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Cherie Burbach

writer, artist, poet

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Home | Lifestyle | Crafts | Homemade Gifts to Make Even If You’re Not Crafty

Homemade Gifts to Make Even If You’re Not Crafty

December 11, 2013 2 Comments

My family loves to make homemade things at Christmas, which adds meaning to our holiday. I am always touched to know someone spent time working on a gift with their own two hands. When a friend or family member takes the time to create something entirely unique just for them, how can you help but to be touched by the gesture?


Even if you’re not totally crafty, you can make great gifts for people. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

Dating or Relationship Scrapbook

If you’re in a relationship with someone, why not give them a scrapbook with mementos of your courtship? For example, did you pick up a book of matches at the last restaurant you visited? Or a coaster from your favorite pub? Paste them in. Have a favorite poem that sums up your feelings? Write it out on special paper and include it in the book. Don’t forget to include copies of emails you’ve exchanged, movies ticket stubs, theater programs, photos, and any other item you’ve saved along the way to make the book individual and unique.

homemade

Bake

Not very crafty? Homemade bread and cookies made a great Christmas gift, especially if you are sharing a unique family recipe. Presentation is really a must with food gifts. So wrap up cookies in a pretty box with tissue paper, or bread in a bag sealed with a custom made tag. Find out your recipient’s favorite recipe that they don’t often make themselves.


Tee Shirt or Sweater Pillow

I know people make quilts out of old tee shirts, but if you’re not a big sewer you can still make a pillow. Does your son or daughter have a favorite tee shirt they love but don’t fit anymore? Their favorite jersey or even sweater can be easily cut up and made into a cushion for their bed. Simply cut along the seams to form a square, then sew edges. Leave a small opening to stuff with batting, and close.

Make a Memory Calendar

I’ve done this a couple times for family and it’s always a hit. Get a blank calendar (from a craft or hobby store) and some markers and scrapbooking supplies (stickers, papers, etc.). Write out birthdays, anniversaries, and other special holidays specific to your family. Add in odd days that they’ll appreciate, such as the birthday of their favorite actress, the date a new book they’ll like goes on sale, or when they reach a milestone in their life, such as learning to drive or going off to college.

Make a Recipe Book

Hand down favorite recipes by placing all in a handy to use binder or scrapbook. Make sure you put the pages in plastic sheets to keep them fresh. Don’t forget to include stories about how you made the dish in the past, where it came from, and variations you’ve tried.

Showcase the Creative Work of Other Family Members

Hand down old potholders, pillowcases, or even jewelry by placing them in a shadow box. Use decorative pins to align objects in a pleasing way. Very often we keep favorite items from family in a drawer, and this allows the items to be enjoyed all year.

Update Old Jewelry

Got old jewelry you don’t know quite what to do with? I did this years ago with an old necklace of my grandma’s. Some of those old-fashioned necklaces are beautiful but not stylish anymore. So take crystals or beads from an old necklace and making them into bracelets and earrings. Incorporate current embellishments with old gems. Your recipient will have something new to wear and yet still appreciate it for the historical value to your family.

Write a Poem or Letter

Gifts don’t have to be elaborate to have special meaning. Write about a moment you and your recipient have shared or why the person means so much to you. (Here are a few tips on writing a love poem for the first time.) Be specific in your wording to highlight exactly what it is about that person you adore. If written right, these types of letters can be something your recipient will cherish for years to come.

 

Tags: christmas, Crafts Categories: Crafts

About the Author

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Cherie Burbach is a full time artist and writer. Her art prints, originals, and functional art pieces are available in artsy stores and galleries through the country and here at her site. Join her for Painting the Psalms. She is the author of over fifteen books, which vary from nonfiction to poetry to kid's books. Just for fun she created a family card game called Cupcake Commotion. Her first novel is The Space Between Dreaming.

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Comments

  1. Eileen says

    December 13, 2013 at 1:30 pm

    Wow, there’s somethig here for everyone – no matter skill level or budget constraints. Thanks, Cherie.

    Reply
    • GeekGirl says

      December 16, 2013 at 9:23 am

      🙂

      Reply

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Reviewed by Edith Wairimu for Readers’ Favorite

The Space Between Dreaming is a moving novel written with warmth and heart and which contains valuable wisdom. I loved that...
Cherie Burbach
2020-02-16T15:00:57-06:00
The Space Between Dreaming is a moving novel written with warmth and heart and which contains valuable wisdom. I loved that the work tackles difficult topics about childlessness, childhood trauma, and betrayal by friends with sensitivity. It tenderly captures the social and emotional toll of being childless. I loved the main characters and found them to be realistic and engaging. The work masterfully explores the themes of friendships and relationships, drawing important lessons that can be applied in real life. The inclusion of art and the process of painting also enhance the story. Cherie Burbach's unforgettable novel will resonate with readers for its applicable themes and compelling characters. Fans of women's novels will love it.
https://www.cherieburbach.com/testimonials/lisa-l/
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“Nerdection Must Read”

Cherie Burbach's writing is surprisingly vivid, this being her debut attempt. She can take you inside the character's mind within...
Cherie Burbach
2020-02-16T14:48:24-06:00
Cherie Burbach's writing is surprisingly vivid, this being her debut attempt. She can take you inside the character's mind within a span of words, all the things they're struggling with put bare before you. The prose isn't flowery, but gentle enough to nudge you into relating your traumas too, and heal as the characters do.
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K. Fink, Amazon

Loved learning more about art, and the community surrounding the people in the book. Couldn't wait for the next chapter...
Cherie Burbach
2020-02-16T14:49:12-06:00
Loved learning more about art, and the community surrounding the people in the book. Couldn't wait for the next chapter and following the women in this story. I am hoping the author has a second book in mind, to continue the journey of Jane and Grace. I would recommend this to book clubs, so they could meet and discuss what they read and what they think will happen next.
https://www.cherieburbach.com/testimonials/cheryl-m/

Julie, Amazon Reviewer

A beautifully written story about the lives of two very interesting women who come together and form a life long...
Cherie Burbach
2020-02-16T14:50:50-06:00
A beautifully written story about the lives of two very interesting women who come together and form a life long bond. I love how this book is written. I found myself placed in the story like I was an innocent bystander watching each moment unfold and learning more about art than I ever thought possible. As the book ended, I found myself wanting more. My hope is that there is a 2nd book in the works so I can continue watching the friendships unfold and the lives of the main characters continue to grow!
https://www.cherieburbach.com/testimonials/shelley-w/

Reviewed by Edith Wairimu for Readers’ Favorite

The Space Between Dreaming is a moving novel written with warmth and heart and which contains valuable wisdom. I loved that...
Cherie Burbach
2020-02-16T15:00:57-06:00
The Space Between Dreaming is a moving novel written with warmth and heart and which contains valuable wisdom. I loved that the work tackles difficult topics about childlessness, childhood trauma, and betrayal by friends with sensitivity. It tenderly captures the social and emotional toll of being childless. I loved the main characters and found them to be realistic and engaging. The work masterfully explores the themes of friendships and relationships, drawing important lessons that can be applied in real life. The inclusion of art and the process of painting also enhance the story. Cherie Burbach's unforgettable novel will resonate with readers for its applicable themes and compelling characters. Fans of women's novels will love it.
https://www.cherieburbach.com/testimonials/lisa-l/

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