How many of you make gifts for people for birthdays, anniversaries, Christmas, etc? Or I should ask, how many of you have ever thought about doing that? But maybe didn’t know where to start, or what to make etc? Or thought about making hand-crafted items to supplement your income from time to time? Maybe you have a party coming up and you’d like to make some of the decor or favors? Looking for ideas for Teacher’s gifts??? I have all these ideas and MORE, nicely assembled for you to peruse and get inspired!
I have a lot of ideas that would make great gifts for others, for any occasion, including home decor, party decor, favors and any of these could also be made and sold to supplement your income! I didn’t come up with all of these ideas, just call me the “Creative Project Coordinator”! Some of these I’ve made, and some of them are on my “To-Make” list!! 
In fact, there were so many I had to break it up into 3 articles!
I’ve always loved making gifts for others for Christmas, and other occasions (as time permits). And each and every year, I’m always looking for a new, fun, fresh idea for a personalized gift to give the different people in our family. One area I’ve always loved is scrapbooking/digital scrapbooking, because of the ability to capture and preserve memories in a format that is fun to look back on later. And giving gifts that are handmade, whether scrapbooked or not, are such a special keepsake! No other will be just like it! And so much time, effort and love goes into making them too, right?
So here are some fun, and creative ideas to personalize gifts for your next special occasion:
1. Paper Bag Scrapbook Album
These albums utilize things you have on hand, along with stickers, embellishments and ribbons. I made one of these darling little albums, years ago for my hubby and kids as a Valentine’s Day gift. And it was SO much fun! Here’s what mine looked like:
Here’s what it looked like all put together, with ribbons and stickers! This was an easy, fun and very inexpensive project! Mine was all the reasons I love the men in my life – my hubby and my sons!
The inside view!
Close up of one of the pages! You can find more information about making one of these treasures right here: http://www.scrapbook-crazy.com/paper-bag-scrapbook.html
2. Homemade Coasters
These coasters are made out of simple (unglazed) ceramic tile, that I purchased at Lowes very inexpensively! I made this project a couple of years ago for gifts for family, and they look amazing when they are done! I made digital scrapbook pages, then printed them and followed the intructions in the tutorial. But you could make them patterned to go with your own home decor, or use your favorite photos. The options are endless! One thing to note about these, (I found out the hard way) is that they do work as coasters, but not for hot drinks. Not sure how you could make them “heat-tolerant”.
Here is the tutorial: http://scrapmatters.com/news_sm/heatherw/june/index.htm#hybrid (scroll to the bottom to find the article) Another tutorial is here: http://phototips.alexismiller.com/2008/10/photo-gifts-part-one.html
3. Candy Bouquet
How awesome is this??? I haven’t made this, but it looks super easy and talk about WOW factor! Think about these for centerpieces at a party, goody bags for a party, or great gifts or you could make them to sell at a bazaar or fundraiser! The instructions are here: http://www.iheartnaptime.net/candy-bouquet-tutorial/
4. Jersey Knit Bracelets
These look super cute, and easy to make! The instructions are here: http://www.vanessachristenson.com/2011/03/v-and-co-how-to-jersey-knit-bracelet.html
5. Photo Blocks
The ideas and options here are endless. You can personalize this so many ways! You can find the instructions here: http://www.iheartnaptime.net/gift-idea-grandma-blocks/
6. Reversible Coffee Cup Sleeves
These are so useful, whether for hot drinks or even cold drinks! And these would make great trinkets to sell also! Instructions are here: http://craftystaci.com/2011/01/10/reversible-coffee-cup-sleeves/
7. Gift Card/Candy Lei
How awesome is this? This would be amazing for a teacher’s gift, or even to do for a kid’s birthday party – you can personalize this in SO many ways~!!! Instructions are here: http://whipperberry.com/2012/05/gift-card-candy-lei.html
8. Beadboard Photo Display
This looks easy, and SO stylish! Great for gifts! Instructions are here http://www.iheartnaptime.net/crazy-christmas-crafter-creative-crate/
9. Patterned Coasters
These are another alternative when making coasters. Personalized to suit your own tastes and decor. Instructions are here: http://www.iheartnaptime.net/how-to-make-coasters/
10. Vintage Lace Cuff
Fun accesory idea! Here are the instructions: http://www.iheartnaptime.net/vintage-lace-cuff/
Do you enjoy making gifts, creating hand-made decor, or getting crafty??? What projects/gifts do you love making? I’d love to hear and SEE the things you make! So take pictures and post them on my Facebook Page and share them with all of us!!! Let’s inspire eachother~!!!
Till next time friends….it’s all about keeping it CREATIVE, staying PASSIONATE, getting CRAFTY and always keeping it HAND-CRAFTED~!!! Sending you all lotsa <3, peace, and blessings~!!! xoxo
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