Easy, original and super gorgeous craft ideas
How to make
Gift tags and name places
Homemade tags are a really simple way to personalise a gift. Start with plain light card cut into a rectangle (possibly with the corners cut off) and a hole punched in one end. Glue on simple embellishments. Thread the hole with matching ribbon, twine or thin fabric strip, or fix in place using a pearl headed pin and bead.
“Taking the time to make something to give away will leave you with more than just a good feeling; it’s an outlet for your creativity and helps you avoid the trap of spending money on stuff others don’t really need.”
–Susan Elijas
Assembling the wreath
Cut plain light cardboard into the shape of a ring (with dimensions slightly smaller than the size you want the finished wreath). Lay out your materials and start building up the wreath with three or four pieces at a time. Use a glue stick or stitches (either by hand or with a machine) to join these sections together, before gluing them in place on your wreath. Use PVA glue where extra strength is required, but take care not to use it on fabric as it will leave a stain. Finally, add a ribbon or fabric bow to the bottom of your wreath.
Cards
Make the card by folding a rectangle of plain light card in half. Take a smaller piece of coloured, textured or printed paper and use your glue stick to add layers of contrasting paper and embellishments or stitched lines to this to create a simple shape such as a triangle tree or a star. Once finished, glue to the front of your plain card.
Where to find materials
Paper and light card
– Find paper at Trade Aid, scrap booking or art supply stores, or salvaged from a local printing company! Pads of plain light card can be bought from stationery stores.
– Use interesting old papers such as pages taken from old and broken books, old letters and sheets of music. If the books or music are precious, simply photocopy or scan them and print out. Copy or write out words with meaning for the season – such as lines from Shakespeare, the Biblical Christmas story or words from a traditional carol.
Assorted embellishments
– Vintage and shell buttons, threaded sequins and pearl-headed pins
– Fabric remnants, bits of ribbon, thread or twine.
Stamps (optional)
– Trade Aid sells lovely wooden stamps, or make your own stamps using carved cork or potato
