Simple Gifts to Make Yourself
By Brenda Hyde
Gifts should reflect how you feel about
the person. This doesn't mean you should have to
spend a lot of money. Often the handmade gift shows
how much you care and is treasured more by the person,
than a storebought gift. Here are some simple gifts you
can create for birthdays, holiday gifts or other special
occasions.
Gardening Gloves
Buy nice canvas gardening gloves, usually in a
plain cream/white color. Use acrylic craft paint to
stencil on a a flower pot, leaves or flowers. You may
sponge paint the gloves also and near the wrist put
the person's name on the glove. For a Grandma
or Mom you could use "Grandma's Garden", and
let the kids draw little flowers freehand with the
craft paint.
Glass Hostess Gifts
Buy a clear glass pitcher and cups or glasses, or a
nice bowl. If you watch specials you can often find
them as low as $5.00-$10.00. You can also add cork
coasters to the set. You will need an acrylic enamal
paint made to use on glass. I have found asking at the
craft store is the easiest way to find the correct paint!
You will need plastic plates for palettes, and household
sponges.
First Step: Cut one to three shapes from your sponges; good
choices are stars, hearts, diamonds, a simple flower shape
or any shape that is easy to cut out. The size depends on
how large your glass item is; 1-2 inches should be good.
Second Step: Your paint can be varied, such as three different
primary colors, or one color such as gold for a festive touch, or
an earth tone for a country look. Spread each color on a plate.
Using a different sponge for each sponge. Dip sponge into
paint, making sure it's coated but blotting if it's runny. Press
the sponge carefully onto the glass. Keep the paint at least
1/2 inch away from the top of the cups or glasses. If you are
using coasters paint one design in the middle of the coaster
top. Let Dry.
Third Step: Heat-set paint as directed on label for dishwasher
use.
Tote Bags
One year I gave each woman in my family a personalized
tote bag, and they still have them! This is an easy and fun
craft. It can be as elaborate or simple as you wish. This would
also be a great theme gift with your gardening gloves above if
you use a gardening stencil. Place gloves, handmade soap,
one or two gardening tools, garden markers and a nail brush
in the bag with a gift tag attached. Easy! Whether you do this,
or give the tote bag alone it's a nice personalized gift.
Painting: Choose your tote bag. This time of year they are often
on sale at craft stores. The cream colored bags are the best for
decorating with paints. Prewash and dry the bag; and I would iron
to make sure it's nice and smooth. Stenciling is an easy way to
decorate the bag. Choose your stencil, and the colors you wish
to use. Use a paint made for fabric stenciling, and a good
stencil brush. Be sure to dab the brush, and blot on paper towel
or you will get smearing on your design. Allow to dry for ten
days to be sure it is set. Attach instructions for hand washing
in cool water and mild soap.
Other Methods: Vintage buttons, combined with embroidery
can make an elegant bag. Create a design such as a heart by
securely sewing on pretty buttons in a heart shape. In the
middle embroidery the persons name. You can do this on one
or both sides. Several other things that can be used to decorate
the bags are: sewing a decorative pocket on each side of the
bag; using an applique process with scrap country fabrics you
have on hand; or finally visit your fabric store and choose fancy
trims that you attach and create designs on the tote bag.
Decorated Clay Pots
Your imagination can run wild with decorated clay pots. You can
give them empty, fill with gardening themed gifts, or give with a
lovely plant already in the pot. You can even put herbs, and other
culinary items, in the pot as a "gift basket" then wrap with cellephane,
and raffia. They are easy to create.
You will need:
Clay flowerpots
1" foam brush
scissors
fine-point brush
gesso or acrylic paint
assorted craft paints
assorted seed catalogs pictures or magazine pictures
Decoupage Finish
Step One:Brush a coat of gesso or primer paint on the
surface of the flower pot. Let dry.
Step Two: Paint the pot a solid color or create stripes or
bands. You can paint the top of the pot a different color
or use dots, stripes, zig zags etc. to decorate. Let each
color dry before adding another. While the paint dries
thumb through your catalogs or magazine and cut out
flowers to decoupage.
Step Three: Arrange cutouts and lightly mark positions
with a pencil. Place each cutout on a paper plate and
brush with the decoupage finish on the back of your
cutout. Lift by edges and press in place on pot, smooothing
down to eliminate air bubbles. Wipe off excess finish with a
damp paper towel.
Step Four: Continue with all of your cutouts, and you may
add accents like leaves and more background around the
cutouts iwth paint. Seal with one or two coats of the
decoupage finish.
Handmade gifts will be treasured by your friends and family.
Use your imagination to come up with themes that fit the
personality of the person you are giving the gift to. Take
your time and have fun!
