Make Stuff (in a panic) Monday!

There are officially only 18 DAYS TILL CHRISTMAS!!!! So I ask you…are you done shopping? I am definitely NOT!

I have thought about it. I have even made my list. No further really except for a few things here and there.

Have you noticed though that all kinds of little things start sprouting up the closer it gets to the BIG day? I start realizing that I have not gotten my dear sweet neighbor  a little something, or the kiddos teachers, or our family doc etc. Where were these folks when I was making my list? They just sorta popped into the equation.

So if you have some “sprouters” in your life too…here are some fun little ideas that can be put-together during the eleventh-hour panic.

Eco 8′s:

1. Love Jar: My dad and step-mom made one of these years ago and it was a huge hit among many! You can create your very own using an old pickle jar, Mason jar, or even an old tissue box! Decorate your container using beads from an old necklace, fun words/letters or pics from an old magazine or even bits and pieces of artwork that your children have brought home from school. Then, make a list of all of the things that you love about the recipient, ways they have touched your life or things that you know might put a smile on their face. If you are worried about your hand writing, use a fancy font on the computer! Fold them up and put them into the decorated jar. Wrap with a bow and hand deliver to this special person in your life.

2. Microwave Salt Dough Ornaments: These are really adorable for anyone on your list. You can either turn them into ornaments or using an old magnet off your fridge…glue onto the back and make a treasured and unique magnet for someone else! http://www.allfreecrafts.com/christmas/salt-dough-ornaments.shtml

3. Not-So-Ordinary Recycled Magnets: What a fun project! Using just about anything around your house, you too can make these adorable magnets. I love the old buttons, coins or old board game pieces ideas! Using scraps of ANYTHING glued onto magnets…you can create some one-of-a-kind artwork for someone’s fridge. Let your imagination be your guide. Check them out here: http://rappleyefam.blogspot.com/2008/08/homemade-magnets.html

4. For Him: Seriously, what guy reallly wants his nuts laying around? Sorry. It was right there. Just by saving an old salsa jar or two, you can create this gift of hardware organization for dad, grandpa, the mechanic who you know isn’t gonna tell you that you need a total overhaul just because you’re a woman, any guy! All this takes is a little twine and some vinyl letters and Voila! http://www.makingfriends.com/gifts/dad_jarsafe.htm

5. For Her: This is yet another goodie from the crafting mom blog I found. Using an old photo frame, or one from a thrift store or Goodwill, you can make a cute necklace organizer for a lady friend. http://blissfullydomestic.com/2008/jewelry-organiz

6, The Jar of Nothing Gift: Did someone tell you when you asked them what they would like for Christmas…”nothing”? Well – if that’s what they asked for LOL! http://www.craftbits.com/project/a-jar-of-nothing-gift *too funny! I definitely need to make the hubs this one!

7. For a Pet Lover: Cuuuuuute! Here you can use up a couple of old t-shirts (you know that one you hate that’s all tattered that hubs just won’t let go of)…yeah, that one! Recycle it into a tugga toy for someone on your list who loves their pooch! http://www.craftbits.com/project/recycled-t-shirt-dogs-tugga-toy

8. For the sweet-tooth: Make some never-fail goodies to show you care! It is tradition in our family to make peppermint bark every Christmas and hand it out Yum! You can bake whatever you like and wrap it up using old pieces of scrap fabric tied up with string or again – the super functional recycled salsa/pickle jar!!! Boy, those sure do have a lot of purpose huh! If you don’t want to make bark – try your hand at a cookie-pops floral bouquet!

Well, that’s it for now folks!  Gotta get moving on some of these ideas for a few little sprouters in my life! Good Luck and have fun!