Creating a Christmas or Hanukkah gift is not necessarily less expensive than purchasing something from the store. But an item that you took the time and effort to put together will be appreciated because it is unique.
These books will inspire you to create the perfect gift for every person on your list.
If you are looking for a hands-on project, you might want to try needle felting. All you need to get started is wool, a felting needle and a foam pad. Wool Pets: Making 20 Figures with Wool Roving and Barbed Needle by Laurie Sharp describes how the felting needle works with wool fibre to create felt. The reader learns how to hold the needle and what sort of material to use. There are 20 projects, including birds, bugs, animals and people. There are good step-by-step photos and easy small projects such as a ladybug and a bumble bee, as well as more complicated projects that move beyond the basic skills.
Gifts for Kids to Make by Cheryl Owen has great gift ideas that kids from ages six to 10 can make for family and friends. There are projects for every special occasion. Some are for kids who like to get messy with clay and paint while others are for those that enjoy being neat and tidy. There are easy cooking and sewing projects with fun art projects, such as painting round stones to make pebble pets with funny googly eyes. Instructions have suggested age levels and time requirements for each craft. A little adult help may be required for younger crafters. Colour photographs of kids busy with all kinds of activities accompany each project. These gifts are perfect for a child who wants to make something special for someone special.
Simply Sublime Gifts: High-Style Low-Sew Projects to Make in a Snap by Jodi Kahn, features handmade, inexpensive fabric gifts that are quick and easy. There are projects that are perfect for hostess gifts, birthday presents, teachers and just about anyone. There are 30 fun and imaginative gift ideas to make quickly, inexpensively and with little to no sewing using clever shortcuts and inventive techniques. Many of the gifts are made from recycled or repurposed materials. Holiday gifts include fabric note cards, stuffed ornaments, fabric nesting bowls and Christmas stockings. Heartfelt gloves are an easy way to create something unique in just three steps. You will love giving these handmade gifts as a perfect present for anyone on your list.
The holidays are all about bringing the whole family together for some crafting and baking fun. Children ages four and up can look through Holiday Crafting and Baking with Kids by Jessica Strand and choose their own craft. Each project is accompanied by a list of supplies and instructions that are easy to follow. There are directions for making snowflakes, autumn leaf wreaths, hand-printed gift wrap, garlands and more. The materials required are inexpensive and easy to find.
No list would be complete without a look at the beautiful assortment of gifts from Martha Stewart’s Handmade Holiday Crafts: 225 Inspired Projects for Year-Round Celebrations. Project topics include cards and greetings, decorations, gifts and gift wrapping, tabletop accents, party favours and kids’ crafts as well as more holiday-specific activities, such as egg dyeing, pumpkin carving and tree trimming. This book is a great all-occasion resource because of its fine illustrations, wonderful photographs and step-by-step instructions on how to fashion each object. Projects are easy to make and instructions and supplies are on one page. Have a look at this book even if you are not planning on making gifts this holiday season.
The beauty of the holiday season is enhanced with lovely flower arrangements. Whether hosting a party or preparing a holiday gift for a friend, flowers are a natural addition to someone’s home décor. The Flower Workshop by Ariella Chezar walks you through the basics of creating a variety of small arrangements including wreaths, garlands, and gifts. All of the arrangements are accompanied by detailed photography and there is advice on everything from texture and colour to foliage and containers.
Drop by your local library and learn how to celebrate the holidays with heartfelt homemade gifts that are developed and created by your very own hands.
A Good Read is a column by Tri-City librarians that is published on Wednesdays. Susan Clark works at Port Coquitlam’s Terry Fox Library.
