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Homemade Christmas gifts just seem to have more heart…more of yourself…in them. Thanks to crafting companies, making homemade Christmas gifts in your spare time is easier now than ever, even if you aren't a very "crafty" person. Here are a few ideas:
Craft stores now carry a variety of hinged wooden boxes, or wooden boxes with lids, for a very low cost. The boxes come in all shapes and sizes. Personalize these boxes by stenciling a design on the top or by painting them in colors to match a specific motif, and you have a beautiful, functional gift.
Make a wreath. Many are much simpler to make than they look. Use floral wire to shape an evergreen wreath, or use fabric scraps or "yo-yo's" to make a wreath with more of a folk art look. Use a hot glue gun to make a wreath out of artificial fruit. The possibilities are as endless as your creativity, and the recipient of your gift will think you worked much harder on his/her wreath than you really did.
Make tree ornaments using cinnamon sticks. Use tiny tree ornaments, ribbons or lace to accentuate the cinnamon sticks, and you'll have a decorative, sweet-smelling gift that can be used year after year. A gift like this is especially nice for coworkers. It shows you thought of them, and yet it isn't an expensive gift that might make someone feel badly if they didn't participate in the gift giving.
It doesn't take a lot of your spare time to make earrings, pins and necklaces to give as Christmas gifts. All you need are some porcelain or wooden ornamental pieces, glue, earring backs, pin backs and a length of chain (all available at your local craft store), and you're ready to get to work. Make several sets in one evening while watching your favorite T. V. shows.
Another Christmas gift idea that doesn't take very much time is to "doll up" an ordinary Christmas ornament. Personalize an ornament with a person's name, the year, or in commemoration of a special event that took place during the year. Or, wrap plain glass balls with lace to provide a Victorian (and expensive) looking ornament. The same goes for stockings. Some appliqués, lace, beads and fabric paint can turn an ordinary stocking into a work of art that anyone would be proud to display on the mantle. It will bring an even bigger smile if you place some candies or other stocking stuffers inside.
Take advantage of your children's spare time as well, and use gift making as an opportunity to spend extra time together. One fun craft for kids is to take an empty paper towel or gift-wrap roll, cut the roll into one-inch rings, and make napkin rings. After you've cut the rings, glue fabric or wind yard around them until the cardboard is completely covered. Add a fancy lace or ribbon bow to the top or add on a small tree ornament to complete the holiday napkin rings.
Wax and gel candles are popular this year. One large kit provides enough material to make several candles, so you can make several gifts at one setting.
Sachets are always a popular favorite; and with the number of fragrance oils available, you're bound to find a scent to please everyone on your list. Make a small pillow, decorated however you choose, and stuff the pillow with potpourri.
Painted mirrors seem to have come in vogue this year. To make one, take a rectangular, square or oval mirror (without frame) and use a stencil to paint on a design. Be sure the paint you use is one that is designed for use on glass. These mirrors make a welcome and interesting accent-piece for any décor and are a novel gift you'll be proud to give.
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