DIY/Homemade Christmas gift ideas

[ree-Xi]

I used to make beaded jewelry and (tried to) sell them, but stopped because I was only losing money. However, I developed the skills and have the tools to make stuff whenever I want. I hadn't made anything in the past few years, and my sisters actually have been bugging me for more jewelry.

So this year I'm making the gifts for all the women in my family - 11 just for siblings/moms/inlaws.

You can get the tools cheap and go to Michaels or a bead shop for cheap inventory. This year, I am using chain and crystals. All i need are needle-nose pliers and the materials.

Some bead shops have space and tools for you to use. That's how I learned!

[Senusret I]

Originally Posted by ree-Xi

I used to make beaded jewelry and (tried to) sell them, but stopped because I was only losing money. However, I developed the skills and have the tools to make stuff whenever I want. I hadn't made anything in the past few years, and my sisters actually have been bugging me for more jewelry.

So this year I'm making the gifts for all the women in my family - 11 just for siblings/moms/inlaws.

You can get the tools cheap and go to Michaels or a bead shop for cheap inventory. This year, I am using chain and crystals. All i need are needle-nose pliers and the materials.

Some bead shops have space and tools for you to use. That's how I learned!

My mom got into -- and out of -- jewelry making for the exact same reasons you gave. Now she just makes them as gifts, too.

[RaggedyAnn]

Originally Posted by ree-Xi

I used to make beaded jewelry and (tried to) sell them, but stopped because I was only losing money. However, I developed the skills and have the tools to make stuff whenever I want. I hadn't made anything in the past few years, and my sisters actually have been bugging me for more jewelry.

So this year I'm making the gifts for all the women in my family - 11 just for siblings/moms/inlaws.

You can get the tools cheap and go to Michaels or a bead shop for cheap inventory. This year, I am using chain and crystals. All i need are needle-nose pliers and the materials.

Some bead shops have space and tools for you to use. That's how I learned!

My brother's mother-in-law made me some crystal beaded wine tags using this talent.

Are your parents good about scrapbooking? If not, organizing some family photos would be a nice gift. You could pick a theme like Christmas.

[ThetaDancer]

Originally Posted by RaggedyAnn

Are your parents good about scrapbooking? If not, organizing some family photos would be a nice gift. You could pick a theme like Christmas.

I was going to suggest photos, as well. You could scrapbook them or just frame them nicely, depending on their style.

[honeychile]

Originally Posted by RaggedyAnn

My brother's mother-in-law made me some crystal beaded wine tags using this talent.

Just an FYI for those who are good at beading: I was about to buy these as a hostess gift from a reasonably priced store (read: not someplace like Williams-Sonoma) and they were $19 for four wine tags. If you can use your beading to make these, then you're looking quite pretty at a great price!