Gift-giving can seem expensive with rising prices. It’s not a good idea to stop surprising your loved ones with small-sized gifts or make a sloppy choice about birthdays. It doesn’t matter what occasion you are celebrating, with some creativity and some crafting supplies, you can make inexpensive, pleasant gifts that will please everyone.
Cathie Filian and Steve Piacenza (www.cathieandsteve.comPlaid Enterprises, Inc., a top craft manufacturer, and Emmy-nominated Lifestyle hosts, Judith and David (formerly known as Creative Juice, and Witch Crafts on HGTV and DIY Networks), have recently teamed up. These creative and entertaining craft ideas can be made with recycled materials in the home by both of them.
– Monogrammed box. You can use an old wooden cigar box as a base. Mod Podge is an all-in-one glue/sealer that you can find at www.plaidonline.com/newsFor precious keepsakes, create your own holder.
Make your own cards Make your own cards instead of buying them from your co-workers. Mod Podge is a glue that can be used to attach paper or fabric cut-outs on to card stock. This will allow you to personalize your greeting.
Decoupage picture frames A homemade frame with a nice photograph makes a great gift. Use colorful scraps of paper, gift wrap, and acrylic paint to transform a thrift store frame into a personal gift that brings back good memories.
– A vintage postcard mini lamp. A small, vintage lamp with a shade made of paper is ideal. Use decorative paper to create a template of the lamp’s original shade. Mod Podge can be used to attach the cutout to your original lampshade. Once it has dried completely, adhere your postcards or images to the shade using Mod Podge.
– Denim wine bag. To make a winebag, use the leg from an old pair. Add your personal touch to it by painting it with FolkArt fabric paint. You will make an impression by gifting it to a hostess with a bottle wine and a bottle of wine.
Visit www.craft-tips.com for more ideas and craft supplies. www.plaidonline.com/news.
