Monday, December 10, 2007

Frugal Christmas pt.3 -crafty gifts

Here's another entry for Frugal Christmas hosted by Taya at Pure Joy
I plan to post more ideas in a few days, so check back. You can click on the pictures to get a bigger view.
Fridge Magnets: Wood cutouts from the craft store that you paint how you want, then glue on a strip of magnet, that comes in a roll.
Name Plaque: Decoupage a calligraphy parchment name plaque. Write the meaning of the name and then a verse. If it's for a married couple put both names on. *Another idea is to put your children's hand prints on a plaque for the grandparents. In later years the kids can compare their old prints.
Stepping stones: Most craft stores have stepping stone molds and small cement packs, also press in alphabets so you can make words. Outdoor patio craft paints make the words pop. Use cut pieces of stained glass if you know how.

Sweatshirt appliqué: Fabric cut-outs ironed on to inexpensive sweatshirts with fusible web. outline it all with thick-type fabric paint to secure edges. (this part is tricky not to touch while you're doing it. Let dry for hours and don't wash for a few days. Choose a subject of interest to the recipient.

Sachets: for drawers, storage boxes or hangers. Sew a 4"x4" square from cotton fabric and fill with your favorite dried herbs, spices (cloves, lemon peel) or flowers. Us fiber filler for volume. Stack 4 of the pillow squares and tie together with ribbon to give.

Heating bag: to warm feet when you first get in bed, or hands when you first come home, or just to snuggle with. Sew a 14"x18" rectangle of flannel in half. Fill with 4c. uncooked rice and a handful of lavender (or a Tablesp. of cloves). Write instructions to heat in microwave for 1-2 min. on high before using.

Frozen cookie dough: We usually have so many cookies around for Christmas, so make up batches of different kinds of ready-to-bake cookie dough to give as gifts that they can enjoy when all the cookies are gone. You could even pre-form into balls the size for the cookies and freeze on a cookie sheet pan. Or roll into long loaf and cut slices for each cookie. When frozen put each batch into labeled freezer bags, then into a plastic container if desired. Include the baking instructions. Keep in freezer until ready to give. Try to find out ahead of time if the recipient will have room in their freezer. They will be able to cook as few at a time whenever in the mood, or use it to save time for a party. Frozen dough will last longer in the freezer than baked cookies will.
Come back again for more frugal Christmas ideas.

4 comments:

A Life Inspired said...

How fun! Great ideas!

Karen said...

I love the stepping stone idea. Thanks for sharing!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for stopping by my blog the other day! :-)

You have made some lovely gifts, the stepping stones I particularly liked.
Blessings.

Aimee said...

Ooh, good idea! Frozen cookie dough! Frugal, delicious, and full of love! It's more exciting than the old "cookie mix in a jar" trick, too.

Thanks for all the visits (and comments) to my little bloggy-blog. :)