Anyone "Making" Christmas gifts this Year?

[FloatinInABlueLagoon]

I came up with an idea the other day when I was at the beach. I was thinking of making a candlescape or something using the shells, sand, branches, etc. and little ocean scented candles (Yankee Candle has them) or pouring my own candles and dropping tiny shells into it. Sometimes, I'll look on websites like Pier 1 or something and just dupe some of their ideas using my own materials.

I was in the middle of a project of making everyone slideshows on my computer using all the photos I've been taking, but my nephew accidentally splashed my digital camera with a bucket of water and now it's broken. So, I'm out of a camera to complete my projects.

 

[TinkandAriel]

I'm making dd magnetic paper dolls (found some cute printables online, printing them onto magnetic paper and using a metal lunch box as the storage); for friends and family, my "gourmet" marshmallows (dipped in variety of chocolate, nuts, sprinkles, whatnot); and handmade lotions and sprays.

 

[Wilsonfamily4]

HELP!! on the paper doll magnets

I am creatively challenged and was wondering if I can have more info on the paper doll magnets. I would love to do this for my daughter. She loves to hang her art on the fridge and we run out of magnets. Where do I get magnet paper. I need help.

 

[Clinex5]

A very simple inexpensive idea we did for teachers one year was a pot of Candy Cane Seeds. Just take a smal clay pot (I think we used 4 or 6" ones), paint as you wish, and label as Candy Cane Seeds. Fill with individually wrapped peppermints (the red and white ones like Starlite). Place the pot on a large square of tulle or netting and gather up and tie with a pretty ribbon. Simple. Everyone loved them and we always have a pot sitting out around the holidays.

 

[FlyingBelle]

I'm making dd magnetic paper dolls (found some cute printables online, printing them onto magnetic paper and using a metal lunch box as the storage) .

Great idea! Hope you don't mind me stealing this one!

 

[Wilsonfamily4]

I am going to do the roledex idea. Just last night I was wondering what to do with the pictures I don't scrapbook. Some are still great. So I am going to use them to decorate one for my husband at work. He is always asking for more pictures of the kids. I am way excited now.

 

[TinkandAriel]

the magnetic paper I believe I found at Wal-Mart, where you'd find the office supplies, blank labels you can print, etc. The paper doll graphics I found at http://www.geocities.com/Wellesley/9169/betsy.html

 

[minniebeth]

I can be crafty but with some help...so this year, we did several gifts at a paint your own pottery place. I actually did this in July since they were having a Christmas in July sale where you did not pay a studio fee. All places are different in what they charge. It can really add up, but still is reasonable and makes very nice homemade gifts. (Depends on what your objective is...to make a unique handmade gift or to save money...I believe you can do both.) I did a snowman cookie plate for friends that is personalized with each of their family member's name on it and plan to wrap it up with cookies...
I did mugs that I plan to fill with indiv. hot chocolate/marshmallows and wrap...and handmade ornments which we do each year for an ornament exchange.
I went with my kids and enjoyed the time with them, but I know many moms that have a Ladies Night Out and have some social time while they work.

I keep asking our families if they want to do a completely handmade Christmas with gift giving and no one is up for it
So I do this with some friends...

 

[DisneyMommyMichelle]

LOVE LOVE LOVE the candy cane seeds idea! Sooocute!!

 

[carissanboys]

I made 2 of the tied fleece blankets yesterday. They are easy and came out great!! I made my son a 58" one and it's a perfect size for him (he's 6), but I agree that bigger would be better. It would basically be a lap blanket for an adult at that size.

 

[LOVETHATMOUSE]

I'm making for my mom this year note cards. Got 50 big white notecards w/envelopes on sale at Michaels for $4.99. I am taking all the double photos I have of the grandkids, homes, family, vacations, etc and mounting them on the front of the cards. Got the special photo spray glue (3M) for $7.00(used the 40% off coupon), so for $12.00 she is getting 50 custom made notecards. All I have to do is add a nice pen, book of stamps, and put it all in a beautiful wooden box I got at Kohls (handcarved - she will love it, just her style) on 80% clearance for 2.99. Not bad huh?

 

[jjan]

I make the fleece blankets too and people LOVE them! I use a quick cutting guide with a rotary cutter and it makes it go so fast... Here is a pic. so you can see what it looks like. You can buy them right at Wal-Mart and Jo-Ann's

http://www.joann.com/catalog.jhtml?CATID=46514&PRODID=11965&source=search

 

[pjlla]

I also love the homemade meals idea (back on page one). My Mom did that for me for my b.day this year... she gave me a cooler full of frozen homemade meals. I LOVED it... one of the best gifts ever! She knows I hate to cook. I hope she does it again for Christmas!!

THanks for so many great ideas!................P

 

[DisneyMommyMichelle]

A very simple inexpensive idea we did for teachers one year was a pot of Candy Cane Seeds. Just take a smal clay pot (I think we used 4 or 6" ones), paint as you wish, and label as Candy Cane Seeds. Fill with individually wrapped peppermints (the red and white ones like Starlite). Place the pot on a large square of tulle or netting and gather up and tie with a pretty ribbon. Simple. Everyone loved them and we always have a pot sitting out around the holidays.

I loved this idea so much i went out and tried it last night. I bought smaller pots and to really emphasize the 'seeds' idea i put in black licorice at the bottom (like dirt) and then i put in the mints and i stuck in about 4 candy canes in each one to look like the seeds 'sprouted'


Looks very cute and if my camera were working i would post a pic!!! hopefully i can sometime soon!!

 

[KLAIT]

DisneyMommyMichelle

I am so anxious to see your creation!!!

 

[Chicago526]

How much does the fabric for those tie fleece blankets cost? I've never bought fabric by the yard in my life and have no idea what it runs!

 

[jjan]

How much does the fabric for those tie fleece blankets cost? I've never bought fabric by the yard in my life and have no idea what it runs!

You can get fleece at Jo-Ann's really cheaply if you have one of their coupons (either sign up for their mailed sales flyer or even easier, by email on their website for 40% off any one reg. priced item) $3-4 a yard or maybe cheaper with a coupon all the way up to really expensive if you buy it at other local fabric stores. There is also Wal-Mart that would probably be in the $5-10 range depending on what kind of fleece.

Here is a 10% off your total purchase including sale items for this holiday weekend... http://www.joann-mail.com/J0468b6t/coupons_only.html?r=0467375870

 

[arielsleepingbeauty]

Fleece is on sale today at the local Joann's fabric store in my area in MA. They also sell the kits to make the blankets. My mom actually just called and said that they are on sale for $5.00.

 

[DisneyMommyMichelle]

thanks for the info!

 

[barbnbrian]

Anyone have directions to make these? I bought one at a craft fair, but would like to make some for Christmas gifts. The one I have is a fabric rectangle shape, 14" x 8" sewn closed and contains herbs - tag says "chamomile, peppermint, spearmint, rosemary, white willow, yellow dock root, cinnamon, valerian root, saw palmetto berry, lemon grass, yarrow, lavendar, flax seed and natural grain".

The idea is to heat this on high in microwave for 1 to 1 1/2 mins. and place on skin as a heat pack.

Anyone ever make these. I don't know where I could buy the herbs.