Make These DIY Holiday Gifts

If you’re strapped for cash this holiday season or a bit burned out from all of the crowded malls, you may want to make gifts by hand for your loved ones instead of purchasing them. Here are three great ideas for handmade holiday gifts that are much more special than something store-bought.

Mason Jar Soup Mixes
If you’re searching for the perfect gift for a foodie friend, try making homemade soup mixes in adorable mason jars. This tutorial offers more than 30 different types of soups to choose from, and the various ingredients will look decorative and colorful when layered inside of the jar.

Snuggly Shawl
This stylish shawl is easy to make as a gift no matter your level of knitting expertise. It’s so simple that you can work on it bit by bit while you relax at home, and the end result is so fashionable and functional that your loved one will wear it all winter long.

Peppermint Candy Sugar Scrub
For the beauty product enthusiast, this DIY sugar scrub is a luxurious and deliciously scented holiday gift. All of the ingredients are entirely natural and safe to use, and the lovely pink and white colors look adorable when poured into the glass jar. Best of all, the peppermint scent is perfect for the winter season.

How to Give a Second Life to Glass Jars and Bottles

There are a number of creative DIY projects that you can use to transform empty bottles and jars into something truly beautiful. Here are three great ideas to try this weekend!

Tequila Bottle Hummingbird Feeders [blog.diynetwork.com]
In this creative tutorial, you’ll learn how to flip your old tequila bottles on their necks – literally – and turn them into eclectic hummingbird feeders. All it takes is some colorful wire, beads and a spout at the bottom.

Yarn Wrapped Bottles [thecraftedlife.com]
Create a colorful display of tiered bottles by wrapping a few different shaped bottles in stripes of colored yarn. After you’re done, you can even use them as flower vases.

Etched Oil and Vinegar Bottles [thecraftedlife.com]
If you’ve always wanted to try your hand at glass etching, this simple (and functional) tutorial will walk you through your first attempt with some beautiful results.

Clutter Cramping Your Style? Here’s How to Get It Under Control!

So you might not be the neatest person in the world, but that doesn’t mean that you have to deal with clutter cramping the style in your apartment. There are a number of smart, simple ways to de-clutter your space without spending hours cleaning every day. Here are just a few tips for managing the mess.

  • Think function, not fashion. Sure, that matching furniture set might look great, but that doesn’t mean that it actually works in the room. Having too large furniture (or even too much furniture) is a surefire way to make a room look cluttered. Downsize to maximize your space.
  • Create a place for everything. Go through your home and make a note of everything that doesn’t have its own designated space, from the stack of mail to your everyday beauty products. Invest in small bins or drawer organizers where you can toss things to keep them out of sight.
  • Add shelving. Keep things off of the floor by adding shelving anywhere that clutter frequently accumulates. Add attractive bins or boxes that you can put things in.
  • Spend a few minutes. Take a few minutes before bed each night to make one final sweep of your home, putting things away and getting organized. Waking up to a tidy house will make you want to get in the habit of de-cluttering.

Clear Clutter and Take Control of Your Life [All You]
Clutter Control in 10 Steps [Family Circle]
25 Ways to Clear Clutter [Style at Home]

4 Fun Ways to Recycle Old Magazines

We all have a stockpile of magazines somewhere in our home. Sure, you could simply toss them in the recycling bin, but why not use them in creative ways around the house? Check out these great uses for old magazines.

Use magazines as gift wrap. It seems to be the law of nature that you always use up a roll of wrapping paper halfway through wrapping a gift. Stop buying that expensive wrapping paper and use old magazines. The glossy pages make the gifts fun and bright. You can even turn magazine pages into gift bows. Check out an easy tutorial here.

Make a paper flower centerpiece. Flowers are an easy way to brighten up your home, but they tend to die quickly. Make flowers that last forever out of old magazines. It's easy and quick to do; just follow the instructions here.

Design your own jewelry. Make your own one-of-a-kind pieces of jewelry out of paper. Experiment with different color and sizes to design bracelets, necklaces, earrings, and more. Watch this great YouTube video to learn how to make paper beads.

Make unique coasters. Protect the table surfaces in your house with recycled coasters. These coasters are made by weaving strips of paper together. All you need are some magazines and scissors. Check out these great instructions. If you're feeling especially crafty, make a whole set. These coasters also make great gifts.

Make a Gift Bow Out of Scrap Paper [Crafting a Green World]
How to Make Flowers with Magazine Paper [Fab Mum]
How-To Make Recycled Paper Beads, Threadbanger [YouTube]
Start Weaving Magazine Coasters [Fidgety Fingers]

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