Fancy liquid soap spouts –
purchase some clear square-sided bottles and liquor spouts (can be found
at a kitchen specialty store or in the kitchen/housewares isle in your
local grocery store), 14-gage wire, small glass stones (with one side flat
for gluing) and high strength epoxy. Take your wire cutters and make different
shapes with the wire – spirals, stars, squares, etc – just make sure that
it is coiled rather than open in the middle for easy gluing) and then glue
on the bottle. When gluing, be sure to lay your bottle down, with the
design side facing up. To spice up the design, add stones to the bottle as
well. Then, let dry for at least 24 hours. You can also use this method to
make snazzy salt and pepper shakers, candle dishes or any other decoration
you desire.
Homemade candles are quite
easy and versatile. Purchase a few cylindrical or other shaped candle
molds, or you may find that you can make molds out of household items
(tins, cardboard, etc.). Purchase wax and wicks – which can be found in
the crafts section at a large grocery store or specialty craft store. Melt
the wax in a double boiler, pour into the mold, over the wick (make sure
the top of your wick is above the wax that you pour in) and let it cool.
Once cool, you can add different designs – for coffee lovers, you can
place coffee beans all over the candle (if they don’t easily stay, use a
lighter to melt the wax a bit, then press the beans on the candle), sand
dip the candle for a beachy feel or stick on decorative brads for a
finished look.
Shadow boxes are also a nice
decoration for any room. Construct a box (the size depends on what you
plan on placing in the box), then add a piece of glass that fits over the
box and frame it with pretty molding. Fill the box with special items that
mean something to the gift recipient – this is usually easier if the gift
recipient is very close to you – a family member, best friend or lover.
Allow the artist in you to
come out over a canvas. Paint pictures for gifts. It is a great way to
express yourself, and you may just find that you are more talented then
you give yourself credit for.