usually draw names and the name you get is the person to whom you give a gift, with a monetary limit of usually $35-50.  This may seem weird but really turns out to be a lot more fun in the long run (See!  I come from a long line of penny pinchers!)
2.        List all of your friends to whom you will be giving gifts.
3.        List all of your acquaintances to whom you will be giving gifts.  This may have caused some of you to do a double-take, but think about it: Do you have a relationship with any particular person in your life that provides you a consistent service?  Examples could include: your mail man/woman, your exterminator (if you own a house and actually have conversations with your exterminator, like my mother), your hairdresser/barber, your children’s dance/karate/music/whatever-kids-are-doing-nowadays instructors and classroom teachers, and potentially more.  Because I live in an apartment and do not have children, I don’t have a lot of relationships, if any at all, with a lot of the typical “service providers.”  If you do, you should definitely considering giving them a little something.  This does not have to be anything big, but considering most of these people are grossly underpaid – and I speak as a dance instructor and the daughter of a teacher – it’s definitely a nice gesture that is ALWAYS appreciated.  More on this in a future blog.
4.        After you have made your three lists, go through each name and figure out what you might want to give them.  You do not have to decide it all in one sitting, but it’s good to have a general idea, especially for members of your immediate family and closest friends, as these people will probably get the biggest gifts and therefore the most gift acquisition attention (that’s right, I brought it back).  Don’t necessarily limit yourself by budget, because there is almost always a way to find what you are looking for in your price range (though if are actor-style poor, you probably can’t get everyone in your immediate family a 42” flat screen TV, but I feel like that goes without saying). 
5.        From this list of gift ideas, figure out which of these things you could realistically make.  Before you pooh-pooh the possibility of making something, Google it.  The affordable options to hand-making – without need of expensive tools– might surprise you, especially if you keep reading this blog for the next 12 weeks. (Hint.)
6.       From this list of gift ideas, figure out which of these things you couldn’t possibly make, e.g., a computer (the exceptions are rare enough that they are not worth mentioning).
7.        Plan when to purchase/make these items. 

In the case of electronics, I think it is wisest to wait until Black Friday week.  I say the week and not just the day because stores will often have similar sales during Thanksgiving week and not just the following day.  However, if you know you are not going to feel up to braving Black Friday, your best bet for good deals on electronics would be online shopping.  (Future blog  comin’ at ‘cha!)

In the case of everything else, unless it is a baked good (which always make good gifts for extended family and people on your “acquaintances” list), you can buy these things in advance, which leads me to number

8.       Buy at least ONE ITEM A WEEK from now until Christmas.  This is the most valuable and time tested advice I can offer.  I am never broke by the time I get to Christmas, I have never accrued (additional) credit card debt, and I have never had the excuse of not having enough money to get my loved ones what I want.  Christmas comes on the same day every year; it is not a ninja holiday like Easter, i.e., it doesn’t sneak up on you in the dead of night and say “Here I am!”  (“What?  But it’s like February, right?”).

9.       Save a few items to buy for the week of Christmas.  This is more of a girly, sentimental thing and not really necessary, but I really love going Christmas shopping when it is actually Christmas time!  I love the decorations, the music, the chill in the air, ya know.  And because I have paced myself, Christmas shopping is neither stressful nor depressing, and I don’t have to wander aimlessly, trying to get ideas because I already know what I want (and I’ve already gotten most of what I wanted previously).

10.   If you have items that you plan to make (and I really hope you do because these are the best!) start making those sooner rather than later.  When I make things for people, I tend to not subscribe to this philosophy as much as I should, and I nearly always regret it.  Lesson learned, don’t procrastinate!

11.   Refer to #8.  No really.  Best advice ever and I just gave it to you for free (and that’s a good deal).

(Most bloggers will only give you a list of ten tips/tricks, but I just blew your face off with eleven.  Right?!)

For those still resisting handmade gifts, I hear your hesitation and I understand — I used to feel the same way!  However, over the course of the next twelve weeks, I hope to change your mind with my first ever series (“Wait, she can’t do a series yet!  She just started this blog?!?!  Who does she think she is?  Miss Interwebs?!”)   . . . AND the series will be entitled:

“The Twelve Weeks of Christmas”   (because what else was I gonna call it?)

Each week I will offer one tutorial on a handmade gift (yippee!) as well as tips/tricks for getting good deals, online shopping, etc.

For my loyal tens of subscribers — in 8 different states and 3 different countries – wha??– DON’T WORRY.  This will not be like when your local department store puts their Christmas decorations on sale in July, because that’s just wrong; this will not be a non-stop Christmas fest and the series won’t be more than one post a week so . . . ya know . . . relax.

And if you’re Jewish and don’t do the Christmas thing, just insert the word Channukah every time you read the word Christmas, and then multiply times eight (haha).

Stay tuned and SUBSCRIBE! —>