How To Make Homemade Christmas Gifts With Buttons And Heavyweight Paper (and A Few Other Things)

Christmas is almost here, which means one of three things: 1.) you've already gotten

and wrapped all your gifts, and they're nestled under the tree; 2.) you've already gotten some of your gifts, and they're still waiting to be wrapped; or 3.) you haven't done any shopping at all and are starting to panic (or should be).

First of all, if you haven't gotten any presents because you're lazy, get a move on and get it over with. You'll feel much better once you don't have to worry about it, plus the longer you wait, the longer the lines will be and the higher the shipping fees.

Now, if you haven't gotten any presents yet because you're a little cash-strapped this year, worry not. You can just as easily make some great gifts for your family and friends. Check out some ideas below:

Tote Bags With Your Own Design

This one is super easy and very inexpensive you can get tote bags for just a couple bucks each at any craft store, and you can buy a couple fabric pens to draw your own design on them. You could also buy some pre-made iron-ons.

A Button Necklace

This one is also incredibly easy. All you need is 40" of beading string, lots of identical buttons (mother of pearl or abalone work especially well), a crimp bead, a necklace closure and need-nose pliers. Fold the string in half, and tie two slipknots 2" down from the fold. Slip a button on one string. Tie another slipknot 1" from the previous knot. Repeat until you have 12 buttons on the string. Make as many strands as you'd like. Trim the ends (not the looped end) 2" from the last knot. Gather all the ends together, and crimp in a crimp bead. Attach the necklace closure using a pair of needle-nose pliers.

Stationery

Give someone stationery of your very own design! You'll need a ruler, a pencil, heavyweight paper and colored envelopes (you can make your own colored envelopes with heavyweight paper). Choose paper of a nice color with decorative trim (you can draw on your own, if you'd like). To make the envelopes: Start with an 8 1/2" x 11"-piece of heavyweight paper. Fold a 1/2 seam on each 11" side of the sheet. Measure 4" from the bottom of the paper (one of the 8 1/2" sides) and fold up at this line. Glue this bottom flap to the 1/2" seams you folded. Use a glue stick, as liquid-based glue or pasted might leak through the paper. Fold the paper at the top down 2". Taper the sides of this flap so it forms a triangle, unless you prefer squared edges.

Bookplates

If you know a book-lover, make him or her a set of original bookplates they can place inside their books. (Bookplates are places for book owners to write their names without having to write directly in the book. Create a handful of designs in Photoshop or Illustrator and use printable sticker paper. You can get sticker paper that is removable and won't tear at the book's inside cover if the owner wants to remove it. You can also draw directly onto the sticker paper if you want.

These are all great, easy presents you can give to your loved ones without breaking the bank!

by: Mark Etinger

POST COMMENT

Choosing Between Carpet And Tile Flooring For Your Calgary Home In Canada Make Your Own Dining Room Table - Step-by-Step Guides ! Home depot coupons 2010 Used Wheelchair Vans Represent a Great Savings Wheelchair Accessible Vans Make Limited Mobility Travel Safe and Simple Financing and Funding Tips for Wheelchair Vans Handicap Lifts for Scooters and Wheelchairs Leaking Bladder – Don't Plan Your Life Around A Bathroom From Hardwood To Carpet, Understanding Your Flooring Options In Canada Keys for happy Redondo Beach Kitchen Remodeling All about Wheelchair Lifts and Accommodating the Passenger or Driver Needs Choosing Between Wood Flooring, Tile Flooring And Carpeted Flooring A Handicap Lift that Protects the Wheelchair