That's really a great idea, Sommer. You can get some beautiful old dishes at thrift stores. I thought of an idea for my niece, who is VERY hard to please (My sis buys her EVERYTHING she wants, so nothing I can afford is good enough.) She just redecorated her bedroom, and I think I am going to make her a memory board. I'll buy a cheap cork board and cover it with fabric and ribbons that match her room. I think she would really like it. I read through one set of knitting directions online. Ive figured out the casting on, but am having trouble figuring out the first row from the directions. I'm going to take at look at the site you posted, Sommer.
You can do a memory board with just some thick cardboad and the ribbons.. they just put their pics and things under the ribbon.. check I think familyfun magazines website for directions.. I think it was in their mag a year or so ago. Let me know if you need another video site.. well here this one is good for just starting out: http://www.theknittingsite.com/videosswf.htm I knit in continental style.. it's really easy if you have ever crocheted to pick up on the how too's of it.
You all have wonderful ideas!!! I love this thread!!!! Ems and I have been working on ornaments that we made out of homemade play dough. We glittered them with diamond dust and are going to add the bows this weekend. Instead of painting them, we added coloring to the dough. After they dried, they were a lot nicer than I thought they would be.
This sounds great. I have been throwing the idea around to do all homemade gifts this year. But I am not all that crafty. I have been in a craft swap for the last 4 months with another fourm. It has really helped me. Right now I am making a first aid kit. I stenciled it and it is turning out great. One thing you may like to make are called boo boo bags. You can put rice or flax or buckwheat in them. Use them cold or hot.
Rice Packs is actually on my list of possibilities for the inlaws Putting an extra cover on them that can be removed and washed makes them stay nice longer, and putting some lavendar in them makes them very soothing
I got a rice pack last year for Christmas from my step-mom. I really like it. I was thinking yesterday, that I might give each of the kids a decorated terra cotta pot with a bag of soil & packet of flower seeds. My sister's kids & my kids all enjoy working in the garden, so they might like to grow their own.
Here is a great site for all things homemade. This link is for the boo boo bags. http://www.sewmamasew.com/blog2/?p=280
Writing paper done fancy! Take a pretty place mat, fold it 1/3 of the way up. Sew the ends and two places in the middle and make them equal. Close with a pretty ribbon sewn on and you fill with writing paper, envelopes, stamps and a pen.
oh Katie, you just gave me the best idea!!!! Well sort of, it's something I've seen before, but forgot about! It does require some crafting skills.. sewing mostly. Portable chalkboards. You buy that chalkboard paint and paint a piece of canvas, then you frame it with a sturdy fabric, back it with another or even the same fabric. sew on a ribbon on one side so that you can roll up the matt and tie it up. The idea is hard to explain.. but maybe they can be found by google??? Also I-spy bags, a bit of sewing, but very cute in the end.
That sounds cute! On the one that I submitted you can also sew on cool patches like butterflies to make it girly!
I just had another brain storm.. taking your placemat idea and making an art "book" for my boys. Some markers and crayons and a stack of drawing paper.. yeah!!! Here is a link to directions for the chalk mats: http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/347748/diy_chalkboard_place_mats_how_to_make.html?cat=25
Oh look at this for boys!!! http://jas.familyfun.go.com/arts-and-crafts?page=CraftDisplay&craftid=11343
I also think I will create and make some "school" games for my kids. I have a book called "Mega-Fun Math Games".. and maybe I can come up with some grammar games and maybe some other subject games too.
I fold 1/3 from the left and then fold the other 1/3 on the right hand side over the left hand side. Hope I haven't confused you. Kinda like folding a burrito!
I think I was a bit word challenged. :lol: I would like to make one for my cousin's birthday, when I do, I will post a pic of it for you. She will be 14.
