Last-Minute Gifts You Can Make

Snowman in Cup

The rush is on. Have you missed buying a gift for someone? Don’t worry, you still have time to hand-make something! Here are a few ideas below.

 

For Cat Lovers: Catnip Toy

If you have a sewing machine along with some everyday supplies, this will be an easy craft to make. You’ll make a small stocking for a cat to nip at.

 

Time Needed: 45 minutes

 

What You’ll Need

  • 2 pieces of heavy, woven fabric
  • 1 sheet of paper
  • A handful of pins
  • Scissors
  • Sewing machine
  • Heavy-duty thread
  • Twine, trim, and embellishments
  • 5-6 tbsp. of dry catnip
  • Spoon
  • Sewing needle

 

Instructions

  1. Create a stocking template out of paper, and cut two pieces of fabric identical in shape.
  2. Place both stocking pieces together, and pin with the right sides facing each other. Sew both edges together, but ensure that the top remains unsewn.
  3. Trim threads and turn stocking right-side-out.
  4. Use a spoon to fill stocking with dried catnip.
  5. Close the opening at the top by hand-stitching using a sewing needle and coordinating thread.
  6. Hand-sew a loop of twine to the heel of the stocking. Cut length of trim so that it can completely wrap around the stocking top and create a decorative cuff.
  7. Ensure that stocking is safe for cats to play with by sealing off any openings using a sewing needle.

 

For Those in Colder Climates: Fleece Blanket

If you live in a cold area, this can be a great gift to give for the upcoming cold nights. If you’re somewhere a bit warmer, this can be shipped to those who experience cold, snowy weather. 

 

Time Needed: 30 minutes

 

What You’ll Need

  • 2 yards of high-quality fleece
  • 7.5 yards of pom pom trim

 

Instructions

  1. Cut the selvedge edges straight on both sides of the fleece.
  2. Fold the fabric in half and ensure that your other two edges are cut straight as well.
  3. Fold the fleece again in half, matching each corner. Trace a curve onto one corner using a bowl, and cut a carved edge on all four corners.
  4. Start on a corner and line up the pom trim under the edge of the blanket.
  5. Sew the pom trim onto the blanket using a wide zigzag stitch.
  6. Once you sew almost all the way around, overlap the trim edges and fold under; then finish sewing. 

 

For Teachers or Coworkers: Mug Sleeves

If you need something for your child’s teacher or office grab bag, these mug sleeves are easy to make. Simply save a cardboard wrapper from your favorite coffee shop to give a “hand hug” on a cold day.

 

Time Needed: 5 minutes

 

What You’ll Need

  • 1 old, knitted sweater that you no longer wear
  • 1 cardboard sleeve from your favorite coffee shop
  • Scissors
  • 1 black permanent marker
  • Hot glue gun
  • 16-oz. hot beverage cup

 

Instructions

  1. Trace the pattern of the cardboard sleeve onto the sweater.
  2. Cut around the lines. You can use another sweater if you wish to create a thicker fabric.
  3. Wrap around the cardboard sleeve and apply hot glue underneath the sweater material.
  4. Glue both ends of the cardboard.
  5. Sew both ends of the sweater material together with a decorative button, if you wish. 

 

For Family Members & Spouses: Patterned Cell Phone Case

 

Is someone you know receiving a new phone? Consider making this cell phone case out of washi tape. This project will refer to colors as A, B, & C, so decide which colors you want to be your primary, secondary, and tertiary.

 

Time Needed: 15 minutes

 

What You’ll Need

  • Washi tape in 3 complimentary colors
  • Cell phone cover
  • Pencil
  • Scissors
  • Craft knife

 

Instructions

  1. Place one piece of your Color A washi tape on top of the cell phone cover at an angle.
  2. Use a pencil to mark the tape at the edge of the phone cover. Lift up the tape slightly to trim it. Cut off any excess tape, then lay it back down on the phone cover.
  3. Place one piece of your Color B washi tape down on the top of the cell phone cover to line up with the right side of your first piece of Color A washi tape.
  4. Repeat step 2. Then feel around for the camera hole. Use a craft knife and create an x on the tape over the hole. Fold the tape under the case so the camera is visible.
  5. Place one piece of your Color C washi tape on the top of the phone cover so the bottom end lines up with the left side of the Color B washi tape piece.
  6. Place a Color A piece and continue the pattern placing pieces in order (A, B, C, A, B, C) until your phone cover is filled with washi tape. 

 

Craft Inspiration From:

 

Hgtv.com

 

Itsalwaysautumn.com

 

Nestlingdesigns.blogspot.com

 

chroniclebooks.com

 

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