Homemade Christmas Gift Ideas for 2012

[maggiew]

Oohh! What is an infinity scarf?

Maggie

 

[BuzznBelle'smom]

It's just a (generally) shorter, thicker scarf that you sew the two ends together. Then it's draped around the neck, looking sort of like a cowl neck.

If you look in Michael's, they typically have several idea sheets, free for the taking, in the yarn aisles. I think that's where I got the idea. Also, some yarn packages also have patterns on them. I favor the super simple, but impressive looking ones--I know how to do fancy stitches and all, but don't have the time and the patience these days. So, I go for fancy yarn that requires little stitch embellishment.

I'm currently making DD17 a scarf with eyelash yarn. Next up will be leg warmers for DD9. I may go to the specialty yarn store and get llama wool for something else for DD17.

 

[KelliLee702]

Thank you to EVERYONE who has contributed to this thread!

I never thought we'd get so many great ideas!!!

Keep them coming . . .

 

[littlebit0863]

This is an idea that I keep wishing someone would make for me. I have a general idea in my head, but am not very crafty/wonderful at organizing. I want a coupon binder or box with lots of categories, not just the cheap file folder from Target. I mean, a category for diapers, a category for cereal, etc. So if you know anyone into couponing you could do this.

 

[honeybunches]

This is an idea that I keep wishing someone would make for me. I have a general idea in my head, but am not very crafty/wonderful at organizing. I want a coupon binder or box with lots of categories, not just the cheap file folder from Target. I mean, a category for diapers, a category for cereal, etc. So if you know anyone into couponing you could do this.

I have a big durable binder and used these pocket page protectors in it. Works so well. I separate the sections with those removable tabs (So I can change categories if needed.)

 

[brennicksmom]

I went and bought the eyelash yarn. I followed the you tube video exactly( or so I thought), pausing the video so I could finish each step, and I did not have a 5 foot scarf at the end. I had a 20 inch scarf! I guess I messed up somewhere. It looks very cute, but would only fit a doll. I'm not sure if I should do the exact steps again, or just make it A LOT longer to start. Has anyone else made it and have it work right?


EDIT** Ok I rewatched the video two more times, and I found my mistake. I thought I needed 6 yards total per scarf, but I need 24 yards total. OOPS I'm going to try again. I'll let you know how it turns out.

 

[Tinkermommy]

I found another project I think I will try for Christmas.

You can decorate and "bake" porcelain dishes using Sharpies.

You just decorate and bake for 30 minutes at 350 degrees.

It's supposed to be food safe but if you are leery, just decorate the areas that food won't touch or use for decoration.

I think I will get some mugs and let my kids decorate them for the grandparents.

I may get a platter or serving bowl and decorate for friends/teachers.

If you google or look on pintrest you will find lots of examples.

 

[bas71873]

I have found a few things on Pinterest I want to put together but need glass jars with lids. Like Ball or Kerr canning jars, but I really want them to be plain and not have "Ball" or "Kerr" on the jar? Any tips on where to find inexpensive glass jars? I haven't popped into Walmart or the Dollar Tree yet. Been couped up with a sick kid for 4 days now

 

[Chereya]

I have found a few things on Pinterest I want to put together but need glass jars with lids. Like Ball or Kerr canning jars, but I really want them to be plain and not have "Ball" or "Kerr" on the jar? Any tips on where to find inexpensive glass jars? I haven't popped into Walmart or the Dollar Tree yet. Been couped up with a sick kid for 4 days now

Try the World Market website (if you don't have one near you). They have a pretty good variety of glass jars with lids. Just search for "glass jar" or "glass bottle". I also saw some at Michael's. Be sure to clip out a few coupons from the newspaper or website before you go!

 

[java]

I have Ball jars without the words on them. I am looking at a jelly jar sized one right now that has no name on it. I got them at the supermarket. Hurry up though because once canning season ends they are harder to find.

 

[asthemusicplays]

I've always thought these tile photo coasters would be fun to try.

I know you can get the tiles at Home Depot. Not sure how much all the supplies cost. Has anyone made these before?

Not sure if someone answered this already but I just made something similar this past weekend They are very easy to make and came out great! I used beer bottle labels (pretty ones) for mine, but you can really use anything to make it personalized!

I bought the white tiles from Home Depot for I believe $.17/each. A big container of Mod Podge (ended up being WAY more than I needed) was $6. The acrylic seal spray I think was under $10 but I don't really remember TBH. And I used the circle pads for the bottom of chairs for the bottoms of the coasters-got a big variety pack for $5 and I have most of them left over.

I plan on making them as Christmas gifts this year, too. I'll probably use photos or pretty scrapbook paper, depending on who they are for!

If anybody has any questions, let me know because like I said I JUST made these

 

[FINFAN]

I have found a few things on Pinterest I want to put together but need glass jars with lids. Like Ball or Kerr canning jars, but I really want them to be plain and not have "Ball" or "Kerr" on the jar? Any tips on where to find inexpensive glass jars? I haven't popped into Walmart or the Dollar Tree yet. Been couped up with a sick kid for 4 days now

also not sure if there are Meijer stores near you but they may have them as well.
I saw some at HobbyLobby and "glass" items were 50% off so those qualified...hope you find them, but I agree, look sooner rather than later.

 

[bas71873]

Found them at Walmart today. Making some pampering jars for the dance teachers!

 

[FINFAN]

Found them at Walmart today. Making some pampering jars for the dance teachers!

yay! I love jars. I save almost every one I can, spray paint the lids & use them for whatever. Actually, I think they feed my spraypaint habit, lol....that stuff is addictive!

 

[bas71873]

Not sure if someone answered this already but I just made something similar this past weekend They are very easy to make and came out great! I used beer bottle labels (pretty ones) for mine, but you can really use anything to make it personalized!

I bought the white tiles from Home Depot for I believe $.17/each. A big container of Mod Podge (ended up being WAY more than I needed) was $6. The acrylic seal spray I think was under $10 but I don't really remember TBH. And I used the circle pads for the bottom of chairs for the bottoms of the coasters-got a big variety pack for $5 and I have most of them left over.

I plan on making them as Christmas gifts this year, too. I'll probably use photos or pretty scrapbook paper, depending on who they are for!

If anybody has any questions, let me know because like I said I JUST made these

These are on my list of projects to try. Glad to low they r doable!

I did a Pinterest project today. I bought some glass ornament balls from Michaels and some orange and blue acrylic paint (DD is on our neighborhood summer swim team and those are our colors). I put a few squirts of each color in the ornament and a few DROPS of water, taped the hole closed and shook and swirled. It looks like a tie dyed ornament. I had a few leftover temporary tattoos (piranhas) and I put one of those on the glass. I have blue and orange ribbon to tie onto the holder tomorrow when it's dry (I have it sitting in a cup upside down to drain and dry). Turned out really cute and was so easy!

 

[jenlynn0808]

I have found a few things on Pinterest I want to put together but need glass jars with lids. Like Ball or Kerr canning jars, but I really want them to be plain and not have "Ball" or "Kerr" on the jar? Any tips on where to find inexpensive glass jars? I haven't popped into Walmart or the Dollar Tree yet. Been couped up with a sick kid for 4 days now

Grant it, I don't know what you want the jars for and it creeps some people out, but have you tried the Goodwill or Salvation Army? Our local Goodwill always has a ton of jars with lids (seriously, they take up at least 1/2 an isle).

 

[MrsMommaRN]

Great ideas. Have to think of some to share.

 

[luvmy3]

You guys are so creative, thanks for sharing.

They look like little soaps, but they are lotion. The heat from your body warms the bar as you rub it on your hands, so you get the creamy lotion in a bar instead of pumping or squirting it out like regular lotion. I found a recipe online that used beeswax, coconut oil, and I don't remember what else!

You can decorate cute little containers to keep them in, and you can use soap molds to make different shapes. If you google lotion bars you can get an idea of what they look like.

Here is a link to my favorite recipe for lotion bars. There are step by step instructions and pictures showing you what to do. It is my favorite hand/foot lotion in the winter.

http://www.herbmentor.com/make-your-own-lotion-bars-for-holiday-gifts/

I love these, and they would be perfect for travel.

I've always thought these tile photo coasters would be fun to try.

http://leelala.net/2011/09/diy-photo-coasters-gussy-inspiration-workshop/

I know you can get the tiles at Home Depot. Not sure how much all the supplies cost. Has anyone made these before?

I was thinking of "stealing" away my nieces and nephews, and my friends' kids and taking their pics so I can make these for gifts. I'd probably do a bigger tile and make a scrapbook layout with the pics and put that on it. Just add a stand for it, and it could be really cute.

I usually make strawberry jam but this year I'm going to try this recipe

SALSA SAUCE
4 qts. tomatoes, peeled and chopped (about 30)
2 or 3 chopped green peppers
2 onions, med., chopped
1 can chopped jalapeno peppers or 2 or 3 hot fresh jalapeno peppers
1 or 2 chili peppers (optional)
1 tsp. salt

Cook just tomatoes for 1/2 hour. Add rest, simmer for 1 1/2 or 2 hours (or longer if you like it thicker). Pout into hot sterilized jars. Seal. Put into warm water in kettle 1 inch over jars bringing to boil for 5 minutes. Take jars out. Tighten rings. 8 pints.

Hugs Mel

I like this idea for the guys.

A friend made one of these for my mom and I thought it was beautiful, everyone at her holiday party commented on it.
http://my.hgtv.com/share-my-craft/H...Block-Christmas-Present/detail.esi?oid=540097

These are so pretty. My friend has a couple that she bought at a craft fair. We always talked about making some ourselves but never did try. Maybe this year!

Thanks!

Below is the picture of one of the wreaths I made. It does remind me of the bubble wreaths my mom made back in the 80s. I will update the decorations based on the seasons.

https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B4DRSJoX_mPYWHQyVXQ5SlVhMWs

And here is the website for the instructions. My two wreaths took about 45 minutes each to do but I am slow and was watching TV at the same time!

http://homedeco50.wordpress.com/2012/03/29/burlap-wreath-tutorial/

If you make one, I would love to see yours!

I love that wreath, its so cute and I love that you can change what is on it so it goes with any season or holiday.

Again, just want to say thanks to everyone for posting their ideas and pictures to help the rest of us!

 

[java]

This weekend I hope to get the supplies for the burlap wreath! I love the idea of giving that along with a bunch of seasonal fun add ins(Like valentine's day, thanksgiving, halloween, - I'll buy the halloween stuff on clearance after the holiday, same with Thanksgiving and I love the beachy idea for it too!

After I get through a soccer filled morning tomorrow- the afternoon will be spent crafting away. Sounds like heaven to me!

 

[BuzznBelle'smom]

This weekend I hope to get the supplies for the burlap wreath! I love the idea of giving that along with a bunch of seasonal fun add ins(Like valentine's day, thanksgiving, halloween, - I'll buy the halloween stuff on clearance after the holiday, same with Thanksgiving and I love the beachy idea for it too!

After I get through a soccer filled morning tomorrow- the afternoon will be spent crafting away. Sounds like heaven to me!

I knit scarves during DD9's orchestra time. And go to the knitting store while DS6 is in dance class. I figure, if I'm there anyway, I might as well be productive.