DIY Acorn Garland by Rachel Denbow
I get excited when I see DIY ideas for garland because they can often be adapted for gift packaging.
In place of ribbon or twine, how fun to wrap a gift with one of these? They’re festive around the house, and on your gifts! Click through on the images to learn how each garland is made.
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DIY Yarn Ball Bookmark by SeeJaneBlog for Design Mom
Have a favorite bookworm you’d like to do something special for? Of course you do. Have a hankering for a quick fuzzy project? I’m guessing it’s quite likely.
As Jane says, it’s “a charming little bookmark that would make a great anytime gift.” With the trees turning and the holidays coming, that time is now!
Grab some yarn, a mug of cocoa, and get going. This one’s so easy you can get the little ones in on it too.
Visit Design Mom for the step-by-steps to make your own yarn ball bookmarks. Created by the lovely Jane of SeeJaneBlog.
DIY Yarn Ball Bookmark by SeeJaneBlog for Design Mom
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DIY Halloween Mail by Lovely Indeed
It’s a snail mail lovefest kind of day. And why not? Don’t the ones we love deserve to hear from us in a way that shows care and effort went into the hellos we’re sending? You can be sure I kick myself over such things more often than I’d like to.
That’s where people like Chelsea Costa help to make this world a better place. When she gets crafty, our creative juices get energized. I mean look, she’s sending a freaking party to a mailbox! Complete with tootsie rolls, candy pumpkins and homemade spooky skull garland.
DIY Spooky Skull Garland by Lovely Indeed
Visit Lovely Indeed to see what went into Chelsea’s DIY Halloween mail and get inspired to send your own party by post. What would yours include?
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DIY House Shaped Coasters by Speculaas
Oh coasters. They’re such a fun little gift to add your own personal touch too.
And aren’t these sweet house coasters by Marloes such a perfect housewarming gift? I love that they look great on your coffee table and are so simple to make. I also love that you can do so quite inexpensively with these trivets from Ikea.
DIY House Coasters & Trivet by Speculaas
You can even puzzle a group of them back together for your hot pots if you like.
Visit Marloes’ site Speculaas for all the how-to details.
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DIY Printmaking with Rolling Pins by EcoSalon
It may not be a project you often think to do—to print your own gift wrap at home. However, just as wrapping a present is symbolic of your extra effort, that personal touch, getting a little messy MUST mean you really really care.
Or… that you’re simply a big dork when it comes to getting crafty with gift wrap. Join the club. Either way this printed rolling pin wrapping paper is a clever idea and also a fun project to do with the kids.
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DIY Neon Gift Tags by papernstitch
You’ll love this simple tutorial by Brittni Mehlhoff.
It’s got all the makings of a quick fun project to scratch your itch to get crafty—markers, stickers, and neon! Best of all, it’s so easy.
Head on over to papernstitch for the how-tos.
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Custom Handmade Envelopes by Pugly Pixel
Creating your own gift packaging is a great way to make your gifts look especially unique and personalized.
I’m always amazed by the clever ideas people come up with using materials found around the house. Remember this wrapping paper made from recycled security envelopes?
One of my most favorite repurposed materials has got to be magazines. The colors, graphics, and photography on those glossy pages are unlike anything you’ll find on a roll of wrap. (Or for that matter, bows. Remember these? How are your origami skills?)
Custom Handmade Envelopes by Pugly Pixel
When I saw that the oh-so creative Katrina Tan of Pugly Pixel had made these little envelopes from the pages of her JCrew catalog, well I just loved them. They’re petite, and stylish, and awesome. Just right for gifting something small like jewelry, cufflinks, or sweet treats. They’re quite perfect for party favors too.
Custom Handmade Envelopes by Pugly Pixel
Katrina used this nifty template from Jet Pens to whip out the envelopes in no time. Visit her tutorial for all the details to make your own.
Now tell me you don’t have stacks of magazines and catalogs hanging around? Give this a try!
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Paint Palette Wrapping Paper by Dear Hancock
This painterly wrapping paper from Dear Hancock is inspired by the painting process. Available in warm and cool hues, the blots and dabs look fresh from the paint brush.
Dear Hancock Paper Bow Animation
In addition to creating this lovely paper, the LA based stationer has put together a stop-motion video that shows how to make a colorful bow from the paper. See it here!
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Father’s Day is fast approaching and if you’re still scratching your head about what to give your old man, we’ve got 12 DIY ideas that are sure to put a smile on his face! Bonus? They’re all pretty quick projects, so even the procrastinators among us can get in on some handmade gift-giving love!
1. DIY Adjustable Apron from The Purl Bee
2. Retro Father’s Day Treat Labels from Martha Stewart
3. Root Beer Sampler Kit from The Indigo Bunting
4. DIY Tool Tub and Tote from Sew4Home
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DIY Baker’s Twine, photo by Laura Beth
I love the simple look of baker’s twine on a wrapped gift. Don’t you? But when you want a spool in every color (which of course we do—rainbows are the BEST) it can start to eat away at your twine budget.
So I was quite excited when I came across Laura Beth’s clever DIY Baker’s Twine. It’s not what you might think. You won’t be spending hours trying to twist and twirl little strings. Nope, LB uses Sharpies and white thread to create a similar look to baker’s twine and the result is really impressive.
DIY Baker’s Twine, photo by Laura Beth
Sharpies! It’s so dead simple, we all should have thought of it. But we didn’t. Laura Beth did. And you can follow along with her handy tips to make your own over on A Step in the Journey.
(h/t Say Yes to Hoboken)
Mother’s Day Ice Cream Treats by Oh Joy!
Did you know that West Elm has a pretty great blog? They do! And they recently had a few lovely bloggers (Nicole, Joy, and Kate) as guests sharing fun do-it-yourself Mother’s Day gift ideas that utilize products from West Elm’s Collection.
So here’s the thing. You’ve got one good Saturday to put together something fun for Mom. If these ideas inspire you to head to your nearest West Elm for parts and pieces, awesome. If that’s not in the cards, consider looking around the house and use these great ideas as a jumping-off point.
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DIY Planters, by Claire of Fellow Fellow
Yes, I’ve been on a succulents kick lately and this kick won’t be going anywhere anytime soon. I think moving to California has something to do with it. My flower-rescuing housemate Cariann, she’s responsible as well. The fact that they’re easy to care for and completely giftable are other reasons. And their undeniable cuteness—yes, there’s that too.
So a handmade home for the little plants? Hello! Yes, let’s make these. For everyone we know. They’re sure to make them smile and that’s what it’s all about right?
The wonderful Claire of Fellow Fellow shows the steps to make these adorable clay pots over on Say Yes to Hoboken. See, undeniable cuteness. And another thoughtful gift for Mom. (Or me. Why yes, I’d love one. Thank you!)
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