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This holiday season give a gift that’s better than the next. A handcrafted keepsake fits that bill. Receiving a gift as special as this is priceless, and anyone can give it. Pick this project and you’ll be insured the pleasure of gift-giving success. The easy-to-assemble ideas below are perfect for a production line, so you won’t have a hard time making something for everyone.
Potpourri Ornaments
Items needed: Clear glass holiday ornaments and potpourri; fabric paint or ribbon optional.
Gently remove the wire ornament loop and fill the glass bulbs with potpourri. You’ll find that choosing your supplies is the most important step in this project. Take care to find ornaments with a larger opening at the top. It will also help to find fine potpourri—the smaller the pieces, the easier it will be to get them into the bulb. Be careful not to crack the top to the ornament by forcing large pieces of potpourri through the opening. To finish it off, tie ribbon to the neck of the ornament and use fabric paint to mark the year.
Cinnamon and Pinecone Wreath Candles
Items needed: Paraffin wax, tea lights (three to a candle), plastic juice containers, cinnamon sticks and a variety of small pinecones; color chips optional.
Cut off the bottom of the juice container leaving it about an inch deep. This is your mold. Place the pinecone and cinnamon sticks along the inside edge of the container. Carefully remove the tea lights from their tin casings, and then remove the wicks by pulling on the metal anchor on the bottom of the tea light. Place three wicks in the center of the container. Cut the wax into one inch squares and microwave on high for approximately five minutes. When the wax is melted, pour it into your mold—making sure that all the wicks stay upright. It’s best to use an oven mitt to protect your skin. The hot wax can be lethal. After your candles have cooled to the touch, you can remove them from their molds.
Decorative Holiday Storage Boxes
Items needed: White specialty gift boxes (preferably with separate lids), spray adhesive, medium weight holiday wrapping paper and trimmings like ribbon, braid, cord, fringe or tassels.
Choose a box large enough to hold some special ornaments or a Christmas card collection. A four-sided box will be easiest to work with, but once you get the knack of it you’ll be able to paper shaped boxes too. Use your box as a guide to layout a pattern on the backside of the wrapping paper. Add a ¼” allowance to the perimeter of the pattern and clip the corners. Spray the paper with adhesive, then gently wrap the box. It’s best to center the base of the box in the pattern, flip, smooth and move to the sides. Repeat the process for the lid. Top the creation with oodles of trimmings to mark the season and your done.
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