I want to make some gifts this year, as usual, but I’m not very creative. I usually go with food or candy, but I’d love non food ideas too.
As I said, I’m not very creative, but I saw this on my TV the other day and thought it was pretty cool. I can’t figure out how to link to what I saw, so I’ll do my best to describe the project.
It’s a Christmas Card Holder and you could really personalize it in a lot of ways.
You take four or five pieces of wood (or other sturdy material). Cut them into different lengths and then secure the smaller pieces to the largest piece, sort of like a cross shape. Paint or paper/fabric the material in whatever way you like and then secure a clip of some sort to those pieces every few inches to hold the card. The one I saw used clothes pins, but I’d probably go with something prettier than that.
They showed two versions of this craft. One that was very large and stood on a base on the floor. The other was smaller and hung on the wall.
I want to try this project but not with wood, because I want to be able to do it all by myself. I’m going to look for a different suitable material in the next few days. I want one that will stand on the fireplace mantle.
How about you guys, what are your favorite homemade Christmas gifts to make and give?
One of my personal favourites is a tiny Christmas tree. Like under six inches tiny! First I wire on tiny battery powered lights from Micheal’s, gift wrapping the battery case(while leaving access for changing batteries!) complete with a bow, to simply tuck underneath the tree when done. Then I collect up tiny decorations. This takes some creativity, beads from dollar store necklaces, earrings, etc., the tiniest length of tinsel or ribbon, you get the idea. I use paper clips to fashion hook hangers for the ornaments, be sure to find a star or tiny angel for the top!
Next, fashion a cardboard box, made just the right size to hold tree and ornaments, with an attached lid that opens like a trunk. Use tissue paper to pack well around, so the tree fits snuggly and securely into its spot! Now cover the box inside and out with holiday paper and mod podge, glue red ribbon onto lid and side to tie securely in a bow to close.
It’s small, easily stored with all its parts, and fun to put together every year. Can go on a desk, shelf, table or almost anywhere. It’s fun to collect the bits, and fun to put together if you enjoy crafting at all. Makes a great gift for a bachelor, student, young person, child or just about anyone! Cheap and easy to mail as well!
I’ve made a few over the years and it’s not uncommon to receive a call over Christmas from one of the recipients just to say they still have it, use it, love it, everybody admires it!
It’s not a lot of work or expensive or especially hard, it’s all actually kind of fun. A lovely, usable hand made gift that seems always well received and long appreciated.
If you google “wood christmas card holder” you do see a lot of unique designs!
elbows, you gotta post a picture of what you are talking about. Sounds super fun!
I don’t do gifts anymore but I do spend a day each December making gingerbread houses out of graham crackers with my friends. This is our gift to each other, I’d say.
A couple years ago, I made these pop-up tag/ornament things. They’re easy and very satisfying. Everyone loved them.
There was a little investment in stamps and stamp pads, but I’ve found plenty of other fun things to do with those since. And Michaels always has a 40% off coupon.
But once you find the little tree it will just come together! When done its a lovely, small Christmasy box, which when opened reveals a little tree (with the lights already permanently attached), snug in its fitted case, with a small box of tiny ornaments, with hangers already attached. It only takes a few minutes to decorate, switch on the light and it’s just as sweet and touching as only miniatures can be!
My first was for a bachelor brother who never decorated, kinda a perfect fit, easy peasy. From there I just saw more and more applications.
It’s very personal, handmade and good for anyone who ‘has everything’. But mostly it’s tons of fun to put together. The bonus is how surprisingly well received and enjoyed they are! I encourage you to give it a go, the crafting skills required are very simple and the cost is very cheap!
