| If you are a crafter or scrapbooker, you probably | | | | images. Write "Decoupage Me" on the box and tie |
| know someone who is as enthusiastic about making | | | | with a ribbon. |
| things as you are. And you probably also know many | | | | Crochet Anyone? |
| others who have never tried crafting and swear they | | | | Begin with a simple sewing case or gift bag. Fill it with |
| don't have a creative bone in their bodies. Both types | | | | several crochet hooks and skeins of yarn, a yarn |
| of friends are a great opportunity to share your love | | | | needle and a beginner's book of small projects. |
| of crafting, with a "made to order" Crafting Kit as a | | | | Stamping Mad |
| special gift. | | | | Into a gift box, put an assortment of rubber stamps for |
| When creating a gift for the seasoned crafter or | | | | an upcoming holiday or event, stamp pads in several |
| scrapbooker, get a feel for what they already love. Is it | | | | colors, a blender pen, and blank card stock and |
| fabric crafts? Candles? Stenciling or stamping? Card | | | | envelopes. Address one to you. |
| making? What are their tastes in colors, styles and | | | | Paper Mache Dreams |
| embellishments? What have they finished lately - and | | | | Combine a package of small, round balloons, a bottle |
| what projects have been languishing? | | | | of liquid starch, craft paints, and instructions for several |
| For the non-crafters in your life (who need some | | | | beginner projects like hanging jack o'lanterns, Easter |
| serious converting), consider what other interests they | | | | Eggs or Christmas balls. Wrap the box in newspaper |
| have. Do they travel? Raise a family? Cook or read? | | | | with a bow made of torn strips. |
| Do they admire certain artists or decorating styles? Do | | | | Stencil It In |
| they like the things you create? | | | | Fill a plain paper mache or cardboard gift box with an |
| Now, think about these craft kit gift ideas. They are | | | | assortment of small craft stencils, acrylic paints, tape |
| more than gifts - they are an opportunity to create | | | | or stencil adhesive, and stencil brushes, as well as |
| something wonderful. | | | | spray varnish or lacquer. |
| Candlemaking 101 | | | | Gingerbread Mobile Home |
| Take an aluminum saucepan - an old one is fine - or | | | | For the cook, find a good gingerbread house project, |
| buy a new wax melting pot. Fill it with the basics: | | | | buy all of the imperishable ingredients, forms and |
| paraffin, stearic acid, candle wicks, a wax | | | | decorations, throw in a set of wooden spoons, and |
| thermometer, fragrance oils, and wax dyes (or | | | | deliver it all in a basket saying "Congratulations On |
| crayons). Include a mold and instructions. For the | | | | Your New House!" |
| seasoned candle maker, get extravagant with the | | | | Ribbon, Ribbon, I've Been Thinkin' |
| scents and dyes, as well as specialty wicks. Tie it all | | | | For the amateur weaver, find project instructions of |
| up in a ribbon. | | | | simple woven placemats made of ribbon on a fusible |
| Embroidery Fun | | | | web backing. Supply the plans, the webbing, and all of |
| Take an embroidery hoop and several needles, a | | | | the ribbon for a full set. Put it in a bog with the tag "I'll |
| pattern and instructions, and enough embroidery thread | | | | be over for dinner in three weeks." |
| to finish it. Fold them all into a plain shirt or jacket that is | | | | Scraps Again? |
| crying for embellishment and place in pretty box. | | | | Select a recent photographed event in your friend's life. |
| Choose the difficulty of the pattern for the beginner or | | | | Gather together a small scrapbook, appropriate papers |
| expert. | | | | and embellishments to fit the theme. Add whatever |
| Beading Time | | | | essentials, like glue sticks and mounting squares, you |
| Start with an empty egg carton. Fill each compartment | | | | think will be necessary. Present them in a gift bag, with |
| with an assortment of beads, sequins, and other | | | | an offer to go through the photos and help get the |
| stringables. Include several yards of beading thread or | | | | layout planned. |
| wire, and instructions for an appropriate project like a | | | | I hope these ideas are enough to get your creative |
| pin or bracelet. | | | | engine turning. These gifts can be made even more |
| Decoupage Your Heart Out | | | | personal with your offer to help them get started. You |
| Start with a plain paper mache box or container, or an | | | | may discover that you have kindled a dormant crafting |
| empty cigar box. Fill it with the essentials: decoupage | | | | interest - or sparked an aficionado's ambitions. These |
| medium, brushes in various sizes, manicure scissors, | | | | are truly gifts that keep giving - in fact, the final |
| and patterned paper, collage sheets, or printed vintage | | | | creation may come back to you with "interest. |