Every year at Christmas, hubby’s family draw names (come on, they are a family of eight daughters all of whom have spouses plus the 12 grandchildren, 3 spouses of the grandchildren, and 3 great grandchildren).

For the past couple of years, I have been hand crafting my holiday gifts for my “people”. I find that not only do the gifts fit in my budget that way, but they are something that comes directly from the heart (I also find the crafting to be quite relaxing).

Here are just a few samplings that are super easy to make:

Hand decorated picture frame for my mother-in-law

Super easy. Get any old picture frame – you can purchase plain wooden ones at craft stores or you can purchase just plain colored ones for super cheap at any type of store. Get yourself paints – puffy paints or acrylic paints – and paint away. You can add scrapbook stickers to embellish it as well!

Personalized Life Preserver Ring

I purchased the life preserver ring itself at Bass Pro Shop. The signature is that of my father in law’s late mother. My mother in law happened to have some paperwork lying around with her signature on it.

I blew up the original signature on the copier and then created a stencil (that was the hardest part. I would recommend poster board for the stencil.) I cut out the copy of the signature and then traced it onto the poster board. I then cut out the signature on the poster board (using an exacto knife).

I found that using a small spray can of black paint was the best option. I would recommend using thin layers of paint, allowing time to dry in between, to prevent running under the stencil.

I kept paint thinner on hand to clean up any errors, but overall, I was pleased with how it turned out.

Close up of the signature. Please keep in mind that these are handmade- not professional.

(Click on the link for instructions)

Blue and pink beaded bracelet with magnetic clasp and two picture frames.

I found the picture frame charms at the craft store. All I did was use one large piece of stretchy “string”. I placed my bracelet connector in the middle and then began beading each half of the “string”. When I was satisfied with length, I added in the picture frame charms (there were holes at the top and at the bottom which is why this was a double stringed bracelet) and then continued beading until it was complete, adding my connector to the other end.

Close up of the bracelet