Really Really Easy DIY Gifts

A problem I regularly see in a lot of makers (myself included) is devaluing what we make simply because we’ve made it. It’s oddly easy to forget years of mistakes, injuries and those accidentally thrown against the wall because it’s so bad moments that go into honing your skills and developing your style. Even after all of this it’s curiously comforting to revert back to that little voice in the back of your mind: “If I can make it then anyone can/it’s not worth anything/no one will want it!” It’s so strangely self indulgent to cast off the things you make as worthless just so you never have to put the effort into making something you know someone will love as much as you do. Because that does take effort.

To combat these feelings when I’m making gifts, the whole process changes. I enjoy it much more than making for myself. It’s slower. I don’t rush anything (I usually won’t blog about it. All of my focus goes into the work) and I’ll spend as much time as I need on each step. Granted, I am always behind on present making. Most gifts are started with one celebration in mind and finished for another, much later on… but really that comes down to my awful self discipline!

I spend a lot of this time really thinking about the person I’m making for and trying to pin pointing the exact colour, material and style I think they will love. This to me is the key to making something that you actually feel proud of and know is worth so, so much more than a last minute box of chocolates or fluffy slippers (although, I do kind of love a good fluffy slipper every now and then, especially when mine are falling apart… like right now. Hint hint…)

So I’ve put together this selection of gifts that are so very easy to make, but can be customised/tweaked/filled with personal sentiments so that it has that thoughtfulness value all mixed in. And remember to believe in your skills and abilities! Click the links below to go to the tutorials and get making.