I need ideas for the clumsy non-crafty person

[debilorrah]

I was gonna try the polymer egg thing, but I am just too unccordinated and clumsy for that. Does anyone have any ideas that are frugal and fun? We are so broke we can't pay attention...

 

[miss_thenorth]

Are ya talking about for Christmas presents?? I was thinking bath stuff with epsom salts, baking soda, and sea salts. ( I have recipes) Get jars at second hand stores, or old canning jars. That's my plan anyway. Not expensive, I think would be nice to receive.

 

[debilorrah]

Yes I am talking Christmas gifts and those recipes would be most welcome.. Thank you!

 

[birdnutz]

I checked a book out of the library years ago called 1001 things to do with trash. I used some of the things with children that I babysat. It does have some pretty neat ideas.

 

[miss_thenorth]

Quote:
I am busy alo during he day=-- but will get them to you tonight

 

[Sequin]

Making candle holders/votives/plates are usually easy and come out pretty. I got lots of compliments on mine that I made. You can use any type of old glass container that would be safe for a candle to burn in(small mason jars etc), a bag of flat sided glass marbles(I hope you know which ones I mean), and a thing of super glue or any other glass type glue. Then just glue the marbles on in some sort of pattern and voila - pretty artsy easy candle holders. I don't cover the entire surface with the marbles, just a nicely placed random pattern. You can also usually find scented votives/tea lights at reasonable prices in craft stores and dollar stores. Happy crafting!!!

p.s. I did this project with elementary aged school children and their mothers loved it, only we made flower vases - which you could also make and then pick wild flowers, poinsetta flowers, etc. to put in them and give them to your friends and family. So I Know it is an easy-to-do project that is very well received!

 

[Sequin]

Another super easy super quick gift idea for the dogs in your life:

Buy 3 yards of different color fleece
Cut all fabric into 4" strips length wise(or width wise for a shorter tug)
Take three pieces of cut fleece, knot one end, braid the 3 strands, and knot at the end.

Voila - you have just made a super great fleece dog tug that is fun for your canine friends and family. Fleece isn't super expensive either, so you can make several tugs for about $10 or so. Not only that, but there is no sewing or gluing involved.

 

[Their Other Mother]

When my kids were around 5 & 6 I was so broke the only gifts I could afford were home made. I made little tree ornaments for freinds and family. I'm a crafty person anyway so I had lots of trim & jewels from my sewing junk. I took water baloons, blew them up then wrapped them with regular white sewing thread. I then coated them with regular white glue, thinned a little with water. When it is dry, pop the baloon, pull it out then cut a hole in the side. Spray paint it gold or silver or whatever. decorate like a fabrege egg with all the rik-rak, jewels, buttons whatever and then I put a little cotton inside the bottom, glued the same trim around the edge of the kids wallet size picture and placed it inside the baloon egg. They are about the size of a large orange when done. Everyone loved them and I still have one almost 20 years later.

Something I still do is Bake... Cookies, cakes, breads and jams. For simple gifts to my helpers at Church, school Teachers I find Christmas mugs at the Dollar Store, fill them with flavored hot chocolate packets, candy canes and Hershy Kisses. Tie everything with pretty Christmas ribbons and you have a great gift.

 

[miss_thenorth]

Ok--here is a really good website for bath salts and stuff

http://www.allfreecrafts.com/bath-and-body/index.shtml#balm

 

[Chicabee19]

We are so broke we can't pay attention...

good one