floridasun5 Posted November 8, 2011 Posted November 8, 2011 In order to try and save some money this year, I'm thinking of making a bunch of gifts, but to be perfectly honest, I don't like the idea of many of the handmade gifts I see online as they look too "crafty" to me. So, no mixes in jars, no lighted glass boxes, no crafty things if you get my drift. I've done gift baskets before and don't want to go that route. I got the idea to do this since I recently started getting into making jewelry for myself, and after looking online for a blingy iphone case they were so expensive that I made my own. So, for one of my friends, I plan on making her a case for her phone with crystals, decorative pieces, etc. that I can get for cheap using coupons and sales at craft stores. I was wondering if anyone had any other ideas for gifts that people can make that don't look like something I made. For instance, I don't think anyone would know that I made a piece of jewelry for them or a phone case unless I told them. Looking for those kinds of things. I still have a bunch of people, including kids to buy for that jewelry wont suffice, so I need other ideas. Anyone have any ideas to share?
mom2monkiesx3 Posted November 8, 2011 Posted November 8, 2011 I just started doing some ETCHING. The last thing I made was a pyrex casserole dish with our last name etched on it. I am definatly doing some of those as gifts this year because it turned out so great. I think its a great idea to be creative during the holidays :)
JollyGG Posted November 8, 2011 Posted November 8, 2011 Why wouldn't jewelry work for kids? Both of mine would love something beaded with their name or even just tailored to their interests.. I was just online looking for a bracelet for my son to fidget and fiddle with in class and really liked some of them with (manly) charms, beads, and leather strips. I also thought of getting him a stamped leather bracelet as another (manly) alternative. My daughter is 5 and my son is 8. Leather stamping is pretty easy and looks nice. You could do wallets. But the supplies might set you back to much to get started.
floridasun5 Posted November 8, 2011 Author Posted November 8, 2011 Wow, that sounds like a neat idea! I think my mom would like something like that. Is there a "kit" that you buy with everything to start etching? Or just something you learn online? Would definitely like more info on this...and yes, these are exactly the types of things I'm looking for. Nothing too crafty, but still a nice handmade gift all the same.
floridasun5 Posted November 8, 2011 Author Posted November 8, 2011 Why wouldn't jewelry work for kids? Both of mine would love something beaded with their name or even just tailored to their interests.. I was just online looking for a bracelet for my son to fidget and fiddle with in class and really liked some of them with (manly) charms, beads, and leather strips. I also thought of getting him a stamped leather bracelet as another (manly) alternative. My daughter is 5 and my son is 8. Leather stamping is pretty easy and looks nice. You could do wallets. But the supplies might set you back to much to get started.My boyfriends daughter I think would certainly like some sort of jewelry item, of which I may do, but I'm also thinking of other people as well such as my boyfriend, father, grandmother, boy (7yrs), my own daughter who really isn't into jewelry, etc. Please keep the ideas coming. Great so far and some items, like the etching that I never would have thought of! :)
doublehsmom Posted November 8, 2011 Posted November 8, 2011 I really like the etching idea! Do you do that on the glass its self? Or do you have it on the lid. My kids are selling the thats my pan and I was thinking of getting some of those for gifts but they are 30+ for a pan and then I wanted to get the cookbooks that our school is selling to go with it but that is way to much for me!
mom2monkiesx3 Posted November 8, 2011 Posted November 8, 2011 Here is where I learned it from :http://www.makeit-loveit.com/2010/06/glass-etching.html Helps if you have a Cricut but if you don't you could use stencils or make your own :)
ISU ME Posted November 8, 2011 Posted November 8, 2011 Love the glass etching idea. Another idea I am making alot of photo gifts this year. I did a digital scrapbook for my dad of pictures of him and my son together and then had it printed when shutterfly had a good sale!
Cinnamonhuskies Posted November 8, 2011 Posted November 8, 2011 Here is where I learned it from :http://www.makeit-loveit.com/2010/06/glass-etching.html Helps if you have a Cricut but if you don't you could use stencils or make your own :)that's so much easier than I thought...what a great idea!!!
Kibit13 Posted November 8, 2011 Posted November 8, 2011 You could look for some ideas on Etsy. Some of the stores sell patterns for the things they sell. www.etsy.com
mom2monkiesx3 Posted November 8, 2011 Posted November 8, 2011 BTW thought I'd add that Target has the 3 pc. Anchor Hocking cassorole set for $15.xx this week in the ad. These are all 3 nice sized dishes, non of those teeny things they try to put in things that nobody really ever uses. Also Hobby Lobby has 50% off all glass. I got some cool candy type canisters I am going to etch for our teachers :) for 2.99!! (the are pretty large too regular price 5.99)
tinkrbel Posted November 8, 2011 Posted November 8, 2011 have you cooked in any of the stuff you've etched yet? I'm wondering if it will disappear or something:P
AndreaInNC Posted November 8, 2011 Posted November 8, 2011 Kids love friendship bracelets - the ones you make with embroidery string.
hopeky94 Posted November 8, 2011 Posted November 8, 2011 A couple years ago, my mom and I made trivets for her to give as family gifts. We got the idea when we found some beige 6" ceramic tiles on closeout for really cheap at Lowe's or Home Depot. We added some nice rub-on transfers of ivy leaves to a couple corners of each tile and painted each family's last intial in dark green in the middle, then did a couple layers of sealer over all of them. Finally, we bought a roll of thin self-stick cork and covered the backs with that. Everyone LOVED them! I've been wanting to do the same thing with smaller tiles to make coasters, but I never think to look for the tiles at the right time- LOL! Here's a tutorial for a really nice photo coaster that I found while looking for ideas for our tiles... and another page with several ideas that might interest you! Good luck, and have fun!! :)
mom2monkiesx3 Posted November 8, 2011 Posted November 8, 2011 Yes I have cooked in it, if you use the right product it actually eats the surface of the glass, changing the glass itself not just putting something on the surface. There ARE some glass etching things that are just surface so make sure you get the right kind. I have started to wonder if you put a COLOR in the stuff if it would leave a color? That is something I might experiement with...dang I should have kept that glass from the picture frame I broke the other day
BFQueenofNY Posted November 8, 2011 Posted November 8, 2011 one of my friends is making food gifts but she is making homemade vanilla extract. She bought a pound of vanilla beans from Amazon.com, some fancy skinny jars and vodka. You put one bean in the jar, fill to the top with vodka or bourbon and 2 months later...poof. you keep it filled with booze and you always have vanilla extract.
BlackFriDiva Posted November 8, 2011 Posted November 8, 2011 Love the etching idea :) I'm looking into some nice homeade gifts myself this year. We have way too many people to buy for and with 4 kids we just can't afford it!
tinkrbel Posted November 8, 2011 Posted November 8, 2011 For people looking into etching/other crafty home made stuff, if you have a Micheals near you sign up for their newsletter. We get an email with coupon every week or so and have never had problem using it multiple times just not on same day/store. It's usually 40% off 1 item, sometime 50. There's always one in the Sunday paper too.
at630 Posted November 9, 2011 Posted November 9, 2011 I'm a crafter and I always have the hardest time thinking of things to make for the men. If you've got a guy that's into sports, you can do just about anything with their favorite team's logo. Etched beer mugs and no-sew fleece blankets aren't too difficult.
dealluvr Posted November 9, 2011 Posted November 9, 2011 one of my friends is making food gifts but she is making homemade vanilla extract. She bought a pound of vanilla beans from Amazon.com, some fancy skinny jars and vodka. You put one bean in the jar, fill to the top with vodka or bourbon and 2 months later...poof. you keep it filled with booze and you always have vanilla extract.awesome
dealluvr Posted November 9, 2011 Posted November 9, 2011 Here is where I learned it from :http://www.makeit-loveit.com/2010/06/glass-etching.html Helps if you have a Cricut but if you don't you could use stencils or make your own :)where do you get the etching cream michaels,any craft store?how much approz thanks
mom2monkiesx3 Posted November 9, 2011 Posted November 9, 2011 I got a small bottle from hobby lobby for 8.99 but I used a printable 40% coupon from their site to make it 5.30ish..it goes a long way. Next trip I will buy the bigger bottle which is about 3x this bottle and its 19.99 (will use another 40% printable) I don't have a Micheals but I am sure they have it to...At my HL it is in the section with the stained glass stuff. HTH BTW I have also seen it on Amazon if you cannot find it in store
beccas302 Posted November 9, 2011 Posted November 9, 2011 www.shopworldkitchen.com has 7 different pyrex bowls/dishes on sale for 2.99 each, a good deal for those who want to etch!
jstluvem Posted November 9, 2011 Posted November 9, 2011 www.shopworldkitchen.com has 7 different pyrex bowls/dishes on sale for 2.99 each, a good deal for those who want to etch!Like them on facebook and get $10.00 off $40.00....code HOLIDAY10 exp.11/23
AndreaInNC Posted November 9, 2011 Posted November 9, 2011 This just came in my inbox.http://www.bhg.com/holidays/?sssdmh=dm17.553229&day=55&esrc=nw100d11_2_d55_110911&email=2266485874 I love the holiday coffee sleeve and the decorated candle!
at630 Posted November 9, 2011 Posted November 9, 2011 This just came in my inbox.http://www.bhg.com/holidays/?sssdmh=dm17.553229&day=55&esrc=nw100d11_2_d55_110911&email=2266485874 I love the holiday coffee sleeve and the decorated candle!Thank you for sharing, those coffee sleeves are awesome!
PerkynPunctual Posted November 9, 2011 Posted November 9, 2011 I have etched wine glasses. They looked beautiful. I am going to pick up some more to do this year for Christmas. I've given my mom and my sister ones that are monogramed (initials) and a bunch of different holiday sets. I've also made some bride and groom ones and sold them through a friend who does craft fairs. I'm also doing some highball glasses this year.
ISU ME Posted November 9, 2011 Posted November 9, 2011 I've gotten the glass etching stuff at JoAnns before. I think any craft store would have it.
PerkynPunctual Posted November 9, 2011 Posted November 9, 2011 This just came in my inbox.http://www.bhg.com/holidays/?sssdmh=dm17.553229&day=55&esrc=nw100d11_2_d55_110911&email=2266485874 I love the holiday coffee sleeve and the decorated candle!Thank you for that link. It gave me the idea to etch some candle jars this year.
Snoodles74 Posted November 11, 2011 Posted November 11, 2011 www.pinterest.com Oh. My. Goodness!!!! You can lose HOURS finding ideas
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