Make a Thoughtful Handmade Gift With These Crafts
Maybe you’re on a tight budget or just want to put in a little effort to create a handmade gift. Either way, if you’re up for the challenge, don’t go to the crowded malls and try these thoughtful DIY gifts instead.
Millennium Falcon Wallet
This project will require some sewing skills (and a lot of leather), but if you’re ready for it, this gorgeous Millennium Falcon handbag is the perfect gift for a Star Wars fan. It takes some skill and quite a lot of supplies. It also looks quite time consuming , so if you’re going to try this project yourself, you should probably start now to finish before the holidays.
Secret compartment shelf
In the video above, YouTuber Grant Thompson shows you how to build a Stealth Shelf , which is essentially a secret shelf where you can store your money, jewelry, the untouched Beanie Baby collection, or whatever other valuables you hoard. The shelf itself is made of cornice, and you will also need access to the carpentry tools. This is a tricky project that will probably take you a weekend, but it will make a fun, handcrafted gift for someone on your list.
A fun toy for your best friend
If your dog is on the holiday list, this DIY dog toy is the perfect handmade gift. It’s mostly made of wood waste, a metal pole, and three empty bottles (well, you’ll fill them with chunks later). A video tutorial will show you how to do it from start to finish. Add treats and your dog will be busy for a few hours.
Secret book for keeping valuables
Well, if the stealth shelf is a bit too much, here’s a simpler option: a book with a secret cache . Find a thick old book that you want to turn into an art and craft project and cut it out from there with an X-Acto knife or box cutter. Obviously you want to be careful with this project, but Over at Food52 ‘s Hannah Margaret Allen shows you exactly how to do it in the video above.
Wooden beer container
If you’re looking for the perfect gift for a beer lover, don’t just buy him another craft beer – think outside the box (like a bottle). A wooden beer wheelbarrow is a useful gift that also looks great. To do this, you will need several power tools, as well as a wooden board, nails, wood glue, sandpaper, and mineral oil for finishing. It’s also not complete without a wall-mounted bottle opener. This Instructables guide walks you through the entire process from start to finish.
Italian liqueur
Treat everyone on your list with the best gift: a drink.
Make your own gourmet Italian liqueur – it sounds a lot harder than it actually is. As our own Claire Lower explains, it’s essentially just dipping parts of the plant in alcohol and giving it time to brew. Fill the jar with herbs and flavors like lemon and cardamom, then add some strong booze. You need it to sit for at least a week (a month if you want it to be weaker), so plan accordingly.
Frames for printing posters
If you like a handmade gift idea but are not entirely creative, this project is for you . You will be working with two or four pieces of the grid, depending on whether you want to frame the entire print or just the top. Just make sure the grille is trimmed two inches wider on each side than your poster. From there, you will fasten it all together with small screws, washers, and bolts. Oleander and Palm includes a complete guide for you.
Art statement
Present handmade art with this eye-catching abstract canvas . This website walks you through it all , but you only need a few materials: black acrylic paint, a large paintbrush, and a large canvas. By flipping the canvas over, you will be doing broad strokes, and the brush should be nearly dry to give it an abstract, fluffy look.