HANDMADE GIFT #17

For occassions like weddings and baby showers, I tend to stock up on gifts so that I'm not always running out to the store.  These bibs are the perfect baby gift to stock up with - they are quick to make, inexpensive, and great bibs (ties mean baby can't yank them off, extra large for coverage, and they are made of plastic so they wipe off nicely).  They are made with a plastic shower curtain (found on clearance!), and honestly I lost count of how many bibs one shower curtain made - it was a lot!  Once the bibs are all cut out of the shower curtain, you simply sew bias tape around the edges, leaving tails at the neck to create ties.  That's it - you're done! 

Skills required: easy sewing
Approximate time to craft*: 10 minutes
Approximate cost for supplies*: $3 each
*Please remember that these are just approximations. CopyCrafts makes no guarantee of their accuracy.

HANDMADE GIFT IDEA #16

 Sometimes grandparents can be the hardest to find gifts for.  They have already acquired so many "things," and frequently are trying to purge the stuff they have.  We started using the idea of making a photo collage several years ago, and have used it a couple times since - after all, one thing ALL grandparents need is cute pictures of their grand-kids to show off!  If you have access to a program like Adobe Photoshop, you can really make a custom collage.  But almost every photo printing service (like Costco and Shutterfly) has options to create your own collage.

Along with pictures, we love to include a meaningful quote or saying.  When my brother was serving a church mission in Canada, I made a collage for him with pictures of our little guy dressed up like a missionary and doing things like reading scriptures and praying, with the words "I want to be a missionary just like my Uncle Shane."  It was his favorite gift that year, and I ended up printing out 3 more copies for other people who wanted them (including, of course, my parents). 

I've given these with and without frames - but if you want to give it with a frame, I'll let you in on a little secret.  I NEVER buy frames new.  Ever.  Go into any thrift store, anywhere, and you can  find piles and piles of frames for super cheap.  A quick sanding and a couple coats of paint and they look great!

Approximate time to put together*: 2-3 hours  
Approximate cost for supplies*: $5 for an 8x10 (including a thrift store frame)
*Please remember that these are just approximations. CopyCrafts makes no guarantee of their accuracy.

HANDMADE GIFT IDEA #15

If you haven't noticed yet, we LOVE to give handmade gifts.  We especially love giving gifts that are not only handmade, but are also useful.  Which is why we LOVE these cute reusable fabric lunch bags.  Plus, they're quick and easy to make.   If you're feeling adventurous, you can make them without a pattern - it's just one big long rectangle (front, bottom, and back) and two small rectangles on the sides.  If you're not feeling so adventurous, have no fear, there are tons of great patterns for these available.  Emmamae on Etsy sells a pattern for a bag identical to this one, and it includes two sizes.  Great gift for working moms, dads, and kids in school!

Resources: Classic Lunch Bag pattern by Emmamae
Skills Required:  easy sewing
Approximate time to put together*: 1 hour 
Approximate cost for supplies*: $5
*Please remember that these are just approximations. CopyCrafts makes no guarantee of their accuracy.

HANDMADE GIFT IDEA #14

Okay, so I will freely admit that I am stretching the "handmade" gift title quite a bit with this one - but it was such a hit with the hubby (and men are SO hard to make gifts for), and this gift is all about the packaging which was handmade, so . . . I'm counting it.

I call this mountain of packages "12 Dates for Christmas."  The idea is to come up with 12 dates that you and your sweetie will enjoy, and purchase/make anything you will need for those dates (gift cards, etc.).  For John's gift,  I also created an invitation for each date to let him know what to look forward to.  Then I wrapped up each "date" in a separate box and attached the invitation to the box.  In one final card (which is the only thing he opened up on Christmas day), I explained what I had done, and how it would work, and gave him numbered clues for each date.  Each week for the 12 weeks following Christmas he picks a date (using only the clues and numbers), opens the invitation the morning of our date, and then opens the gift when we are ready to go.

The great thing about this gift, is you can make it as expensive or inexpensive as you like.  I tried to stay around $10 per date, and more than half of them are things to do at home after the little guy is asleep so we don't have to worry about a babysitter every week.  You could easily use this same idea for an anniversary (one date a month to celebrate your "12 year and 3 month anniversary," etc.), or Valentine's Day (one date a day leading up to the big day). 

Now, if you are thinking your main squeeze would love this, but don't have a clue how to come up with 12 date ideas, let me introduce you to the Dating Divas.  This blog is the ultimate source for creatively dating your spouse.  SO MANY great ideas! And most of them already have a printable invitation you can use - so easy! I had this idea back in September, and then a "12 Daytz of Christmas" popped up on the Dating Divas in December - slightly different, and it might give you some more ideas.  Happy dating!

 Resources: Dating Divas
 Approximate time to put together*: 5 hours  
Approximate cost for supplies*: varies
*Please remember that these are just approximations. CopyCrafts makes no guarantee of their accuracy.

HANDMADE GIFT IDEA #13

So I have to say, the moment I saw these baby hats, I knew I had to find an excuse to make them.  They are the kind of thing that gets most women gushing and using words like "adorable," "precious," and of course "CUTE!"  It gets even better though.  The author of this pattern (Lullaby Lamb) has a large selection of crochet and knit hat patterns that are - dare I say it - just as "adorable," "precious," and "CUTE!"  My favorites include the fruit orchard hats (of course), a pumpkin hat, a sailor hat, and a granny cloche hat.  Any of her hats would make an amazing gift for a baby shower, or a young child's birthday.  This pattern, called the "Fruit Orchard Rolled Brim Hat" is knit in the round, and was clear and easy to follow.

 Resources: YouCanMakeThis.com - Lullaby Lamb Patterns
Skills required: intermediate knitting
Approximate time to craft*: 2 hours (newborn size)
Approximate cost for supplies*: $5
*Please remember that these are just approximations. CopyCrafts makes no guarantee of their accuracy.

HANDMADE GIFT IDEA #12

 

The kit rolls up into this cute little bundle.

As my son so joyfully reminded us this morning - only 6 days left until Christmas!  If you still have a couple hard to shop for people on your list, here is an easy and thoughtful idea:  a portable emergency kit.  The tutorial I found on Pinterest (thank you Pinterest!), and I've included a link to it below.  It went together very quickly, and I had everything I needed right at home (huge bonus).  This kit I made for my sister who is in college.  I filled it with things that a cute college girl might find very useful: hand sanitizer, chap stick, lip gloss, Kleenex, band-aids, cash, lotion, gum, and chocolate (seriously, I probably should have just filled the whole thing with chocolate).  You could adapt this idea for a mom with a new baby (fill it with baby essentials), or first aid essentials for just about anyone (great teacher idea too!).  As you are picking what to fill it with, my only tip is to think FLAT.  I originally had a whole pack of gum, and a bigger bottle of hand sanitizer, and I just couldn't get it to roll right.  This idea seems so versatile and useful - let me know what other ideas you have for filling these babies up!

Resources: Positively Splendid First-Aid Kit Roll Tutorial
Skills required: easy sewing
Approximate time to craft*: 1 hour  
Approximate cost for supplies*: $5-$10
*Please remember that these are just approximations. CopyCrafts makes no guarantee of their accuracy.

HANDMADE GIFT IDEA #11

I don't think I can call myself a quilter. I tell those who ask if I quilt, "Only when I need a quilt for something," and from the looks on their faces I think this response doesn't qualify me for "quilter" status. But I do craft and sew a whole lot, and inevitably there is a mountain of leftover fabric. So once or twice year I de-stash by making a scrap quilt.

Scrap quilts are quick and easy - no need to worry about the pattern turning out right. They're also a great way to practice, so that when I do want a pretty quilt for something, my corners are not a complete embarrassment. These scrap quilts make great baby, graduation, and wedding gifts. Or, if I don't have someone specific to give it to, the local homeless and women's shelters are always in need of quilts. So go ahead, get scrappy!
Skills required: easy sewing
Approximate time to craft*: 40+ hours
Approximate cost for supplies*: $5 (the above quilt was made for nothing!)
*Please remember that these are just approximations. CopyCrafts makes no guarantee of their accuracy.

HANDMADE GIFT IDEA #10

Felt boards are a great way to disguise learning as fun. This travel felt board lets them take the fun on the road. Just slide the felt pieces inside the board and they're ready to roam! Perfect for car trips, church, and doctor's offices. It also makes a perpetual gift - give the board one year, and give new felt figure sets on subsequent occasions.
 
Resources: felt board and felt figure patterns available at www.copycrafts.etsy.com
Skills required: easy machine and hand sewing
Approximate time to craft*: 4 hours
Approximate cost for supplies*: $10 
*Please remember that these are just approximations. CopyCrafts makes no guarantee of their accuracy.

HANDMADE GIFT IDEA #9

We love these reusable fabric shopping bags! Totally reversible (in case you send your husband to the grocery store and he doesn't want to be seen with floral print). The same size and shape as a plastic grocery bag (so you know what you can fit). Quick and easy to sew. And SO much cuter than the ones you buy at the store. Sew up a couple for a fun handmade gift set that will benefit them, and the earth.

Resources: Reversible T-Shirt Shopper Bag Pattern available from www.deidrewicks.etsy.com
Skills required: easy machine sewing
Approximate time to craft*: 2 hours
Approximate cost for supplies*: $5*Please remember that these are just approximations. CopyCrafts makes no guarantee of their accuracy.

HANDMADE GIFT IDEA #8

This handmade version of Bella's bracelet is the perfect gift for any "Twilight" fan, and is very simple to make, even for someone with no experience making jewelry. All you need: a charm bracelet, a crystal heart, a pinch bail, and a pair of pliers.  All of these are available at great Etsy shops.  If your bracelet is for a member of "Team Jacob," just add a wolf shaped charm.

Resources: follow these links for - bracelet, heart, wolf and pinch bail 
Skills required: easy jewelry making
Approximate time to craft*: 5 minutes
Approximate cost for supplies*: $15
*Please remember that these are just approximations. CopyCrafts makes no guarantee of their accuracy.

HANDMADE GIFT IDEA #7

We received this adorable snowman container filled with chocolates as a Christmas gift, but it would be perfect for any winter-time gift giving. Best of all - it's super easy to make. Start with a plain white take-out box. Add a construction paper hat and nose, and festive ribbon hat band. Then paint on the eyes, mouth and cheeks with a sponge and the eraser end of a pencil. Fill with treats or a small gift - and you've got a package that is as appreciated as the present.

Skills required: easy crafting
Approximate time to craft*: 10 minutes
Approximate cost for supplies*: $3
*Please remember that these are just approximations. CopyCrafts makes no guarantee of their accuracy.

HANDMADE GIFT IDEA #6

Ask any mom who's ever used a hooded bath towel for their child, and they will tell you they are great! There is nothing better for keeping a kid warm after a bath. These "Fish Towels" are a great twist on the classic hooded towel. Why not make it a complete gift set with matching "Fish Cloths"? Both the towels and the wash cloths are fast and easy to make, and they are extra charming when given together!

Resources: Fish Towel pattern - www.copycrafts.etsy.com, Fish Cloth pattern - www.copycrafts.etsy.com
Skills required: towels - easy machine and hand sewing, wash cloths - easy knitting
Approximate time to craft*: towels - 1 hour each, wash cloths - 2 hours each
Approximate cost for supplies*: towels - $10 each, wash cloths - $1 each*Please remember that these are just approximations. CopyCrafts makes no guarantee of their accuracy.

HANDMADE GIFT IDEA #5

Our son's great-grandpa is an incredible wood-worker, so we were very excited when he gave these beautiful wooden blocks to our son for his first birthday. Made from the odds and ends of various projects, they were cut into rectangles, sanded down, and rubbed with oil. Our son loves to stack them high and knock them down (typical kid).

Skills required: easy woodworking
Approximate time to craft*: 2 hours
Approximate cost for supplies*: $10*Please remember that these are just approximations. CopyCrafts makes no guarantee of their accuracy.

HANDMADE GIFT IDEA #4

A beautiful handmade scarf is a great gift for winter birthdays and Christmas. First, find some nice soft yarn like the merino wool pictured here. Then pick a pattern that suits the recipient. The pattern for the scarf pictured came from Rodale's Visual Encyclopedia of Needlecrafts. There are also tons of free scarf patterns on the internet that range in style from funky, to classic, to romantic, to fun. With a little bit of thought, you'll be sure to make something that will warm their heart for years to come.

Resources: Rodale's Visual Encyclopedia of Needlecrafts
Skills required: easy-advanced knitting, or easy-advanced crochet
Approximate time to craft*: 10 hours
Approximate cost for supplies*: $7*Please remember that these are just approximations. CopyCrafts makes no guarantee of their accuracy.

HANDMADE GIFT IDEA #3

These dish cloths are possibly the easiest and most versatile handmade gift we've seen. Their chunky texture and 100% cotton yarn make them great for many uses. Dish cloth, wash cloth, hot pad - they can do it all. Give them as wash cloths with soap or lotion for a pampering gift set. Or give a set of dish cloths with a copy of your favorite recipes for a new bride.

You can also include this little poem on the card or gift tag:
I’m a little dish cloth
To help you with your chores.
I scrub pots and pans and glass and plates
And ever so much more.
There really is no ending
To all the things that I can do,
And that’s why I was made with care
Especially for YOU!(This poem copyrighted by CopyCrafts - it may not be used for commercial purposes of any kind without express written permission.)

We've included links to our to our favorite patterns for beginners, but there are tons of variations to be found online if you want to get a little more creative.

Resources: knit pattern, crochet pattern
Skills required: easy knitting, or easy crochet
Approximate time to craft*: 2 hours each
Approximate cost for supplies*: $.50 each*Please remember that these are just approximations. CopyCrafts makes no guarantee of their accuracy.

HANDMADE GIFT IDEA #2

Looking for a unique wedding gift? How about sewing a pair of his and hers aprons!

The key to making aprons they both will wear? Choose textured fabrics over prints, and use a classic pattern for him (Simplicity #4987, view 2 shown) and a flirty cut for her (Simplicity #3752, view A shown ).

Resources: follow these links for patterns - for him, for her
Skills required: easy-intermediate machine sewing
Approximate time to craft*: 5 hours
Approximate cost for supplies*: $15*Please remember that these are just approximations. CopyCrafts makes no guarantee of their accuracy.

HANDMADE GIFT IDEA #1

Looking for something beyond the basic for a special baby girl? Try sewing this dress from Laura Ashley for McCall's Patterns (Pattern #M4424 - trust us, you have to see the back of this dress to understand just how cute it is). Then make it extra special by adding a sweet crocheted hem to the bottom. We used the "Dish and Spoon" edge from CopyCrafts' "Nursery Favorites" ePattern. Prepare and crochet the hem the same way you would a blanket or burp cloth. The result - a dress that is almost as adorable as the baby!

Resources: www.copycrafts.etsy.com, www.mccall.com
Skills required: easy sewing, easy crochet
Approximate time to craft*: 10 hours
Approximate cost for supplies*: $10
*Please remember that these are just approximations. CopyCrafts makes no guarantee of their accuracy.