Tag Archives: Easy Gift Ideas

Wool Felt Pillow

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Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

 

Black and white accents are all the rage! Update your living room décor with this chic wool felt bird pillow.

Materials

  • Wool felt: white, 3/8 yd.; black, 1/4 yd.
  • Pillow form, 12” square
  • Black satin piping, 1-1/2 yds.
  • Black embroidery floss

Tools

  • Sewing machine and black thread
  • Needle
  • Beacon Adhesives Fabri-Tac Permanent Adhesive

Basic Supplies

scissors, ruler, straight pins

Directions

Size

12″ square

Pillow

1. For pillow front and back, cut two 13” white felt squares. Print and cut out patterns. (Note: The blue word “patterns” is a link. To access these patterns, select the link, then download and print patterns.) Cut materials as indicated.

2. Use photo as guide to free-hand cut and arrange black felt strips on front for tree branches, overlapping and trimming as needed. Place bird on branch close to center. Place leaves along branches. (Note: Edges of leaves should not be closer than 1” to edge of pillow.) Apply small dabs of glue under black felt shapes to secure to white felt before embroidering.

3. Use two strands black floss to blanket stitch around edges of bird and leaves, and over branches.

4. Pin and sew piping around pillow front, 1/2” from edge, beginning and ending in a corner; remove pins. Sew pillow front to back with right sides together along piping stitching, leaving 10” open at bottom. Trim corners; turn right side out. Insert form into pillow. Hand sew opening closed.

by Mary Ayres

Simple-To-Sew Party Purse

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Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

 

While this party purse is a perfect going-out companion, it’s also a great space saver for everyday use. Why not make one to take along to your next local craft show?

Materials

  • Fabrics of choice, 45” wide: outside, 1⁄6 yd.; coordinating lining, 1⁄3 yd.
  • Binding or ribbon in coordinating color, 46″ length
  • Hook-and-loop tape, 5” length
  • Cording, coordinating color, 1⁄16”-1⁄4” diameter, 54″ length

Tools

  • Sewing machine and matching thread
  • Iron and pressing surface

Basic Supplies

scissors, pencil, ruler, straight pins

Directions

Size

5-1⁄2”x7-1⁄2”

purse

(Note: Use 1⁄4” seam allowance unless otherwise indicated.)

1. For inside lining, cut 5-1⁄2”x17” rectangle from lining fabric. Separate hook-and-loop tape; center and sew one side of tape to right side of fabric, 1⁄2” from one short end.

2. For back pockets on top half of purse, cut 5-1⁄2”x10-1⁄2” rectangle from lining fabric. For top hem, fold one end under 1⁄4”; press. Repeat. Sew hem in place. Repeat for bottom hem, but fold fabric over instead of under. (See Fig. 1.) Fold fabric so back of fabric measures 7-1⁄4” and front of fabric measures 2-1⁄4”; press fold. Sew a very narrow hem along folded edge. (See Fig. 2.) Pin side edges of back pockets to side edges of inside lining so top back pocket is 2” from top of inside lining.

3. For top pockets on top half of purse, cut 5-1⁄2”x9-3⁄4” rectangle from outside fabric or lining fabric. In same way as back pocket, fold and sew hems; fold fabric so that back of fabric measures 5” and front of fabric measures 3-3⁄4”. Press fold. (See Fig. 3.) Sew across pocket, 1” from folded edge. Pin side edges of top pockets to side edges of inside lining so top of pocket is 2-3⁄4” from top of inside lining.

4. Sew sides of back and top pockets to sides of inside lining.

5. For bottom pockets on bottom half of purse, cut 5-1⁄2”x10-1⁄2” rectangle from lining fabric. In same way as back and top pockets, fold and sew hems; fold fabric so back of fabric measures 6-1⁄4” and front of fabric measures 3-1⁄4”. Press fold. Pin side edges of bottom pockets to side edges of inside lining so fold of pocket aligns with bottom edge of inside lining. Sew sides and bottom of pockets to inside lining.

6. For outside of purse, cut 5-1⁄2”x17” rectangle from fabric.

7. Place outside fabric right side up on work surface. Center and sew second side of hook-and-loop tape to outside fabric, 1⁄2” from one short end.

8. For strap, pin ends of cording to each side of inside lining, 2” from top. With wrong sides facing, sew inside lining to outside fabric, catching strap in stitching.

9. Beginning and ending at center bottom of purse, sew binding or ribbon along all edges of purse, folding corners in to meet on an angle. (See Fig. 4.) Fold purse.

by Mary Webster

Wine Bottle Lamp

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Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

 

Save a wine bottle shared on a special occasion to create a beautiful and memorable light display. For a different effect, use soft twinkle lights to enhance the lighting.

Materials

  • Empty wine bottle with cork
  • Clear mini light strand, 20-count
  • Artificial grape bunch
  • Burgundy satin ribbon, 5/8”, 36” length
  • Gold wire, 18-gauge, 36” length

Tools

  • Electrical tape

Basic Supplies

scissors

Directions

STEP 1

Insert lights into clean, dry bottle. Run plug end of cord down bottle neck; tape on back. (Note: Make sure length of cord will reach electrical outlet.)

STEP 2

Wrap 18-gauge wire around bottle lip four times. Wrap tape over wire to secure to bottle.

STEP 3

Wrap ribbon over taped area. Catch grape stem in ribbon to secure to bottle; knot and trim ends.

STEP 4

Wrap remaining wire end around cork four times. Spiral wire off to one side of bottle and bend to create popping cork effect.

STEP 5

Plug in lights. (Note: Do not leave wine bottle light unattended.)

Tip

To create as a centerpiece, use a battery-operated LED light strand (with small battery box) instead of plug-in lights. Conceal battery box underneath grapes.

by Lisa Bychowski

Lap Quilt

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Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

 

If you’ve never quilted before, here’s the perfect way to start. Using the frayed edge method, imperfections in your cutting and sewing magically disappear! Give it a whirl! It’s as easy as 1-2-3!

Materials

  • Flannel: 6 coordinating colors/prints, 1 yd. each; cream, 3 yds.

Tools

  • Sewing machine and matching thread
  • Washing machine and dryer

Basic Supplies

scissors, ruler, straight pins

Directions

Size

42″x50″

Quilt

(Note: Do not prewash fabric.)

1. Cut 60 coordinating 10″ squares and 30 cream 10″ squares. Sandwich cream squares between pairs of colored squares (right sides of fabric facing out).

2. Arrange sandwiched squares into six rows of five. Pin pieces together with back layers facing so seams show on quilt front. Use 1″ seam allowance to sew squares together, forming rows. Sew rows together, forming quilt. Sew around quilt 1″ from raw edge.

3. Clip raw edges perpendicular to seam, spacing 1⁄2″-3⁄4″ apart. Wash and dry quilt; repeat until desired fray is achieved.

by Rebekah Meier

God Bless America Pin

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Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

 

Show your American spirit by wearing this patriotic pin this President’s Day. Kids can also create this pin for a fun school or scout activity.

Materials

  • Craft foam: red, white, blue
  • Bar pin, 1”

Tools

  • Delta Ceramcoat Acrylic Paints: Blue Jay, Mendocino Red, Midnight Blue, Light Ivory, Black
  • Round paintbrush
  • Lowe-Cornell DES Stylus
  • Ultra-fine black permanent marker
  • Aleene’s FunCraft Foam Glue

Basic Supplies

scissors, transfer paper, pencil

Directions

STEP 1

Print and cut out patterns. (Note: The blue word “patterns” is a link. To access these patterns, select the link, then download and print.) Cut craft foam as indicated.

STEP 2

Drybrush edges of heart Mendocino Red, sign Blue Jay, and star Midnight Blue. Transfer lettering; trace with marker. Use stylus to dot letter ends Black and star Light Ivory.

STEP 3

Adhere pieces together as shown and bar pin to back.

by Karen Sippel

Bouquet of Love

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Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

 

Forget to get your sweetie a Valentine’s Day gift? Don’t worry! Everyone loves roses and chocolates! In just under an hour, you can combine these two treats to create the perfect gift – a mouth-watering bouquet of chocolate roses.

Materials

  • Hershey’s Candies in colors of choice: Kisses, 22; Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, two
  • Clear cellophane wrapping paper
  • Iridescent mesh wire-edge ribbon in color of choice, 2” wide, 31” length
  • Craft wire, 20-gauge, 5 yards
  • Green floral tape

Tools

  • Wire cutters
  • Transparent tape

Basic Supplies

scissors, ruler, pencil

Directions

(Note: Materials listed are for 1 dozen roses.)

1.Cut twelve 3” squares from cellophane paper. From craft wire, cut twelve 10” lengths and three 18” lengths. Set 18” lengths aside.

2. For one rosebud, bend one end of a 10” length of craft wire into a small loop. (See Fig. 1.) Place loop at center bottom of candy kiss; bend wire over edge of candy kiss and down side. Place a second candy kiss, flat ends together, on top of first kiss. Center one 3” square of cellophane paper over top of rosebud; fold paper over rosebud, tightly wrapping paper around bottom of rosebud. Secure paper below rosebud by wrapping transparent tape around wire stem.

Figure 1

3. Wrap wire stem with floral tape. Make a total of 10 rosebuds in all.

4. For open roses, use a peanut butter cup for bottom of rose. Attach wire to peanut butter cup in the same way as rosebuds. Place flat side of candy kiss on top of peanut butter cup. In the same way as rosebuds, attach cellophane and wrap wire stem.

5. For spirals, wrap each 18” length of wire with floral tape. Tightly coil covered wire around pencil, leaving 7” uncoiled. Carefully remove pencil.

6. Holding rosebuds and roses together at different heights, twist stems together. Arrange spirals throughout arrangement; twist spiral stems around rose stems.

7. Cut two 15” squares from cellophane paper. Stack squares together. Place bouquet so that tops of roses are approximately 3” from one corner. Folding bottom corners of paper upward over stems, wrap paper around roses, forming a cone. Tightly wrap transparent tape around stem bundle to secure paper. Cut a 6” length from wire; tightly twist wire around stem bundle over tape.

8. Tie ribbon into a two-loop bow around stems; cut ribbon ends as desired.

by Soo Park and Mindy Han

Beaded Heart Pendant

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Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

 

This beautiful Beaded Heart Pendant is the perfect quick-and-easy, last-minute gift idea for Valentine’s Day.

Materials

  • Red cardstock
  • Red/pink/silver micro-bead mix
  • Silver wire, 20-gauge
  • Silver jewelry findings: jump rings, two; bail; chain

Tools

  • Craft punches: heart, 2”; hole, 1/16”
  • Hammer
  • Wire cutter
  • Needle-nose pliers
  • Aleene’s Crafting Adhesives: Clear Gel Tacky Glue, Paper Glaze

Basic Supplies

scissors, ruler, paintbrush, aluminum foil

Directions

STEP 1

Cut 4” cardstock square. Squeeze glaze onto foil and brush thick, even layer onto square; let dry completely. Punch two hearts from square and three hearts from remaining cardstock.

STEP 2

Punch hole at center top of each heart, aligning each heart with first for proper placement. Squeeze glue onto foil and use brush to apply to hearts; layer hearts together with glazed hearts facing outward.

STEP 3

Squeeze glaze onto top heart; sprinkle with beads. Gently press beads into glaze and tilt slightly to allow loose beads to fall away; let dry completely.

STEP 4

Use wire cutters to cut 4” length of wire for charm; fold in half and twist one side around other to create loop. Use needle-nose pliers to curl ends. Place charm onto cement surface and use hammer to flatten ends.

STEP 5

Attach jump rings and charm to pendant. Attach bail to jump ring. Insert chain through bail.

by Debbie Rines for Duncan Enterprises

Love Grows Here Pressed Flower Picture

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Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

 

Seeds of love are the best kind to plant! Let everyone know love is in your home with this elegant embroidered display.

Materials

  • Wooden frame, 5”x7”
  • Off-white solid cotton fabric, 5”x7”
  • Cardboard, 5”x7”
  • Brown craft paper
  • Black embroidery floss
  • Assorted pressed flowers and leaves

Tools

  • Embroidery needle
  • Black acrylic paint
  • Adhesives: Beacon Adhesives Fabri-Tac Permanent Adhesive, Therm O Web Acid-free Mounting Adhesive

Basic Supplies

scissors, medium-grit sandpaper, damp soft cloth

Directions

STEP 1

Print and cut out pattern. (Note: The blue word “pattern” is a link. To access this pattern, select the link, then download and print pattern.) Transfer heart and lettering to fabric center.Use two strands floss to stem stitch lettering.

STEP 2

Follow mounting adhesive manufacturer’s instructions to adhere cardboard to back of embroidered fabric. Arrange flowers as desired; use small amount of fabric adhesive to adhere to fabric. Place finished piece in frame.

STEP 3

To give a “distressed” look to new frame, apply several coats of black paint; let dry. Lightly sand frame edges until desired look is achieved.

STEP 4

To give back side a finished look, cut a rectangle from brown craft paper slightly larger than frame back; adhere in place. Use medium-grit sandpaper to trim excess paper from frame. Gently wipe paper with dampened cloth. (Note: Paper will dry taut.)

by Mary Ayres

Heartfelt Bear Pillow

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Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

 

Any day is the best day for hugs and kisses! Make this bear and pillow for a sweet someone in your life this Valentine’s Day.

Materials

  • Fabric: light pink print, 3⁄8 yard; bright pink print, 1⁄4 yard; white, 1⁄4 yard
  • The Warm Company Warm & White Needled Cotton Batting
  • Pillow form, 12” square
  • Fiberfill stuffing
  • Pink/white check ribbon, 5⁄8” wide, 3⁄8 yard
  • White jumbo rick rack, 2-1⁄8 yards
  • Flat white buttons, 1⁄2”, 11

Tools

  • DecoArt Americana Acrylic Paints: Cool White, Baby Pink, Boysenberry Pink, Soft Black
  • Royal & Langnickel Paintbrushes: Natural Hair Bristle, #5; Crafter’s Choice Stencil, Series 1111, 1⁄4”; Royal Majestic Liner, Series 4595, #1
  • Stencils: alphabet; heart, 1/2”
  • Needle
  • Sewing thread: white, pink

Basic Supplies

scissors, ruler, pencil, straight pins

Directions

STEP 1

Cut 9” square from bright pink fabric. Stencil “Hugs and Kisses” using Cool White, spacing words 1⁄2” apart. (Note: Fill in stencil gaps with Cool White.)

STEP 2

Print and cut out patterns. (Note: The blue word “patterns” is a link. To access patterns, select the link, then download and print items.) For pocket, cut one heart from stenciled fabric, one from remaining bright pink fabric, and one from batting. Baste batting heart to back of stenciled heart.

STEP 3

Beginning and ending at bottom point of heart, sew rick rack around stenciled heart, 1⁄4” from edge. (Note: Sew through center of rick rack.) Sew fabric hearts together with right sides facing along rick rack stitching, leaving 3” opening for turning. Clip seam. Turn heart right side out and hand sew opening closed.

STEP 4

Cut two 12-1⁄2” squares from light pink fabric. Pin heart pocket to front of one square, lifting heart slightly at center so bear will fit in pocket. (Note: Bottom of heart should be 1-1⁄2” from bottom of square.) Use pink thread to sew buttons to heart pocket (through all layers) where indicated.

STEP 5

Beginning and ending in bottom corner, sew rick rack around front of pocket square, 1⁄4” from edge. (Note: Sew through center of rick rack.) With right sides facing, sew fabric squares together along rick rack stitching, leaving 10” opening along bottom. Trim corners; turn pillow right side out. Insert pillow form into opening; hand sew opening closed.

STEP 6

Using pattern, cut two bears from white fabric. Transfer mouth and eyes to one bear. Drybrush cheeks Boysenberry Pink. Dot eyes and line mouth Soft Black. Add Cool White highlight dots to cheeks.

STEP 7

Stencil Baby Pink heart for nose and one centered at end of each arm and leg. Shade heart edges Boysenberry Pink.

STEP 8

Pin bear pieces together with right sides facing. Stitch bear, 1⁄4” from edge, leaving 2” opening along outside edge of one leg. Trim seam and clip lines where indicated on pattern. Hand sew opening closed with tiny whipstitch.

STEP 9

Tie ribbon into bow; trim ends. Hand sew bow to bear under mouth. Place bear in pocket.

by Mary Ayres

Love Bear Clay Pot

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Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

 

This Love Bear Clay Pot is not only adorable and cute, but its message is one to spread to all this Valentine’s Day!

Materials

  • Clay pot (body), 2-1⁄2”
  • Wooden ball (head), 3⁄4”
  • Flat wooden shapes: medium circles (ears), 3⁄4”; large ovals (arms), 2”
  • DecoArt Americana Acrylic Paints: Camel, Country Red, Milk Chocolate, Gooseberry Pink, Honey Brown, Sea Aqua, Cadmium Yellow, Country Blue
  • Blue ribbon, 1⁄4” wide, 3⁄8 yard

Tools

  • Paintbrushes: round, #6, #8; soft round, #3; liner
  • Black fine-tip permanent marker
  • Beacon Adhesives Kid’s Choice Glue

Basic Supplies

scissors, pencil, ruler, masking tape

Directions

Size

3-1⁄2”x4-1⁄4”

Love Bear

1. Basecoat body, ears, arms, and head Honey Brown; drybrush Milk Chocolate.

2. Print and cut out patterns. (Note: The blue word “patterns” is a link. To access these patterns, select the link, then download and print items.) Transfer the following: face to head (with bottom of face 1⁄2” from bottom of head), paws to arms, lettering to body, legs to front sides of body.

3. Basecoat muzzle, paws, and heart Camel; top flowers Country Blue; bottom flowers Gooseberry Pink; leaves Sea Aqua. Drybrush cheeks Country Red.

4. Transfer remaining details. Use marker to draw buttonhole stitch and stitch lines around heart, muzzle, paws, and legs. Adhere head and arms to body, and ears to head. Use masking tape to hold pieces in place while drying.

5. Tie ribbon around neck; trim ends.

by Mary Ayres