When you think handmade, what first comes to mind?  Despite my knowing better, I still think of things like macaroni enhanced scrapbook pages, and cookies.  Don’t get me wrong, I’m sure lots of people love to receive cookies as a gift.  Heck, I would!  But one would hope there is more to DIY handmade gift crafting, and the quick answer is yes, yes there is!

Essentially anything you could think of could be a DIY gift; even a computer if you have a family member that is so inclined to put all the parts together.

If you don’t already have a crafting hobby, I can guarantee that at least one group shopping site (like Groupon, FabFind, DealFind, etc.) has a hobby that you could try, and give the result to someone for a holiday treat.  I remember there was a silk-screening DIY workshop held sometime over the summer months, and just recently a pottery class… here, give me a sec, and I’ll find something going on right now.

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Woot!  Okay how about making some wine and gifting to your friends through Groupon?  They will LOVE you for this! 😀 (Found this DIY in under five minutes, yo!)

Were you thinking about giving a friend or loved one a sweet piece of jewelry? How about going to Michael’s Craft Store and picking up the right pieces to make that statement piece yourself!  Crazy looking bracelets are in, and just so easy to create, you’ll have fun making it and I can tell you from personal experience how much it warms your heart when your sister or grandmother wears an item that you made.

Not sure what kind of bracelet to make?  How about trying to make your own Shamballa Style Bracelet? (YouTube tutorial vid from link.)  You can find gorgeous round beads and thread at most craft stores or specialty beading stores!

I actually managed to get most of my holiday shopping done this year already.  And yes, some DIY was involved in the gift procuring process this year!  I love making jewelry and my own greeting cards, and I find that the winter season is a great time to play!

Here are a couple pendant necklaces that I’m gifting this year (though I won’t tell you to whom! :p)

Holiday Squirrel

Holiday Pendant Squirrel

Holiday Flare

Holiday Pendant Floral

These were really easy to make with a couple fender washers, decorative rubber stamps, some Stazon black ink, glitter/craft ink (for colouring), and a resin type glue to top it all off!

I’ll just hope that the recipients will enjoy wearing these as much as I had fun making them!

Do you have some DIY crafting planned for the holidays?  What fun stuff do you have planned?? 🙂