Crafty Gifts Part I

Make your own craft items to give as gifts this Christmas

57. Holiday themed Fabric Coasters are great gifts to give.

Cut 2 pre cut quilting squares (found in fabric and craft stores!). Cut thin piece of batting the same size as material prints. Place two squares right sides together and place batting on top of the squares. Sew the pillow around three and 1/2 sides. Turn right side out and sew the rest of the way around tucking in seam as you sew.

Make 6-8 of these, stack them making a pile and tie them with a ribbon using a bow on top.

58. Refrigerator Magnets can be made from Plaster of Paris and painted with desired colors and given as gifts.

59. Cozy Fleece Scarf

Materials needed:

Scissors
2 yards of fleece material.

Fold into half side to side. Trim each side to ensure a straight cut.

Open fold, then cut down the middle to make 2 separate scarves, or 3 depending how narrow you want your scarf. Fold in half from end to end. Take one layer and cut the end to make a fringe. About 3 inches long, 1 inch apart. Be sure to use a sharp pair of scissors. Then cut the other layer while using the first layer as a guide.

60. Homemade Candles are perfect for Christmas.

Melt paraffin wax, add candle scents and pour in greased molds containing wicks or make candles using the traditional dipping method. Use festive colors and scents. Place candles in a box or tie several grouped ones with a ribbon.

61. Teacup candles can be seen in most stores. Making them is very easy. Use your vintage or other pretty, mismatched teacups to hold melted paraffin and candle wick. When the wax starts cooling down, sprinkle some glitter on the top.

62. Decorate a diary or a notebook by any work of art that you are good at, or by gluing pressed flowers and foliage. Cover the diary with plastic film or clear self adhesive book covering.

63. Knitted or Crocheted apparels can be given as personalized gifts to close relatives and friends.

64. Purchase plain pillow cases and decorate them with embroidery, fabric paints, appliqué etc. You can even monogram them to personalize them.

65. Handkerchiefs, Napkins etc. can be monogrammed and given as gifts.

66. Plain Towels can be decorated by sewing decorative ribbon on them.

67. Pretty lace-edged kerchiefs can be filled with potpourri, gathered together and tied with a ribbon to make ‘Handkerchief Scent Sachets’.

68. Any apron can be given a festive look by appliquéing small Christmas motifs like bells, holly, poinsettias etc. at the edges.

69. Make small pillows from leftover fabric and fill them with dried lavender and flax seeds to make ‘Eye Pillows’.

70. Gift a wreath made of dried material that will last for years.