Handmade gifts for Christmas and other celebrations 2012

DundeeDoll

Any ideas what to put in empty marmite jar? Doing a marmite hamper for sister - book, cruet set with marmite, toast stamp and note book from sales, cashew nuts and crisps from indi SM. I like dottygirl's friendship jar, thoughwouldnt fit in 365. Hoping to get some valentine paper cos she defo loves it (failing that, being in dundee pages of the beano)

Chaos_Monkey

DundeeDoll, how about some black sweets? I'm thinking black jelly beans or similar. Can't think of anything else other than liquorice.

Good luck, sounds like a nice hamper!

Chaos_Monkey

Snowedunderitall, it's hard to advise local shops as we don't know where you are, but there are lots of online shops selling wooden shapes. I did have a link to one shop, but can't think where I've saved it. Kaisercraft do some lovely mdf shapes and projects (see http://www.merlyimpressions.co.uk/23-beyond-the-page), but are probably a bit pricey are they're designed and made in Australia. A good google search should turn up some websites doing the wooden shapes though.

For paints, most acrylic paints would be ok, including tester pots from B&Q and the like. Depends what finish and colour you like, really. For other supplies, I just keep my eyes peeled whenever I'm out and about shopping or online for twine etc. Independant craft shops (when I was inthe UK) were brilliant for me for finding unusual odds and ends though.

HTH

Chris25

DundeeDoll wrote: »

Any ideas what to put in empty marmite jar? Doing a marmite hamper for sister - book, cruet set with marmite, toast stamp and note book from sales, cashew nuts and crisps from indi SM. )

wouldn't fit it the jar but something else for the hamper......marmite chocolate? _pale_ http://www.amazon.co.uk/Very-Peculiar-Marmite-Chocolate-Pack/dp/B005FE1QTK I have seen in in one of the supermarkets recently - think Sainsbury's or Waitrose - so that would make it less expensive, but can't recall how much it was.

or perhaps you couyd have a try-out with chocolate spread & add a little marmite - that would fit into the jar and you could make your own label & glue on

Just thought - using something similar to Dottygirl's jar idea, you could put in different facts about marmite?

Chris25

snowedunderitall wrote: »

Hi Can I join in please? I'd love some advice on making some bits and bobs. I'm hoping to make wooden plaques, one for my partners mum and another for my best friends baby.

I bought an old bread board from a charity shop & one of those oval salmon platters from a garage sale. The plan was to paint, add a design from http://graphicsfairy.blogspot.com/ & attach picture frame hooks to the back - bread board was fine but the platter was far too heavy so I gave it to a friend (who nailed old thread spools around the outside rim, put some plants in and used it as a raffle present :T).

Another idea is to use old drawer fronts from kitchen cabinets - you sometimes see these in the oopsie dept at DIY shops -or somewhere like Freecycle

azjh77

I've been meaning to 'hand make' Christmas for years. In 2011 I finally got round to a few presents, I made my niece a doll and bag, and was so pleased to see her still playing with it the other day.

I've now started crocheting throws, and I am saving up jars for my reindeer sweetie jars. In the meantime I have to come up with a Phineas & Ferb dap bag for my son for school...

Working it out, I should make about 3 presents a month to be ready by Christmas... don't want to spend the whole of November making things in a rush!

Can't wait to see what everyone else comes up with so I can shamelessly steal - I mean borrow, their ideas! Happy crafting all...!!

qwiksave

Those of you on the Occasions board for a while may remember the gift bags a lot of us have made on here - and possibly the debate about whether we just HAD TO have a die cutting machine to make the cardboard toppers? ...

Whilst browsing the web today I spotted this version where she has used a ziplock bag and a ribbon tied in a bow to attach the decorated cardboard to the bag.



See blog post here. It doesn't describe exactly how she made it but you may be able to work it out from the pic. It looks like she used a hole punch for the holes for the ribbon. I also like the idea of writing a thank you/merry christmas/easter... message inside the card.

Nanamia

What a good idea kwiksave and a touching story!

Thank you:-) for sharing

Sarahdol75

Hi, I am wanting to make a ferro rocher bouquet for my mums birthday, she loves these chocs, but fancied doing something different with them. Have seen some bouquets advertised on here somewhere but now I want them I can't find them!!, can anybody find me a good tutorial. Many thanks.

Nanamia

Hiya Sarahdol not sure if this will help but there is a thread "Sweet Trees" that might be some use.