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I looked but couldn't find an inexpensive gift thread and we usually have one around this time of year. If I've missed it, somebody bump it and I'll delete this one.
At any rate, I have a couple of ideas.
This year I'm doing homemade bath salts again because it's been some years since I did them. I bought some really pretty glass bottles at Michaels for 99 cents each. The ones in that picture have been painted, but I left mine clear so the color of the bath salts could show through. Then we but some beads on the bottle, similar to what is in that photo.
My bath salt recipe is 2 parts Epsom salts, 1 part sea salt and 1/4 part baking powder. Use baking powder. You may want to add the powder in smaller segments, mixing it as you go because you don't need much at all, just enough to give the salts some softness. Mix it all together, I just use my hands. Then, all you need to do is add coloring and scent. I use soap dyes and soap scents available at Michaels or another craft store. Start with just a few drops and work them in, building up until you have the scent and color you want. You can do the whole batch one color and scent or divide it out. I split mine in thirds - I have lavender scent/lavender color, sandalwood scent/green color and plumeria scent/peach color. Total cost for each will depend on how many different types you do, the most expensive thing you'll buy are the scents and dyes. But it's easily less than $5.00 per bottle.
Posts: 14428 | Registered: Aug 2001
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Another idea. Again with glass bottles - I found some at a different store that were shaped like small jars, had a cork top, and came with a small wooden spoon that fit into a small glass loop on the side of the bottle.
I'm going to fill these with homemadebread dipping spices and attach a tag with the instructions. Don't know the final cost yet becuase I'm going to use fresh herbs where possible and haven't purchasd them yet, so I'll let you know.
Posts: 14428 | Registered: Aug 2001
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Finally, for all my nieces I'm making beaded bookmarks similar to this one. The bookmarks I'm using are not that pretty wavy style though, I found some straight ones for about $.70 a piece. To each one I'll add some beads and a charm I picked out just for them. We already had wire for beading and other basic supplies including some beads, but I did order some more. By the time you figure the bookmark, beads, wire, and the charm the total comes out to be about $3.40 per piece, most of that cost was in the charm.
In addition to the bookmark each child is getting a $10 gift card to a bookstore near them.
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This year I'm making "book thongs" as gifts. I take a piece of thick thread or thin cord/yarn, and knot beads on each end. I make sure there is a section of non-beaded thread/cord in the middle long enough to stretch the length of a book with the beads dangling out the top and bottom of the book. I already have tons of beads left over from other projects as well as a few focal beads I've been saving but didn't have any specific project in mind. The yarn I'm using was only a couple of bucks for a whole spool. I've cut 50 lengths out of it and have barely made a dent, so my cost-per-thong is probably between one and two dollars actual value and even less in perceived out of pocket cost.
It could get expensive if you have to buy all the beads up front. Some beads I'm using cost up to 50 cents apiece. But you can also buy large mixes of beads that will give you a variety to choose from and reduce the cost to well below a penny a bead. Most craft stores have a bead section, but the best prices are online.
Posts: 6394 | Registered: Dec 1999
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I've made those bookmarks, too, Belle. They make great gifts. I find the thongs work better for me. The metal bookmards kept sliding out of my books due to the weight/thickness.
Most of the beads I've used, I've gotten from Fire Mountain Gems. Whenever I place an order, I also buy one of their Boss's Bags. It's a pound of miscellaneous beading stuff. It's really fun to sort through and always has several neat charms and a few really nice glass and gemstone beads along with tons of smaller beads and findings. My book thong project has been a fun way to use up a lot of the beads I didn't have any other project for.
Posts: 6394 | Registered: Dec 1999
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KarlEd, I've looked at Fire Mountain but never ordered. I thought about the thongs, but I figured these would be quicker - just use a jump ring to attach a bead, then another ring to add the charm and you're done.
I love Fire Mountain's gallery of designs, they have beautiful stuff in there.
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They probably are quicker. I have to condition the tips of the yarn with glue so I can thread it through the beads without a needle, since it's too think to use one. And I put probably 6 or 8 elements on each end counting beads, spacers, a stopper seed bead and maybe a charm. But even so I can get probably 10 or more done in an hour.
Also, you can use different colors of yarn, cord, or thread, adding to the design. (Of course, I say this but all of mine are made with very thin black yarn.) I've had great fun so far this year making them and no two look alike.
Posts: 6394 | Registered: Dec 1999
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Another inexpensive gift idea that I've enjoyed getting in the past has been a mason jar with the ingredients for cookies (minus things like eggs and milk) and the recipe on the lid or gift tag. You can layer the ingredients to make an attactive "sand art" kind of design in the jar, too, and/or cover the lid with a swatch of fabric before screwing on the ring. You can also do this with soup recipies (bean, or pasta, etc).
edit, Dang! I just saw this was pretty much what you posted in your second post above. Now I've GOT to come up with something original!!!! Posts: 6394 | Registered: Dec 1999
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I am making stone pavers (just decorative ones--not for stepping) for everyone in my family. I have little square brick size plastic frames that I am filling with plaster of paris that I will either color before or paint after and before it sets I will press words into them using plastic letters. Either I will find quotes or bible verses or I will do their names. I can fit one or two words on each brick so they can place them any way they want in their gardens. I am thinking I might do the names, like have one brick say "The Scotts" and 3 others that say James, Christine, and Cailyn.
This is only going to cost me the price of plaster of paris--about $5 for a large container.
Anyone have experience with this stuff? Which way would be better to color it?
Posts: 1319 | Registered: Jul 2005
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I'm pretty sure plaster of paris won't last long outdoors, especially as a paver. You might check a hardware store for something more weather durable for outdoor use.
Plaster of Paris should be fine for anything strictly for indoor display or maybe in a covered porch area (but not for foot traffic, I think).
Posts: 6394 | Registered: Dec 1999
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I'm making fizzy bath bombs, chocolate lip balm, and a few other things along those lines (haven't decided what else yet) for the women on my list this year. All recipes from recipezaar. Posts: 21182 | Registered: Sep 2004
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KarlEd, I love your idea for book thongs... I know you've mentioned it in previous threads of this type. What kind of yarn are you using? Is it worsted weight? What fiber? I have a lot of yarn scraps from old projects, mostly acrylic... will that work well? Have you ever used rawhide strips?
Posts: 2069 | Registered: May 2001
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Another question --- How long does it typically take Fire Mountain Gems to deliver an order? Is it too late for Christmas?
Edit - I see they ship either FedEx or Priority Mail, so that should be okay. Anything less than priority mail takes MONTHS to get to Hawaii. Posts: 2069 | Registered: May 2001
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Hahaha... I was going to tell you that Fire Mountain Gems is pretty good at delivery times, but I forgot that you lived in Hawaii, maui babe. (Not sure how I could forget with your nick right there in front of me, but I did.) I've only ordered from them once. I ordered some of their hill tribe silver beads. Those can be a bit expensive, but one goes a long way, especially on a leather or rubber cord for an awesome and simple necklace.
I like the idea of Karl's book thongs, as well. Beads are fun to work with. I am not a knitter or a crocheter (is that a word?), but I have always been a bit crafty. I used to make little friendship bracelets for my friends and paint little canvases for school projects as a kid. I do want to learn how to knit wire though. I think the items I could end up making would be fun little gifts, especially using colorful base metal wire. (The sterling stuff will come later when I am a bit more experienced.) Also, I have a wire jig that can shape metal wire into funky shapes for earrings and bracelet links. I need to use that more.
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I thought a link to my thread from months ago would be appropriate. Lots of people left good ideas--including some talk about book thongs. I'm doing crocheted ones and bath salts. I'm really happy Belle posted about soap dyes and scents, though. It occurs to me that potpourri scents wouldn't be fun for the skin.
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Katarain, I KNEW there was another thread, I searched under "inexpensive gift" and couldn't find it. Now I know why. Thanks for linking to it!
Posts: 14428 | Registered: Aug 2001
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Man - Nathan and I made homemade calendars last year for everyone, complete with pictures, artwork, etc.
I decided this year I was doing the second-hand store route and finding neat collectibles for folks. For example, I found a nifty out-of-print book for my father ($15), and antique rooster theme salt-n-pepper shakers for my mom ($20.00).
*grin*
But, I like the craft ideas - I can start working on projects for next year!
Posts: 5609 | Registered: Jan 2003
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quote:Originally posted by maui babe: KarlEd, I love your idea for book thongs... I know you've mentioned it in previous threads of this type. What kind of yarn are you using? Is it worsted weight? What fiber? I have a lot of yarn scraps from old projects, mostly acrylic... will that work well? Have you ever used rawhide strips?
Most yarn is going to be too big. You need something that is 1 mm or less in diameter, yet strong enough to withstand a bit of pulling. I'm using a yarn that comes in a ball, like twine. I think it's some kind of tatting yarn. I'll check when I get home and tell you exactly what I'm using. Basically, though, you want to shop around for something much thicker than most thread and much thinner than most yarn. Some leather, plastic, or coated wires used for jewelry work, but don't knot very well. You'd have to use crimp beads instead of knots to hold everything on (or put up with large knots, but I'm picky )
Alternatively, if you exclusively use large holed beads, you can use any string, yarn, or cord that will fit through the holes in the beads. Make sure whatever you use you can pull it firmly without breaking it.
Posts: 6394 | Registered: Dec 1999
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Here's my basic instructions. Anyone who tries this and can add tips or improve the clarity, please let me know. I'd like to teach a class on these at the local bead store and I want to develop good instructions.
BASIC INSTRUCTIONS
1. Cut a 15 inch length of string and thread it through a bead. (This is assuming 10 inches of beadless thread with 2 inch groups of beads on either end. You can vary this, making smaller thongs for paperbacks or using just a couple of beads on each end. It's up to you). 2. Tie a knot in the string as close to one end as possible and push the bead down against that knot. Make sure it will not slip over the knot. (see tips below). Any "tail" will be trimmed off. 3. Thread your beads for the first end in the order you want them from the other end of the string. Push them down the string to rest on the first bead. 4. Tie a knot just above the top bead on that end. (see tips below) 5. Tie another knot in the string 10 inches or so above the knot in step 4. 6. Add your beads in the order you wish on this end. 7. Tie a knot stopper-knot on this end. 8. Trim the string on both ends as close to the knot as possible without cutting the knot. 9. Add a drop of glue to the end knots to prevent them from unraveling in the future. (I put a droplet of glue on a piece of paper and dip the end knots in the drop. You only need a coating. You don't want a glob) 10. Let the glue dry and you're done.
Variation for Charms: Instead of tying a knot in the string to hold your first bead, use a bead with a hole that will let you thread the string through twice. Thread the bead on the string. Thread on a charm. Then thread the string back through the bead and tie the knot above that end bead. Add a drop of glue to seal the knot.
Tips: 1. If the bead next to the knot has a hole larger than the knot you can either use a different bead with a smaller hole, or use a "seed bead" as a stopper-bead. Seed beads are tiny beads that come in a huge range of colors. You can choose a color that adds to your design, or you can choose a demure color that will hardly be visible. I've done both. Seed beads might be a little difficult to thread on the string, but persistence definitely pays off. 2. When tying knots against beads, it helps to tie the knot around a large needle, or awl, and slide the knot up against the end bead with the needle before tightening. Tighten the knot while sliding the needle out. This will help keep your bead groups tight. 3. When using flaccid string or yarn, condition it first by applying glue to about 1/2 inch of each end. Let the glue dry. This will stiffen the ends and act as a needle when threading on the beads. NOTE: Just coat the ends, don't leave globs as they will likely be larger than the holes in your beads. 4. You can use any cord, yarn, thread, or thin wire. I'm still experimenting, but so far I prefer very thin yarn or thread like "tatting thread". You want something relatively strong but no larger than 1 mm in diameter for most beads. If you're using large-holed beads exclusively, you can use a thicker substance like leather cord or hemp. 5. Be careful when buying pearls, especially glass pearls. I'm finding that sometimes the holes are extra tiny. If they are glass pearls, sometimes the hole in the glass interior of the pearl is large enough, but the coating has narrowed it. You can use a bead reamer to enlarge the hole, or if you are very careful you can use a needle, twisting it slightly to enlarge the hole. You have to be extra careful, especially with faux pearls as the coating can be chipped of while doing this, ruining the pearl.
I'll try to post some photos of the book thongs I've made so far, later tonight.
Posts: 6394 | Registered: Dec 1999
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Is there a way to attach a photo to a post? I made felt nativity puppets a couple years ago, but all I have is a photo on my hard drive, no URL to link to.
Posts: 3149 | Registered: Jul 2005
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Upload it to flicker (or yahoo or some other free photo hosting site) and link to it there in your post. Other than that there is no way to add a photo inside a post on this forum. It's set up to prevent that.
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Here's an idea from someone who (except for knitting) is not particularly crafty. While I am usually "the book aunt", one of the best gifts I ever gave my nieces was a box of "dress-up clothes". I went to second-hand shops and Salvation Army, etc. and got several prom/bridesmaid type dresses. Size doesn't matter for dress-up clothes, but get pretty colours - stuff with "jewels" sewn on is especially good. Maybe throw in some cheap but glittery jewelry - old mardi gras beads, for example. These are also great "treasure" for imaginary dragons to steal.
This became the corner-stone of a great costume collection for the girls and encouraged a lot of creative play - making up stories to act out, etc.
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One year, I made cookie dough (choc chip, gingersnap, oatmeal raisin, snickerdoodle etc...) and then using a cookie scoop made balls to fill up a jelly roll pan and put them in the freezer. After they were frozen, I put them in those disposable containers (usually around a dozen per container) printed up cute instructions for baking with the title "Here's some extra dough for the holidays". It was a big hit and people loved that they could have fresh home-baked cookies whenever they wanted without the mess. Plus a lot of people really enjoyed not having to eat it when it was delivered like they would if I'd have given them a plate of cookies.
Posts: 697 | Registered: Nov 2005
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Uprooted, were your puppets like a mitten with a thumb on both sides? I made those too and my kids LOVE them. I used 2 pices of the same color of felt per puppet, cut them out in that mitten with two thumbs on either side shape and sewed them together (not inside out or anything) Then we decorated each puppet with fabric paints, hair, more felt, ric rac, bells, whatever...Joseph held a felt staff, Mary held a baby Jesus made of felt, the 3 kings each held a gift, we also did an angel, sheep, a donkey and a star...you can be creative in the shape to make these puppets. Fun project.
Posts: 697 | Registered: Nov 2005
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On the link to the other thread, someone mentioned making ornaments. I made little gingerbread boys, hearts and stars, baked them, painted them and then tied them together with raffia into a garland. I made one for my mom with each gingerbread boy bearing the name of a person in our family. Darling. Here's the recipe for the salt dough 1 c salt 1 1/4 c water 3 c flour
Dissolve salt in water, add 1 c flour at a time until it's soft and pliable. Roll out, shape it whatever (note, the thicker the pieces, the longer it will take to bake) Bake on a cookie sheet at 250 degrees until they are hard (usually around 2 hours). Paint with acrylic paints.
**If you do ornaments or the gingerbread boy garland, make holes before you bake. I found that a straw works best.
Gloop 8 oz white craft glue 1 c water 1 c warm water 1 1/2 t Borax powder tempra paint for color Pour glue into a large bowl, add water (not warm) and stir until blended. Add a few drops of paint and mix. Set this mixture aside. In a small bowl, stir warm water, borax until dissoolved. Slowly pour this into the first mixture, stirring continually for 2 minutes. Knead the gloop with your hands until it's smooth and stretchy. Store in an airtight container.
Bubble solution 1/3 c dish soap or baby shampoo 1 1/4 c water 2 t sugar 1 drop of food coloring Combine ingredients adn pour into an unbreakable container. To blow bubbles, experiment using straws, pipe cleaner, bery baskets and whatever else you can think of.
Play dough 1 c flour 1/2 c salt 3 Tbsp vegetable oil 1 c boiling water 1 package of Kool-Aid
Mix all ingredients and knead until smooth. If sticky, add more flour. Store in ziploc bag.
**Might be fun to make up baskets for kids with all of the above or even just a play dough one with some pvc pipe for a roller, some cookie cutters and several colors.
Posts: 697 | Registered: Nov 2005
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One neat gift idea I did one year was to collect pine cones, tie a colorful ribbon at the top for hanging, stuff them with peanut butter, and roll them in birdseed. Wrap them in plastic wrap and give them out as ornaments for feeding the birds.
Posts: 6394 | Registered: Dec 1999
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This year I just bought eeryone assorted Factor Gear from http://www.billoreilly.com/store. Everything is made in America and the profits go to charity so everyone wins.
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