Handmade Christmas Gifts Part 1

Let's continue with my handmade Christmas gifts. Since Christmas is only a few short days away, I'll cram several projects into each post.  Sorry, it's a long one!

1. Pin Cushion Picture Frame

This pin cushion is for my Grandma.  She is a big sewer and probably already has plenty of places to stash her pins.  However, she recently moved to a smaller home and keeps her sewing machine in her bedroom now.  I thought a pretty frame would be a nice addition.  

I don't really have a tutorial for this one... it's pretty simple.  I got my inspiration from here.  I would gladly pay the price for the kit, but I knew I could find something at my thrift store that would fit her decor better.  Sure enough, I found this pretty, distressed silver frame.  It's important to find one that you can easily take off the back and then re-secure it.  

Pick out your fabric, grab some batting, and neatly bunch it up on the frame back or the glass.  Pull the fabric tightly around the batting to give it a nice shape and add firmness.  I used masking tape to secure the fabric and then inserted it into the frame and put the backing back on.  Stick in some pretty pins and you're done!

I also made my Grandma a bookmark out of ribbon and an owl pendant.  I forgot to take pictures, but I'll try to add one soon.  It's cute!

2. Etched glasses

My dad likes his beer.  And so does Brett!  I usually get them some kind of craft beer, but wanted to make it more personal this year.  Good ol' Martha Stewart suggests etching glasses.  I searched for the lowest price for Armour Etch and then got busy creating my own stencil by using an Exacto knife and painter's tape.  Make sure you firmly press down all edges to keep the solution from seeping under the tape.  

My first attempt turned out rather poorly.  I couldn't get an even finish and the monogram didn't stand out.  I kept trying to fix it, but just made it worse!  So, I bought the mugs and tried again.  Success!  My suggestion is to practice on some old glass to figure out what works for you.  

I wanted to do more glasses but wasn't sure I could handle it if they didn't turn out as I envisioned.  Back to Hobby Lobby for some glass etching paint.  This stuff seems easier to use and has more consistent outcomes.  However, it doesn't actually etch the glass so I'm not sure about durability.  I created a pattern out of painter's tape on the wine glasses and then went to town.  The trick with this is to take off the tape almost as soon as you are done painting to get the cleanest lines.  Even though my lines aren't that clean, I think my step-mom will enjoy them.

3. Flavored toothpicks

 
My grandpa is a toothpick fan.  He stopped smoking decades ago by replacing cigarettes with toothpicks.  I came across this pin and thought he might like a bit of variety in his toothpicks.  We'll see if he actually uses them!  I just followed the directions in the tutorial with the flavors of my choice.  My kitchen smelled great for a few days!  I made some quick labels and called it done.

Check back soon for homemade salt scrub, a mini cornhole set, and a cornhole scoreboard/drink holder.  

What kind of Christmas gifts do you prefer?  Handmade or store bought?  Gift cards?  Food?  Or just a friendly gesture?