Gifts you can make

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

I have always made gifts for people over the holidays, for a couple of reasons. First of all, they know I've taken the time to actually create something especially for them, and I think that means a lot to the folks I give gifts to. Second of all, I usually reuse things, so I'm recycling and saving money!

So, if you're interested, here's some gifts I'm making this year.

Elegant Neck Wraps.
When you're going out somewhere special, wouldn't it be nice to have a neck scarf that looks really nice and yet keeps you warm? Here's what I've come up with:

You need a piece of cloth about 2 1/2 feet long and about 6-8 inches wide.
Choose a fabric that looks really nice. I go to a place where they sell remnants from upholstery and stuff, and can find things like watered silk-the scraps cost under a dollar.

You need a really nice, fairly large button (The Rag Barn in Alpena Arkansas sells them for a penny to ten cents apiece) and thread to match the fabric.

You need some quilt batting 2 1/2 feet long and about 3-4 inches wide. You could also use flannel sheet scraps.

Fold the fabric in half longways, right sides together. Place batting on top-sew together. Turn right side out and sew up the ends.

Try on scarf, and mark where you want the button to go. Get the button and sew it on. Make a button hole on the other end of the fabric. You can do this by hand if you don't have a sewing machine--cut the slit for the button then sew around the slit with thread.


Elegant boxes
What little child wouldn't want a box to hold treasures in? Or a castle to put their play people in?

You need corrugated cardboard for the box-you can use an existing box or cut a box down to the size you need and use duct tape to hold it together. I've found that putting an extra piece of cardboard in the bottom strengthens the box. You can also make a matching lid, or keep it open.

Take fabric and basically wrap the box like you would a present. I do the outside first, making sure to have some extra fabric overlapping into the inside. It's a good idea to trim off extra fabric so it isn't too bulky. Glue or hot glue this in place. Fit some different fabric in the inside-turn under the edges so it has a finished look. Then glue it in place. Do the same for the lid. You can use fabric or ribbon to make a hinge.


To make the castle, get an oatmeal box. Take the lid and hot glue thin cardboard around the edge. Trim the top of the cardboard to look like a castle (or a rook from chess). You can use duct tape to cover the box and make it grey, or glue pieces of styrofoam cut out in little squares over the box. (Trust me, the duct tape is easier, and you can draw lines on it with magic marker).

Luggage Tags

I used to do wood burning and leather work, and I found myself left with a wood burning tool and some circles of leather. What I did was use the tool to burn a design and a name and address into the finished side of the leather circle. I punched a hole at the top, added a key chain, and viola-a luggage tag that is unique and easy to spot! I gave this to a friend who travels extensively, and she told me she really likes it!

Any of you have some gift making ideas to share?

[mopinko]

1. just don't think that cookies are a gift

people just shove them into their faces, no matter how elaborate and beautiful they are, and don't think twice. more invisible woman's work. i found this out the very, very hard way.

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

2. As a person with sugar issues

I don't make cookies any more. But the gifts I suggested can be used again and again.