With Christmas around the corner, it is time to start preparing for the one thing I dread the most this season: Christmas shopping. Unfortunately, I have been cursed with the inability to come up with decent Christmas gift ideas for my family and friends, so like most shoppers, I wandered around Wal-mart, which was consumed by ridiculous Duck Dynasty merchandise everywhere, for several hours, hoping for the glimmer of a good idea for a Christmas present. Needless to say, I left without any good ideas and resorted to something I could count on: Google.
Thankfully, with the help of Google, I was landed into the world of “do it yourself,” or DIY, projects. I had found several heartwarming, inexpensive projects, both useful and non-useful, on the DIY section of Pintrest, www.pinterest.com.
One of the first crafts I looked at, and later completed, was a simple photo canvas project requiring only a few materials: tissue paper, scissors, Mod Podge (water sealant), a foam brush, computer/printer, and a canvas. The first thing that had to be done was that a photo or a graphic had to be created on a computer that then had to be printed onto a single piece of tissue paper. A thin layer of Mod Podge should be applied to the canvas, then the tissue could be applied quickly. Apply Mod Podge, sealing the corners and smoothing out the bubbles. Then, wait for it to dry, remove the paper and the image will be revealed. Apply another coat of Mod Podge, and it is finished.
The second was an even easier fringe infinity scarf requiring an old T-shirt and a pair of scissors. Cut off the top part, under where the armpit area would be, and cut off the bottom two to three inches of that part of the shirt. Proceed to make several slices at the bottom of the piece of fabric, pull the pieces to help separate them from each other, and the scarf is finished.
The final one, a hot cocoa mix ornament, would be a fun project to make with younger kids. It requires a clear large ornament, marshmallows, hot cocoa mix, candy canes (optional), sprinkles (optional), chocolate chips (optional). Fill the ornament part way with the hot cocoa mix and then layer on a variety of sprinkles, chocolate, chips, candy cane, or marshmallows.
As a bonus or a challenge for those who enjoy making bracelets or other jewelry, this might be worth a try. http://www.pinterest.com/pin/453526624946761968/ The result is a shiny silver patterned bracelet.
I hope this helps those who are struggling with Christmas gifts, as I am. These are not the only tutorials or DIY projects that Pintrest has posted. I highly suggest searching through the website for inspiration and wish everyone the best of luck on their Christmas shopping.
Photo Canvas Transfer: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/159244536796998942/
Fringe Scarf Project: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/453526624946761867/
Hot Cocoa Ornament : http://www.pinterest.com/pin/453526624946761841/
Braided Bracelet http://www.pinterest.com/pin/453526624946761968/