Have a Make It Yourself Holiday
Sunday, November 23, 2008 7:53
Think you might want to make some of your holiday gifts this year? The possiblities are endless, but where should you begin? My advice is to stay away from the craft store as long as possible and check out the internet first. Most pre-packaged craft store “projects” rarely provide you with a finished product that anyone would want, but the internet is full of instructions, tutorials, videos and kits made by real people who want to show you how to make something interesting!
If you are a beginner and are good at following instructions, there are many sites where they can go to get detailed instructions from seasoned makers. Keep in mind that you are not meant to make and sell these items, but to make and use or give as gifts. If you don’t want to follow a pattern or set of instructions, it might be better to not make something that you want someone to keep and use for years and years. Stick with smaller, peronalized items like holiday ornaments, photo albums, framed drawings. No matter what, don’t try to make all of your gifts yourself, concentrate on one or two and you are likely to make something interesting. You can buy handmade for the rest, by visiting sites like Etsy or checking out local handmade markets in your area.
Some places to begin.
Instructables.com is just what it sound like, a Web site full of instructions to make and do just about anything. It is seriously huge. If you think you are getting overwhelmed by it, they have put out a book full of their best projects. I found this awesome laptop bag project on Instructables. The bag core is made of high density foam, reinforced with paperboard. I was impressed with this project because laptop bags are expensive and often ugly, so the idea of making one that I can personalize is appealing. These instructions also came with a video!
Anyone can learn how to felt and upcycle wool sweaters into just about anything! Purses, stuffed animals, pillows, etc. I recently bought a doll sleeping bag made from a wool sweater sleeve. Felting is basically a heating processes that makes the it so that you can cut the felted wool and it won’t fray. This makes it easy to sew by hand. There are some good felting instructions ehow.com. View photos of other’s projects at the the Warm Fuzzies: Sweet Felted Projects Flickr Group.
When you are done felting all of your old sweaters, dig around and find that old jar of grandma’s buttons. When I started crafting, I started with button rings. Lots of people do because buttons can be so unique and appealing. Buttons are awesome because they are cheap and colorful and can make unique gifts. All you need to make a button ring is an adjustable ring base and some heavy duty glue. Then there is something that I call the everlasting button ring which is made with a thin bands of elastic with the button sewn on. Because you need to make sure you get just the right glue for version with the metal ring base, the elastic band version is more sturdy, showing you that the best way to attach a button is to sew it on! You can learn to make all sorts of things with buttons from rings to pony tail holders to bracelets. Sew Bettie sells a button ring tutorial for $3.
This cute one is from Potato Face:
A few other ideas of things to make with items that you already have at home:
Measuring tape into bracelets or wallets:
There is a trend of people using old t-shirts to make grocery bags. Guerilla Handbags sells a
If you want to make non-toxic gifts for toddlers and small children, I suggest this awesome bean bag tutorial. These are a perfect gift for toddlers learning to count.
And all small children love felt food! Do buy 100% wool felt so that these pieces last. Buggabugs sells PDF patterns that they will email to you so that you can get started fast!
And you could also make this Gingerbread House!
The internet is also full of kits that you can buy. Kits are awesome because they not only include detailed instructions by a seasoned crafter, they have everything that you need to make the item! I love this momma and baby owl crochet kit by Amy Gaines. For just $12 you get everything that you need! And if you want, you could actually GIVE the kit and not even make it yourself. 
Sewing Stars also has awesome kits to make plus fruit and elephants.
If you are looking for something a little more advanced, check out Sew Mama Sew where they are posting new sewing projects every day. These are cool because they are listed byt the type of person that you are making for.
This How to Make Hand Stamped Jewelry Ebook Tutorial by Uptown Studio is sure to be challenging but fun because these are the ultimate personalized gifts.
Some other Web sites that you can check out for inspiration and tutorials are Craftster, Craft zine, and of course You Tube for videos. And if all else fails, you can always learn to knit! People need scarves!
Tell us in the comments what you are making as gifts for the holidays!
About tina seamonster
Tina is a blogger, podcaster, crafter, mom to three year old twins and overall superstar. She believes that you should do as much as you can each day. She has blogged her life and craft for 5 years! at I Like Seamonsters.com and is a regular contributor to both the Crafty Bastards Blog and the Etsy Storque.
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