Courtesy of Disney Wardrip
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Check out this gorgeous craft shown off at Ruffles & Stuff. Using an old clock and a very old, well-loved book, craftster Disney Wardrip came up with a whimsical upcycled accessory.
This holiday season, you can pledge to both buy and receive only handmade goods. And when you practice upcycling, that means taking part in one of the most eco-friendly holidays possible. Beyond just being easy on the carbon footprint, handmade gifts tend to be the keeper items. But that's only when you as the crafter follow a few principles.
It's one thing to whip something up just to have something to give, and it's another thing to make gifts that are impressively hand-made.
This book clock project is a beautiful, elegant gift to create for someone using repurposed materials. Yet, it's just the start of the possibilities for green, handmade gifts for the holiday season. This project encompasses three traits that make it an ideal holiday gift, and by putting these three traits in all your craft projects, your gift giving will hold much more meaning.
Rule #1: Make It Something The Person Would Buy For Themselves
The best gifts are things people actually want and will use. Go beyond just making whatever old craft for someone, and figure out what the person would likely want for themselves if they were wandering through a store. Then make it better. Add in touches that turn your gift into something unique and personalized - but that doesn't mean painting the person's name onto the side. Figure out little personality traits to incorporate, considering how the person will use the object, their favorite colors, things they would add onto a store-bought item to make it fit their personality better, and so on. By adding in these subtle things that suit the recipient's style, you'll create something they will really appreciate.
Rule #2: Make It Look Like It Could Be Bought In A Store
Shabby chic is perfectly fine, but make sure that your gift isn't thrown together. Even if it's a last minute DIY gift, take the time for the little touches that create a polished gift. Though we can't always put our finger on it, we know the difference between a brand name item and a knock off - there's just something about the brand name that sings of quality and care. Make your item have that feeling by allowing at least a bit of your perfectionist side to show through. When you're done with your craft, ask yourself if you would you be proud to show it off to everyone you know if you were receiving it. If the answer is yes, then you're ready to wrap it up.
Rule #3: Make It Like It's Supposed To Be an Heirloom
If you take the energy to make something that really suits the recipient's personality, and you've taken the time to make it look like it was professionally made, then take the care to make it really last. Create gifts that are not only worthy of being passed down to the grandchildren, but also that will last that long (unless of course it's baked goods...then make it so that it'll only last about .5 seconds after being unwrapped!). Of course not all your gifts are intended to be heirloom items, but craft them as if they are. The best gifts are those made with that kind of care and thought.
Ready to have a handmade holiday but not sure where to start? Check out these additional resources we have for you to make this a handmade holiday season:
Top 9 DIY Holiday Gifts
10 Holiday Decorations You Can Make from Recyclables
Make Your Own Recycled Jewelry!
Top 10 Sites for Do It Yourself Projects
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