Ten Days!
…I’m here to help!
It’s the 15th of December. Have you failed to start collecting gifts for loved ones? The internet is littered with gift guides at the moment, tailored to every specific buying scenario one could think of. I hope this is an alternative. Here’s a list of some of the best DIY projects from around the blogosphere. I tried to pick uncomplicated projects with easy to find supplies that are a little more tasteful than that macaroni and yarn necklace you gave to your mum when you were eight. Hopefully they’ll get you out of that bind…Happy making!
Oh Happy Day’s Matisse Inspired Mobile
Utilising warm metallics, this mobile is inspired by Matisse’s cut outs. His famous paper collages are bright, abstract and playful and this decorative piece evokes these elements. Hang it in a modern nursery or in the corner of a library or workspace – it’s the perfect gift for the art appreciator in your life. See all the details here.
A Beautiful Mess Makes Apple Butter
If your looking for a gift that can be made in mass quantities – this is it! Apple butter is delicious and versatile, most people love it and you can make it in a large batch and divvy it up into small portions to give out to colleagues or to sell at a bake sale. Add a homemade tag and some ribbon and you’re good to go. Get all the details here. Elsie and Emma have curated their own list of their favourite 15 DIY projects — check it out here!
Design Love Fest’s Wreath DIY
Bri Emery has her hand in many (fabulous) pots at the moment. Check out her wreath DIY here, which would be perfect for a Mum, Grandma or as a hostess gift. Fragrant and hearty enough to last the entire season, it’s sure to please! Get the DIY instructions here, or see photos from her latest wreath workshop here for some added design inspiration.
Evermine’s Hot Chocolate on a Stick
Another gift that can be created on mass, this is a great gift to send a kid to school with for friends and teachers or to give out to neighbours. With few ingredients you can make a sweet little package that will warm bellies and hearts! Get the ingredients list here, and they’ve also included some clever packaging ideas.
A Delicate Ombre Necklace on Cupcakes & Cashmere
Emily Schuman has great taste! She posted this DIY for a delicate ombre necklace a couple of years ago and it’s stuck in my mind since. This is the perfect gift for a sister or best friend. Special as it’s homemade, customizable to her favourite colours. Check out Emily’s how to here.
Peanut Butter Fudge via A Cup of Jo
This is the perfect gift for the sweet tooth in your life. It’s surprisingly easy to throw together and you can’t go wrong with peanut butter and chocolate! Again, a pretty package and handmade card to finish this gift off and you’re all set. Get the recipe on Joanna’s site here.
Monochrome Prints by Little Green Notebook
A lot of us have access to photoshop these days, but not a lot of us put it to good use. Jenny over at Little Green Notebook, inspired by a print of Elizabeth Taylor, decided to make a monochrome print of her grandmother to hang in her children’s play room. She’s written out full step-by-step directions on how to create your own large scale prints from any photo. This would be a great gift idea for the new home owner in your life (lots of bare walls to fill). Read all about it here.
Lauren Conrad’s Ten Dates
This one might be a little more conceptual — but instead of getting your significant other a single gift, why not give them the gift of your time! Lauren’s idea to put some date ideas in a jar to be randomly drawn is a sweet one. They range in ideas from a hike to breakfast in bed. Read her post on it here. Naomi, over at Love Taza also has a similar tradition with her husband. Every year they try to go on twelve dates during the holiday season. She’s written a post with ideas on how you can spend some festive quality time with your partner here. I love her idea of visiting Santa, sans children.
The Kitchn Solves Two Problems with Wine Syrup
After a good holiday booze up, there is inevitably a bottle left half drunk for the host to deal with. The Kitchn has ideas for a little waste-not want-not project — make wine syrup! Delicious on berries, or with yogurt, swirl through ice cream or add to salad dressing, it’s a versatile sauce that is easily whipped up. Package it in a pretty bottle and it can be passed on as a hostess gift, or to your red wine loving sister. Directions are listed here.
These are all such great ideas!
there are too many great ideas out there! it was hard to pick.