I’m a sucker for a handmade gift. I think they mean so much more than the store bought kind. Don’t get me wrong, I do love the store bought gifts too but there’s just something extra special when someone makes something for you. The gifts don’t have to be anything fancy or expensive or difficult to do. So if you still have a few of those hard-to-buy-for people on your list or if you’re like me and you just haven’t finished your shopping yet, consider a handmade gift. You’re not crafty, you say? No worries, I’ve included seven of my favorite DIY projects that anyone – yes anyone – can do. Click on the links under each image to be directed to the full tutorial posts where you’ll get the step-by-step instructions.
FOLDING CHAIR – Need extra seating for the holidays or do the kids need a chair for their room? These are super cute and would work for anyone on your list. You can make them holiday specific with a pretty winter plaid material too. Supplies needed: metal folding chair with removeable seat and back cushion, spray paint {if refinishing}, material, scissors, staple gun, screwdriver.
JARS WITH DECORATIVE LIDS – Just add the holiday candy and you’re good to go. Of course, these are not just for holiday time or candy {my daughter puts her hair elastics in hers}. Bonus, these are used from recycled glass jars. Supplies needed: 1 glass jar with metal lid {spaghetti sauce and pickle jars work great}. 1 plastic bottle cap, 1 cabinet knob, 1 screw, power drill and drill bits, screwdriver, sandpaper.
DECORATIVE LIGHT SWITCH COVERS – Use any lightweight scrapbook paper to decorate standard plastic lightswitch covers or plug outlet covers. Supplies needed: light switch or plug covers, scrapbook paper, xacto knife, Scotch Super 77 adhesive, decoupage glue.
BURLAP TABLE RUNNER – Make this for yourself or give one as a gift. Use holiday colored trim to make it the perfect gift to use this time of year. Or keep it neutral to use all year round. Supplies needed: burlap material, scissors, decorative trim, glue gun, thread & needle.
WOODEN TRAYS – Trays are everywhere!! And can be used for anything. Use pretty scrapbook papers or print out a large initial or fun words to add a personal touch to any wooden tray. Throw in some cute mugs and hot cocoa ingredients and you just created a yummy and pretty gift. Supplies needed: wooden tray, scrapbook paper to fit bottom surface, computer printout with initial or fun words {if desired}, spray paint {less than a can}, decoupage glue, Scotch Super 77 adhesive.
MOUSE PAD – Super easy! Pair your creation with a coordinating stapler and tape dispenser and you’ve got a great gift for a teacher, student or anyone with a home office. Supplies needed: oil cloth {or laminated material} crafting foam, ruler, Xacto knife or scissors, Scotch Super 77 adhesive spray.
STENCILED BASKET – Fill with holiday goodies and it looks like you went all out! I put numbers on my baskets but an initial would make these the perfect gift. Supplies needed: baskets of your choice {works best on a flat woven basket}, all-surface spray paint, X-Acto knife or scissors, double sided tape, drop cloth.
What do you think – have you made gifts before or have you received a handmade gift? Try it – I think you’ll be amazed at what you can create. And so will all those people on your list! Enjoy…
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