Christmas Gifts?

[QueenKat]

Is anyone going all out this year with handmade gifts? I've decided that I'm not buying anything but craft supplies this year for Christmas. :) I'm going to be making all my gifts. I've only decided on a few and am looking for ideas on the rest...

Here's what I've decided on:
a paper bag calendar book- for someone who will remain nameless cuz she's on here too. :)
a family clipboard flip album- for dad
"Home" chipboard hanging sign- for step mom

I need ideas for my 10 and 11 yo sisters... my mom and step dad..

I wanted to cross stitch a picture for my mom but I'm afraid that ship has sailed. lol.

What are you making for your loved ones?

[Lyn Bernatovich]

Last year I gave the scrapbook in a box that went over really well. When you remove the lid, it opens to reveal 32 squares to place photos. If you're really crazy, you also place photos on the underside as well. I wanted to decorate the lid, so I just glued on craft store trims. This can also be decorated for any time of year. I have the directions if anyone wants them...easy peasy...!!!!

[Kathy W]

This sounds great! Could youemail the directions and/or pictures to me at [e-mail]? Thanks!

[Meg]

Last year I mainly gave crafted gifts. It didn't really go over well with my in-law's and that side of the family. We had a secret present game(where no one knows who gave it. You just pick a number. It ends up like a yankee swap). Anyway, I crafted tea-paper thank you cards and my father-in-law didn't know I made them(of course) and he made fun of them with me sitting there. It was pretty bad and I started crying! Hah.

Despite everything not going over well last year I am still going to do it this year. Eventually, they will come to love handmade items.

Let see I made:
Coffee Mugs with a ceramic marker. It had sayings on them
No-sew fleece blankets for the guys
Bookmarks
I made journals - first time binding!
paper bead necklaces for the kiddos
decorated picture frames and put pictures of family in them

I cant think of anymore but I made a lot!

[Carol Hester]

I have a couple of granddaughters that are those ages, and I made them each a lunchbox with all kinds of girly stuff in them. I got the provocraft lunchboxes, covered them with designer paper, put their names on the front with chipboard, added all kinds of ribbon to the handle, and then stuff each one full of lip gloss, fingernail polish, mints, hair items, a mini brush, and anything else I could think of. They keep them on their dresser and they often will bring them over when the spend the night, packed with their toothbrushes and overnight items. I wish I had taken photos of them.

[Dawn Haywood]

I made all my chrirstmas gifts last year...it was a lot of work but everyone loved them. For a very special friend (girl) whos in 10th grade I made a coaster (ones from the restraurants) paper covered post-it-note holder. There was one for every month. Jan had snowflakes, Feb had Valentines/hearts, Mar had St. Patricks theme and so on. The post it notes was cliped on with a large binder clip decorated with lots of ribbon at the top. I put all of them in a plastic container (kind of like a tool box). I included a picture frame display holder. that way she can place it on her desk. One coaster at a time.

For my nephews (middle school - high school) I made chip board covered post-it-note holders. I used my Bind-it-all to connect to front panel to the back. then placed the post-it-note inside. They also loved them. Kids love the post it notes!!!

Hope that helps...I will see if they will send me some pictures of them. Then I will post them.

[Lyn Bernatovich]

I make calendars every year...one year was a mini clipboard, another year I collaged a frame and stuck the calendar in the corner as an embellishment, another time I made a flip calendar with chipboard mini file folders as the pages, and this year I'm making the Maya Road acryllic framed flip calendar! Another good idea is clear vinyl checkbook covers from Clearbags.com. I've altered cigar boxes for any age and theme. I love covering composition books with pattern papers. I've purchased dollar store pocket calendars and re-covered the covers with pattern papers. Bookmarks are always fun too. Altering dollar store board books into mini books for special times. For young teens, I purchased a craft store 3d monogram initial and customized it to fit that particular kid's interests. That was probably one of my all time fav gift!

[Jessica Kittelson]

Hi just thought I'd share some of my ideas. So far I've picked up some onsale glass coasters. I used rub on star transfers then I coated it with modge podge and acrylic sealer. They have a neat little wooden stand they sit in also. Then I've also made journals (with pockets so you can replace the pad of paper.) Using mostly Cardborad, paperbag, hotglue, plus other odd and end scrapbook supplies to decorate them. I've also made some bookmarks which are super easy and quick. That's it so far!