D.I.Y. Holiday gifts on a budget

BY AMBER BEATTIE | The Statesman  

Holiday cheer often comes with snowy weather, sweet treats and breaking the bank buying gifts for loved ones.

This year, consider one of these editor-tested Do-It-Yourself holiday gifts.

Snowman Kit

This Holiday DIY came in a kit from Michael’s.  You can find many such kits for $2-5.

There were no instructions included, so some guesswork was involved but don’t let that stop you. The picture that comes on the package is more than enough direction for this simplistic project.

The snowmen came pre-cut. All that needed to be done was to sew the snowmen together, stuff them with the packaged cotton and glue the felt on to make faces.

Don’t let the sewing throw you off. Half of the crafting party did not know how to sew and pulled it off with ease.

These little guys were cheerful when they were finished and would make a nice addition to brighten up your holiday decor.

Easy to make, these snowmen could also make a cute, quick gift or you could make them with kids at your family gathering.

 

Mason Jars

Finding supplies to make mason jar decorations was a bit more interesting as they didn’t come in a kit.

Though that is half the fun. Let your imagination run wild and get whatever supplies you want!

Glass paint, stickers, glitter and mini figurines can be found at local craft stores like Michael’s or Hobby Lobby. Inexpensive mason jars can be found at your local grocery or craft store as well, though grocery stores are suggested as they come in bulk, allowing for mistakes and redos and are much cheaper.

If jars with a design on them are favored, put stickers on the jars and sponge paint over it. Then, peel the sticker off before the paint is dry and you’re done.

The final product is a pretty, expensive-looking gift that can be used as a candle holder, filled with holly for decoration, or used as a fun treat jar.

 

Elf

This craft is more advanced but would certainly add holiday cheer to any gift or decoration.

The goal of this Holiday DIY is to make a pinecone elf from felt, a wooden ball and, of course, a pine cone.

Supplies totaled about $6.

Be sure to buy enough felt for multiple attempts at making your elf’s hat. It can take a few tries to get your hat looking pointy and elf-like (instead of looking Pope-ly and nope-like).

One fun part of this DIY is designing your elf’s face. Your elf may be smiling, angelic, surprised or terrifying. It’s really up to you.

However, it was difficult to get the heads to stick to the pine cones.  Hot glue is strangely resistant to both the wooden heads and the pine cone bodies. Caution is required to avoid burnt fingers or headless elves (unless you’re trying to make headless elves--again, it’s up to you!).

If you’re creatively gifted, or just want to have a laugh with friends, then this DIY is for you.

 

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