Tag Archives: Easy Gift Ideas

Snowman Slate

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Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

 

The party’s tonight!!! Frosty just popped in with a friendly reminder about this winter-wonderland bash! Use this memo board to remember important events all season long.

Materials

  • Slate with wooden frame, 6-1/4”x8-1/2”
  • Cork sheet, 12”x12”, 1/8″ thick
  • Plaid Apple Barrel Acrylic Paints: Black, White, Valentine Pink, Berry Red, Harvest Orange, Regency Blue, Nutmeg Brown
  • Plaid fabric with torn edges, 2”x24”
  • Craft sticks, three
  • Toner Icy Silver Fun Wire, 18-gauge, 18” length
  • Snowflake confetti
  • White push pins, two
  • Chalk

Tools

  • Sawtooth hanger
  • Drill with 1/16” bit
  • Krylon Crystal Clear Acrylic Coating
  • Black ultra-fine-tip permanent marker
  • Beacon Adhesives Fabri-Tac Permanent Adhesive

Basic Supplies

sandpaper, soft cloth, toothpick, pencil with new eraser, masking tape, paintbrush

Directions

Size

9″x12″

Snowman Slate

1. Drill hole in one corner of frame and in center of each craft stick. Sand lightly; wipe dust with soft cloth.

2. Basecoat frame Regency Blue and craft sticks White. (Note: Tape around inside edges of frame to protect slate from paint.) Use pencil eraser to add large White dots and toothpick to add small White dots as shown.

3. 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.) Cut shapes as indicated on patterns. Basecoat head White, nose Harvest Orange, and mittens Berry Red. Drybrush cheeks Valentine Pink; add White dots. Drybrush mitten edges Nutmeg Brown. Transfer details to face and mittens; trace with marker.

4. Place slate on flat work surface with drilled hole at bottom right. Adhere hanger to back of slate. Insert wire through hole from back to front. For snowflake, insert wire through craft sticks; fan out to shape. Curl ½” length at end of wire; pull remaining wire to back. Wind wire back around to front and wrap end around chalk several times.

5. Adhere nose to face, and face and mittens to slate. Wrap scarf around neck. Adhere snowflake confetti to snowflake and tops of push pins. Push one pin into each mitten.

Tip

  • If necessary, adhere cardboard to back of cork sheet for added stiffness.

by Barbara Matthiessen

Paper Bag Snowman

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Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

 

Recycling brown paper bags has its advantages – especially when you create this sparkling snow friend!

Materials

  • Large brown paper bag
  • Delta Ceramcoat Acrylic Paints: Light Ivory, Charcoal, Dark Goldenrod, Tomato Spice
  • Fiberfill stuffing
  • Black craft wire, 36” length
  • Red/white plaid wire-edged ribbon (scarf), 1-1/4” wide, 15-1/2” length
  • Cedar sprigs, three
  • Twigs (arms), 2-1/2” long, two
  • Artificial red berry cluster
  • Raffia, three strands
  • Gold jingle bell, 13mm
  • Red buttons, 1/2”, three

Tools

  • Loew-Cornell American Painter Paintbrushes: Wash, Series 4550, 1/2”; Round, Series 4000, #3; Liner, Series 4350, #0; Deerfoot Stippler, 1/4” or 3/8”
  • Matte interior spray varnish
  • Glitter: Iridescent crystal glitter, DecoArt Glamour Dust Ultra-Fine Crystal Glitter
  • Black fine-tip marker
  • Paper adhesive

Basic Supplies

scissors, pencil

Directions

Size

11″ tall

Snowman

1. Print and cut out pattern. Cut snowman from bag as indicated. Adhere edges of snowman pieces together, leaving top 5” open.

2. Basecoat snowman Light Ivory. Transfer details. Paint nose Dark Goldenrod. Dot eyes and mouth Charcoal. Use deerfoot stippler to drybrush cheeks Tomato Spice. Use liner and Light Ivory to add highlight dots to eyes, cheeks, and nose. Use black fine-tip marker to draw eyebrows and outline nose. Apply varnish to snowman; sprinkle with glitters. Let dry.

3. Stuff bag with fiberfill. Use paintbrush handle to stuff bottom areas. Adhere arms inside body and remaining edges together. Wrap scarf around neck, crossing and adhering at center. Adhere cedar sprigs and berries to scarf and buttons to body.

4. For hanger, wrap wire around pencil to curl. Twist ends around arms to secure. Tie raffia bow at top of hanger. Adhere jingle bell to bow.

by Susan Cousineau

Raised Leaf Panel Wall Décor

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Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

 

An object of art made from an old window frame and STYROFOAM? Amaze yourself at how easy this technique is – design a variety perfect for each season!

Materials

  • Six-pane wooden window frame, 29-1/2”x30-1/2″
  • Dow STRYOFOAM Brand Foam Sheets, 1” thick, 12”x36”, four
  • Krylon: Make It Stone! Decorative Paint, Travertine Tan; Indoor/Outdoor Spray Paint, Khaki; Primer

Tools

  • Floracraft Styro Cutter
  • Wood putty and putty knife
  • Adhesives: 3M Spray Adhesive for Dow STYROFOAM Brand Foam, duct tape

Basic Supplies

sandpaper, soft cloth, ruler, pencil

Directions

(Note: When using spray paints, work in well-ventilated area.)

1. Remove glass window panes; sand frame. Wipe clean with soft cloth. Fill uneven areas of frame with wood putty. Follow manufacturer’s instructions to apply primer.

2. Measure window openings; cut six foam rectangles to fit openings. Print and cut out patterns. Transfer patterns to remaining foam sheets; use foam cutter to cut out.

3. Spray frame with three coats of Khaki; let dry. Adhere leaves to foam rectangles. Spray leaf panels with two coats of Travertine Tan; let dry.

4. Tape backside of leaf panels to window pane openings.

by Tucker Yeaworth for The Dow Chemical Co. and Krylon

Snowman Doormat

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Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

 

While adding charm to your outdoor winter décor, this easy-to-paint snowman will greet your guests with a great big smile!

Materials

  • Black doormat, 18”x24”
  • DecoArt Patio Paints Outdoor Acrylic Paints: Hydrangea Blue, Petunia Purple, Fuchsia, Cloud White, Wrought Iron Black

Tools

  • Round scrubber paintbrushes: sizes #0, #4, #6
  • Posterboard, 18”x24”

Basic Supplies

scissors

Closeup

Directions

STEP 1

For stencil, print and cut out pattern. Fold poster board in half. Trace patterns onto poster board; cut out.

STEP 2

For snowman, center stencil on mat, aligning bottom edges. Use #6 to stencil snowman edges using Hydrangea Blue. Use circular scrubbing motion to force paint into grooves in mat. Remove template.

STEP 3

Cut out hat cuff section of template. Fit inside snowman outline. Use #4 to stencil upper and lower edges Wrought Iron Black. Paint hat sections Hydrangea Blue. While still wet, highlight Cloud White. Paint pom-pom Petunia Purple; highlight Cloud White. Paint nose and cheeks Fuchsia. Use #0 to paint eyes and smile Wrought Iron Black.

STEP 4

For border, position snowflake stencil as desired. Use #4 to stencil edges Hydrangea Blue. Use #4 and #6 to paint snowflakes Cloud White. Paint Fuchsia and Petunia Purple dots around snowflakes and hat as desired.

by Annie Lang

Cigar Box Purse

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Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

 

If you have an old cigar box that’s just collecting dust, why not turn it into a stylish and unique accessory?

Materials

  • Wooden cigar box, 6-1⁄2” square
  • Wood veneer (iron-on or glue-on), 3”x6”
  • Fabric of choice, 3⁄8 yard
  • Dover Publications Treasury of Historic Pattern and Design, ISBN: 048626274X
  • Buttons: ornate, three; black, two
  • Assorted beads, approximately 1⁄2”, 20
  • Black wire, 20-gauge, 16” length

Tools

  • Walnut Hollow Creative Versa-Tool
  • Delta Ceramcoat Instant Age Varnish
  • Adhesives: Therm O Web PeelnStick Double-Sided Adhesive Sheets, Beacon Adhesives Gem Tac Permanent Adhesive
  • Drill and drill bits

Basic Supplies

scissors, iron and pressing surface, paintbrush, tape

Directions

STEP 1

Iron or glue veneer to box front. Tape laser image face down on front. (Note: For image, designer laser copied design on page 117 from Treasury of Historic Pattern and Design.) Follow Versa-Tool manufacturer’s instructions to transfer image and stamp box. Stamp veneer in same way. Apply varnish to lid. Glue ornate buttons to box front.

STEP 2

For handle, drill holes on each side of latch. Insert wire through hole and beads onto wire; twist black buttons onto wire ends inside to secure.

STEP 3

For lining, cut 6-1⁄2” squares from cardboard and fabric. Use double-sided adhesive sheet to attach fabric to cardboard, and cardboard to inside of box.

by Rebekah Meier

Lace Patchwork Sweater

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Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

 

Short bursts of colorful spray paint over a real-lace “stencil” – that’s the secret to transforming an ordinary sweater into a lace-print work of art!

Materials

  • White or ivory fine-gauge sweater
  • Flat lace, wide width, one yard
  • Tulip Fabric Spray Paint, three coordinating colors

Tools

  • Cardboard or shirt board

Basic Supplies

scissors, masking tape, newspaper (to cover work surface)

Directions

STEP 1

Wash and dry sweater without fabric softener. Place on work surface; insert cardboard or shirt board.

STEP 2

Cut lace into different-size pieces. Arrange lace on sweater front as desired. Protect areas not to be painted with masking tape.

STEP 3

Lightly spray one area of sweater with first paint color. Repeat with second paint color, then the third paint color. Repeat until all areas of sweater have been covered. (Note: Allow colors to overlap and blend.)

STEP 4

Remove lace; lay sweater flat to dry. Arrange lace and spray back of sweater in same way as front.

Other Options

  • Make a “lace patchwork” tote bag in same way.
  • Try technique with non-fabric spray paint on note cards or paper.

by Kirsten Peters McGrath for Duncan Enterprises (www.ilovetocreate.com)

Handmade Snowflake Polymer Clay Pendant

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Sparkling Swarovski Elements, shimmering Sculpey Premo! Accents pendant, and shining Beadalon silver-toned chains combine to create an idyllically icy and frosty necklace sure to impress.

Whether you are a polymer clay pro, or you have never worked with it but find the medium interesting, this technique is fun and the project is beautiful once completed. So if you find the Winter Blues are getting you down, try giving them a reason to make you shine!!! This is a great time of year to start learning a new craft and or new crafting technique.

materials

  • Beadalon Round Twist Light Solid Ring
  • Beadalon Non-Tarnish Silver Artistic Wire, 18-gauge
  • Beadalon silver findings: chain, lobster clasp, head pins; silver triangular connectors, two
  • Swarovski Elements Crystal Bicones & Pearls, in assorted sizes and colors (approx. 12)
  • Polyform Sculpey Pearl Premo! Accents Clay

tools

  • Impression Obsession Winter Seals
  • PolyformSculpey: Clay Conditioning Machine, Premo! Sculepy Round Crinkle Cutter, Translucent Liquid Sculpey, Glossy Glaze
  • Ranger Ink Adirondack Denim Alcohol Ink
  • Hand drill and small drill bit
  • Beadalon: Wire Snips, Round-Nose Pliers, Chain-Nose Pliers
  • Fine-grit sandpaper
  • Parchment-lined baking sheet and oven

directions

Pendant

1 Use clay conditioning machine to condition Pearl clay. Roll through to #1 thickness.

2 Place conditioned clay on parchment-lined baking sheet. Stamp image of snowflake on clay. Center Round Crinkle Cutter around image; press down firmly to cut clay.

3 Bake stamped disc according to manufacturer’s instructions in oven. While disc cools, mix dime-sized amount of Liquid Sculpey with one drop of Denim alcohol ink. Mix thoroughly.

4 Once clay is cool, apply tinted mixture to top surface of stamped disc making sure to fill in crevices fully, coating top surface with thin layer of mixture. Bake again following manufacturer’s instructions.

5 Once clay is cool, sand top surface to remove excess tint and highlight stamped image. Use small drill bit to drill tiny hole in top edge of pendant. Seal pendant with Glossy Glaze. Set aside to dry.

Necklace

1 Use chain-nose pliers to create three lengths of chain 3” long. Remove one link from one, and two links from another, to create two chain pieces slightly shorter than first. Use pliers to open one link on each end; place through loop on top loop on triangular connectors. Repeat for second set of chain ends. Cut two lengths of chain 7” long and attach to single top loops on triangular connectors.

2 On end of one chain, attach lobster clasp. Open end link of second chain; attach twist solid ring and close link.

3 Pass one 4mm bicone crystal onto head pin followed by one 8mm bicone crystal. Use chain-nose pliers to bend at end. Use wire snips to snip head pin to about 3/8”. Use round-nose pliers to create loop at top of head pin. Use chain-nose pliers to twist open loop; attach to chain and twist to close.

4 Repeat Step 3 using assorted sizes and colors of crystals and pearls as shown. Attach to chain as shown.

5 Use Silver Artistic Wire and dowel to create two jump rings. Use same wire and round-nose pliers to create “S” ring as shown. Use chain-nose pliers to twist open each jump ring. Thread one jump ring through pendant and bottom of “S” ring; twist closed. Thread second jump ring through center of bottom chain and top of “S” ring; twist closed.

 Tip

  • Try using various colors of ink and different types of stamp images when creating pendant for a wonderful variety suited to any style and taste.

by Keri Lee Sereika (www.pinklemonade.typepad.com)

Snowman Candle Jar

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Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

 

Winter usually brings snow… and soon snowmen will pop up everywhere throughout the neighborhood! Paint this adorable Snowman Candle Jar centerpiece to decorate your table and celebrate the winter season!

Materials

  • Glass items: quart jar, flower pot votive candle holder
  • Wooden teardrop, medium
  • Delta Ceramcoat Acrylic Paints: Black, Tangerine, Antique Rose, Antique White
  • Fabrics: green/tan checked, 1”x24”; green/tan/mauve checked, 6” circle
  • Black felt, 6-1⁄2” circle
  • Pine sprigs, 1”-2” long, six
  • Mauve beaded branches, 2” to 2-1⁄2” long, four
  • Mauve berry pick, 2” long
  • Jute twine, 22” length
  • Votive candle

Tools

  • All-purpose sealer
  • Black permanent marker
  • Liner brush
  • Adhesives: Aleene’s Original Tacky Glue, hot glue gun and sticks

Basic Supplies

scissors, ruler, pencil, sponge, paintbrush, sandpaper, soft cloth, rubber band

Directions

STEP 1

Wash and dry jar. Use sponge to apply sealer to entire outside surface; let dry. Sponge paint jar rim Black and remaining areas Antique White. Basecoat nose Tangerine. Sand nose edges; wipe dust with soft cloth.

STEP 2

Print pattern; transfer face to jar and details to nose. Drybrush cheeks Antique Rose. Paint eyes, eyebrows, lines under eyes, and mouth Black. Use liner brush to add White highlight strokes to cheeks and to add highlight dots to eyes and cheeks. Use marker to trace nose details.

STEP 3

For base, turn jar upside down. Apply craft glue around jar bottom, 1” from edge. Center fabric circle over jar; position rubber band over circle to gather. Let dry, remove rubber band, and tie twine around fabric. Return jar to upright position.

STEP 4

For hat, apply craft glue around jar rim. Cut 1-1⁄2” circle from center of felt circle. Center circle over jar; position rubber band over circle to gather. Let dry, remove rubber band, and tie fabric strip around felt.

STEP 5

Use hot glue gun to glue pine sprigs, beaded branches, and berries to hat as desired. Insert votive candle into holder and place holder in jar.

by Linda Bauer

Polar Bear Slippers

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Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

 

Perfect for those chilly nights, these soft and furry polar bear slippers are a fun way to keep your feet cozy and warm this winter.

Materials

  • White (adult size) slippers
  • White polar fleece, 1/4 yard
  • Blue/white check ribbon, 1-3/8”, one yard
  • Two-hole buttons: black, 1-1/8”, two, 3/8”, four; white, 7/8”, four; blue, 5/8”, four
  • Silver jingle bells, 3/4”, two

Tools

  • Sewing needle & white thread
  • Polyester stuffing
  • Safety pins, two
  • Circle cutters or circle templates (optional)

Basic Supplies

scissors, ruler

Directions

(Note: All sewing is done by hand. For child-size slippers, reduce circle sizes.)

1. For each muzzle, cut 6” polar fleece circle. Sew basting stitch around circle, close to edge; pull stitches to gather. Stuff circle; pull thread ends tightly to form ball around stuffing and knot to secure. Sew large black button to smooth side of muzzle. Make two muzzles; with gathered sides down, sew to front of slippers, near toe.

2. For each ear, cut 3” polar fleece circle; cut in half. Place halves together with right sides together and sew running stitch close to rounded edges to join them, leaving straight edges open. Turn right side out, stuff, and whipstitch straight edge closed. Make four ears; sew to slippers above muzzles at sides.

3. For eyes, sew white, blue, and small black buttons on top of each other above muzzles.

4. Cut ribbon in half and tie bows. Sew jingle bell to center of each. Use safety pins to attach bows to slippers under muzzles. (Note: Remove bows before washing.)

by Mary Ayres

Stamped Fern Frame

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Crafts ’n things Craft of the Day

 

Why spend a small fortune shopping for a similar frame in catalogs or boutiques when it’s so easy to make in the comfort of your own home? 

Materials

  • Heart frame with large surface area
  • STAEDTLER FIMO Soft Oven Bake Clay, White, two packages

Tools

  • Delta Ceramcoat Acrylic Paints: Eucalyptus, Moss Green
  • Lowe-Cornell Flat Glaze Paintbrush, Series 798, 1”
  • Delta Ceramcoat Clear Glaze
  • Delta Ceramcoat Matter Interior Spray Varnish
  • Fern rubber stamp
  • Clay-dedicated pasta machine or acrylic brayer
  • Oven and parchment-lined baking sheet
  • Textured fabric scrap (optional)
  • Delta Sobo Glue

Basic Supplies

paper towels, craft knife

Directions

STEP 1

Apply thin layer of glue to front of frame; let dry.

STEP 2

Condition clay on work surface until pliable. Roll clay to 1⁄8” thickness. Cover front of frame with clay, piecing as needed. Use craft knife to trim excess clay around frame edges and use fingers to smooth edges. If desired, cover clay with fabric scrap and use brayer to imprint texture.

STEP 3

Follow manufacturer’s instructions to stamp fern into clay. (Note: Apply enough pressure to stamp to leave a distinct impression.) Bake clay on parchment-lined baking sheet at 265° for 30 minutes. Let cool. (Note: Weight frame while cooling to keep it flat if necessary.)

STEP 4

Mix equal parts of each paint color with glaze. Randomly paint frame with both glaze mixtures, allowing glaze to settle into stamped impressions. Immediately wipe frame with paper towel until desired look is achieved; let dry. Apply two coats of varnish to frame.

Tip

  • Can’t locate a heart frame? Cut a frame front from foam board or wood, then adhere to the front of an old picture frame.

by Sandy Laipply