Looking for something unique and special for someone on your holiday gift list? Would they appreciate a handmade gift created especially for them? Perhaps one of the items featured in a DIY tutorial here on the FanningSparks blog would be a good fit. These are not your run-of-the-mill predictable presents. I’ve given several of these items as gifts and they’ve all been well received. These items are made with a variety of techniques including general crafting, weaving, mosaic making, woodworking, and sewing. But they’re all quite doable with the detailed step-by-step instructions I’ve provided. Here are the tutorials I’ve rounded up for you today.
1. Turkish Mosaic Candle Holder
2. Woven Statement Necklace
3. Personalized Fabric-Covered Journal
4. Pyramid Trellis
5. Bespoke Pillows
6. Bluebird-Approved Birdhouse
1. Turkish Mosaic Candle Holder
This Turkish Mosaic Candle Holder is perfect for this time of year. It has a pretty 6-point star design that glitters and shines when a candle is lit inside. This project takes a little time since thinset mortar and grout need time to cure. It requires basic glass cutting skills and a few glass cutting tools. See DIY Tutorial here.
2. Woven Statement Necklace
The woven statement necklace has gone through a few iterations. This necklace is striking and I often receive compliments when I wear one of mine. This is a simple project which does not require special tools or skills… well… other than patience. The tutorial was first shared in this post.
The post, Add a Little Sparkle, includes special holiday versions of the woven statement necklace.
3. Personalized Fabric-Covered Journal
The Personalized Fabric-Covered Journals are one of my favorite because they are easy to customize to the recipient. Got someone who likes to cycle? There’s fabric for them. Got someone who likes music? Covered! Someone who travels? Covered! Someone who knits? Covered! Someone who reads? Yep! This is the quickest and simplest project. It requires cut and paste assembly and no special tools or skills are needed. This tutorial was presented in two parts. Part 1 addresses selecting the perfect fabric.
Part 2 of the DIY Personalized Fabric-Covered Journal Tutorial covers the cut-and-paste construction of the journal.
4. Pyramid Trellis
The Pyramid Trellis is perfect for someone who likes to garden or is looking to beautify their property. It will be tricky to place under the tree, however, since it stands nearly 6′ high. This project is suitable for someone with basic woodworking skills including cutting and assembling wood. Only standard tools including a jigsaw, drill and staple gun are needed. See post here.
5. Bespoke Pillows
These bespoke pillows can be made in any color or pattern. So they can be perfectly coordinated to the recipient’s décor. This project is a little more difficult and does require intermediate sewing skills. Alternatively, the design could be simplified by eliminating the more difficult embellishments such as the piping. A sewing machine and standard sewing tools are needed. See post here.
6. Bluebird-Approved Birdhouse
The Bluebird-Approved Birdhouse is a nice addition to a garden or yard. This project is suitable for someone with basic woodworking skills including cutting and assembling wood. Only standard tools including a jigsaw, drill and screwdriver are needed. See post here.
25 Moments of Joy Tabletop Tree/ Advent Calendar
In case you missed it, I recently shared a DIY Tutorial to make a Tabletop Tree/ Advent Calendar. This project is suitable for someone with basic woodworking skills including cutting and assembling wood. Only standard tools including a jigsaw, drill and screwdriver are needed for the tree frame. Basic cut and paste assembly skills are needed for the gift packets. Check it out here.
As a bonus, I’ve pulled in a few previous posts that offer suggestions for other holiday traditions including greeting cards, holiday wreaths and gift wrapping.
It’s become the tradition in our household to select greeting cards made by local artists. We choose cards with a personal connection that represent an aspect of our lives. It’s a small way to support local artists plus we get to share a small work of art with our family and friends. See the post, Win-Win with your Holiday Cards.
The post, Holiday Wreath Inspiration from Biltmore, features the holiday wreaths which decorated the Conservatory at Biltmore last year. They are embellished with natural materials which provide color, texture and form. Check it out for ideas to bring some Biltmore glamour to your home this year!
In the post, 8 Tips to Jazz Up Your Gift Wrapping, I share suggestions to add pizzazz to your holiday gift wrapping. The tips are illustrated with lots of examples.
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Today’s Takeaways
1. Handmade gifts are unique and can be tailored to the recipient.
2. Taking the time and making the effort to create a handmade gift signals care and affection.
3. Consider making a gift for someone special this holiday season.
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