Tip of the Day 10/26/11

Now that you have compiled your Christmas list I would like to share a few ideas for homemade gifts that will please anyone that receives them. These gifts are perfect for stocking stuffers, hostess gifts, token gift for neighbors, party favors, group project for an event, etc. Anyone can make these items and they require no sewing. All items needed for these projects can be purchased at Michael's or Jo-ann Fabrics.

1) Painted or Potpourri-filled Glass Ornaments

Needed--Clear glass ornaments-any shape or size, Iridescent acrylic paint, potpourri, ribbon

Painted--remove ornament hanger, squirt a small amount paint into ornament and swirl, add

paint to reach desired affect.

Potpourri Filled--remove ornament hanger, fill with potpourri, crushing potpourri if needed.

Replace hanger and add ribbon or other embellishment if desired i.e. pearls, flowers, lace...

2) Burlap or Counted Cross Stitch Fabric Potpourri or Goody Bag

Needed--6 in. x 18 in. piece of burlap or counted cross stitch fabric (any color),

embellishments of choice, i.e. poinsettias, small ornaments, etc., handle of choice-rope is nice

for the burlap or ribbon, hot glue or craft glue

Fray the 4 sides of the fabric about 3/4 inch. in from edge by pulling threads out.

Fold fabric in half to create a 6 in. x 9 in. pocket. Hot glue the 2 long edges together, leaving top short edge open.

Decorate one side of pocket with embellishments of choice. If using glue to attach

embellishments place parchment paper inside pocket to prevent glue from soaking through to

back of pocket.

Attach handle of choice.

Fill with potpourri, home baked goodies, gift card, etc.

3) Wooden Thread Spool Candle Holder

Needed--Wooden thread spools (sold by the bag full of various sizes or use an old family

collection), ribbon and/or small stickers, hot glue or craft glue, small candles such as

Hanukkah candles sold by the box. These candles come in a variety of colors in one

box, are inexpensive and the perfect size.

Decorate the spool with ribbon or stickers of choice. Place candle in spool. You can make a set of

varying sizes. A tiny ribbon tied around the candle is a nice touch as well.

4) Fleece Neck Scarves

Needed--60 in. by 8 - 10 in. fleece. Fleece is sold on 60 in. wide bolts and can be purchased in

any amount you desire. The fleece comes in a huge variety of patterns from sport

team logos to holiday patterns. Your width of scarf can be determined by the

pattern. If a team logo or pattern is 8 inches wide then your scarf will be 8 inches

wide. You will also need sharp scissors.

Have the store clerk cut the width you need to make the number of scarves you plan to make

from that piece of fleece. For instance, 28 inches of a team logo pattern made 3 scarves that I

was able to cut along a distinct pattern line.

If you have purchased fleece for more than one scarf from the same piece, place on a flat surface

and carefully cut along the printed line of the logo to the width desired. If there is not a printed

line to follow, use a yard stick or ruler and a very light pencil to make a line to follow. Cut fabric

the full 60 in. length.

On each narrow end of the fabric cut 1 inch strips approximately 4 inches long for fringe. These

cuts do not have to be precise.

5) Pre-cut No-Sew Fleece Blankets

These come in a variety of sizes and designs and require nothing more than tying knots.

So simple and a great gift.

I hope you are inspired to try some of these simple gifts and to try your hand at more

homemade items. Please share any simple no-sew gifts ideas you have.