Simple Handmade Gifts – Part Eleven

I am an ardent supporter of making and giving handmade gifts, for several reasons. First – it’s an easy way to show someone how much you care. There are plenty of situations that can give you warm, fuzzy feelings, but receving a handmade gift may just top them all! A handmade gift means that the gifter (ie. you) devoted their time and talents to creating something special just for them. (I’m awww-ing just thinking about it!) It’s impossible not to feel special and cared for when you receive a handmade gift. And we all want our friends and family to feel special and cared for, right?

My second reason for being passionate about handmade gifts is that it’s generally less expensive than buying store-bought gifts. (That may sound cheap, but hear me out!) A realistic budget for Christmas gifts can only go so far, but making some of your gifts will defintely help you stretch your budget! You might keep that savings so money isn’t quite so tight, or you may choose to use it to make or buy more gifts for more people. Either way, you’re making a sensible choice, and there is absolutely no shame in that.

My third and final reason for loving handmade gifts is that they are SO CUTE! For proof, visit any one of my other ten posts about handmade gifts, or just keep scrolling and see for yourself! Before we get to the links, I wanted to share a quick project from my friend Amy’s blog Mod Podge Rocks! These night light jars are easy to make, and who couldn’t use a bit more glitter in their life, honestly? ;-)

Mason Jar Night Light

You’ll need:

• 4oz Mason jar
• Battery-operated LED tea light candle
• Mod Podge
• Paint brush
• Glitter
• Ribbon or washi tape

Instructions:

Step 1 – Paint & Glitter (& Repeat)

If you want your finished night light to have two or more colors of glitter, you’ll find it easiest to do one color or section at a time.

Visually divide the inside of your jar into your preferred design (stripes, quartered, swirls…), and apply a coat of Mod Podge to the first section. Shake your chosen color of glitter into the the jar, coating the Mod Podge as best you can.

Dump out any excess glitter, and repeat with different colors until the inside of your jar is all glitter-covered.

Step 2 – Let it Dry

Let your jar sit out for a while to let the Mod Podge dry completely. As the Mod Podge dries, it will turn clear, leaving a pretty coating of glitter behind. Ooh, sparkly!

Step 3 – Finishing Touches

The next step is to cover the threaded part on the exterior of the jar, just as a cute finishing touch. Washi tape (or other decorative tape) is super easy because all you have to do is stick it right on there.

If you opt to use ribbon, just grab your trusty hot glue gun. Use it to apply a few dots of hot glue around the threaded section, and gently press the ribbon onto the glue.

Step 4 – Light it Up!

Your little jar is ready to make its world debut as a night light! Just turn on a battery-operated tea light, and place your jar upside down over the top of it. Enjoy!

Even MORE Simple Handmade Gifts

Click on the title of each project for full details and instructions. 

DIY Felt Cable Organizers

from Inspired by Charm

DIY Mason Storage Jars

from Haute and Healthy Living

DIY Lace Doily Bowl

from BLDG 25

Distressed Chalkboard Mason Jars

from Something Turquoise

Dipped Wooden Utensils

from Earnest Home Co.

Anthropologie-Inspired Mercury Glass Vase

from Bower Power

DIY Flannel Coasters

from Juggling Act Mama

Painted Welcome Mat

from A Beautiful Mess

DIY Spice Jars

from MomDot

Sharpie Marker Art

from Infarrantly Creative

Bottle Cap Magnets

from The Pink Doormat

DIY Heart Tote Bag

from The Clumsy Crafter

Kitchen Chalkboard

from Anderson and Grant

DIY Scrabble Tile

from Infarrantly Creative