Sewn Felt Slippers
Photo: Juliana Sohn
Inspired by moccasins, each of these slip-ons is constructed from a single piece of felt, available in an array of colors.
These towels use two of the most simple, versatile printmaking methods: block-making and stenciling. Combine these techniques for one-of-a-kind towels.
Shopping for a sister, daughter, or friend who has everything can be quite a challenge, especially when trying to stay within your holiday budget. The solution to both dilemmas is handcrafting your own thoughtful gifts. Here are our favorite ideas; we're certain there's something for everyone on your list.
Use sleek silhouettes to turn a modest bag into an artful gift.
Glue a paillette flower to a sequin-trimmed headband for a holiday gift that shines.
Use 20 1/3 yards of leather cord, cut into 3 equal pieces to make this braided, hip-slung leather belt to give to family and friends.
Make a stylish statement necklace to give as a gift from pantyhose and rubber "bouncy" balls.
Dip the base of a candle in beeswax tinted with crayon shavings for a simple, but elegant holiday gift.
Brighten up your mom, daughter, or friend's wardrobe this holiday with a a soft, braided necklace made from sherbet shades of Dupioni silk.
Attach sequin-wrapped wooden beads to stud posts and chains from a jewelry-supply store for a flashy holiday gift.
Add a pop of color to your recipient's outfit with a simple-to-sew fabric clutch.
Handmade pillows that show off details made from three types of wool are a charming and meaningful gift.
How to Make the Needle-Felted Handmade Pillows with Roving, Yarn, and Felt Accents
Make a feminine necklace that mixes crystal, smoky quartz, iolite, and other translucent beads;
Follow our step-by-step instructions to make an ultrathick and cozy cowl.
Use luxurious yarns, such as mohair, to make a modern flurry of rosettes for a loved one.
Dye the sleeves and the bottom of a long sleeved shirt for a stylish gift that's fun to make.
Make a fashionable fringed scarf from merino roving for a Christmas gift that lasts all winter long.
Knit carry-all or eyeglass cases for friends and family for a gift that blends elegance and function.
For the bag lover on your list, use our cherry branch clip-art to give a tote bag a modern, screen-printed look.
How to Make the Tote Bag with White Cherry Branch Silhouettes
Needle-felt yarn along the length or width of blue, gray, and cream scarves to create a beautiful striped accessory that evokes the look of men's suiting.
Dip rustic baskets in paint for modern carryalls that look as if they came straight out of a design shop.
Craft a flower garden from downy mohair that blooms on a cardigan. Each floret takes 10 minutes to make -- winding four times around the tool -- so you can update a top for a family member or friend in less than an hour.
Lively clip-art decals turn ordinary store-bought pillars and matchbox covers into festive gifts.
At first glance, this clutch looks a vintage find from an antique store or exclusive boutique, but in fact, is a gift made by you!
Scarves and handkerchiefs come in many lively patterns, and vintage ones are delightfully inexpensive -- as little as $2. They happen to be the perfect size for throw pillows and so are easily turned into custom cushion covers.
A beaded flower and cluster of feathers attached to a chain makes for a classic and stylish piece.
Presenting these festive bath cubes in a decorative jar turns a luxurious spa gift into charming bathroom decor as well.
This striped apron is a comfortable and festive gift for anyone who loves to bake.
A gift so simple and luxurious, you might be tempted to make one for yourself!
A present bearing a hand-painted monogram shows affectionate effort.
This one-of-a-kind silk scarf is the perfect gift for any fashionista.
These earrings won't be found in the mall. That's because you create them yourself -- in five minutes.
With eyelet embellishment and a gift-wrapped pocket, this apron makes the perfect handmade holiday gift.
Sweet-looking and sweet-smelling drawer sachets are easy to make using a photo-editing program and printable fabric.
These beautifully embellished Ugg boots are a unique handmade holiday gift that will make the recipient think of you every time they wear them.
Jewelry fashioned from family photos is sure to charm any mother or grandmother.
Antique teacups that have lost their saucers still make sweet gifts when fitted with candles.
This smart accessory makes a warm and stylish gift.
These cream-colored linen tablecloths and napkins are embellished with iron-on transfer paper on which we printed clip-art butterflies. You can make your own using the image of your choice and a color printer.
In the mid-19th century, paisley scarves were popular accessories for many well-dressed women, and they have never lost their appeal. A chic, short scarf with paisley silk and cashmere is simple to create and makes a wonderful holiday gift.
A quick dye gives inexpensive, unfinished wooden beads a casual, weathered look. These monochromatic necklaces, strung on leather cord, can be worn solo or piled on for effect.
Adorn basic headbands with beautiful feathers for a one-of-a-kind accessory and stylish gift.
Flea-market finds and dollar-a-glass specials can be transformed with monograms, stripes, and whimsical polka dots.
After creating these pretty, pattern-wrapped soaps as a gift, make a few extra sets to have on hand for unexpected guests.
Elegant millinery flowers and ribbons imprinted with monograms look lovely adorning velvet boxes.
This fashionable leather belt achieves the look of a very expensive one -- for a fraction of the cost.
It's easy to find plain, reasonably priced ceramic pieces at home goods stores; applying dot-painted designs transforms them into meaningful gifts. Add a friend's monogram or favorite motif, or design a pretty pattern yourself. For an elegant presentation, tie a stack of flower-covered plates with a ribbon.
A knit hat is comfortable, cozy, and surprisingly easy to make.
Transform an ordinary tote bag into a one-of-a-kind gift by embellishing it with a photo.
Exquisite jewelry needn't be fashioned from gold or studded with diamonds, rubies, or other precious stones; you can craft beautiful pieces with far more common materials, such as abalone-shell or pink mother-of-pearl buttons.
These coasters were inspired by snowflakes and make a beautiful gift when bundled with ribbon or presented in a pretty box.
Give the gift of style when you transform a simple silk scarf into a casual handbag.
Personalize these snuggly slippers to suit their recipient.
Spa-inspired presents, including these handmade lip balms, can be created from basic kitchen ingredients and craft materials.
This gift looks like it took a lot of time and effort, but these beads are strung onto silk cord that comes with a needle on one end for easy threading.
There are few things more luxurious than a new set of bath towels. And creatively packaged, towels are a great gift.
A collection of winter-themed pillar candles or softly scented votive candles is a gift that will make any hostess beam.
These fragrant spheres for the bath (we scented ours with peppermint oil) are made by packing Epsom salts into a plastic mold; the "snowballs" can be tinted any color.
Decorated with a dazzling combination of fabric, ribbons, sequins, and beads, store-bought slippers offer a wonderful way to welcome houseguests and make lovely gifts for virtually any occasion.
For a festive holiday table re-create snowflakes in glitter, which won't melt away, on a sheer organza tablecloth overlay -- a great gift for a friend or hostess.
This cut-and-go microfiber suede skirt has a stylish scalloped edge, and the only sewing you'll need to do is the button.
These easy-to-make business-card cases are great Christmas presents for your mother, sister, or best friend.
Personalize a simple locket with cute appliques and rhinestones.
These crepe-paper flowers are beautiful on their own or as one-of-a-kind fashion accessories.
These attractive belts and bracelets can be made with any grosgrain ribbon, from an ornate brocade to a sporty nautical stripe.
This project can be completed using a store-bought pillow cover, but a flat piece of fabric works best, as it fits easily into a sewing machine. After you embellish the fabric with leaf patterns, you can use it to make a pillow cover.
Why break the bank for a designer bag when you can easily make one? These fashionable totes are constructed with two surprising items: a roll of duct tape and a stapler.
Homemade slippers make a heartwarming (and foot-warming) gift. Felt is the ideal fabric to work with, since it won't unravel when cut.
These elegant etched glasses will add a surprising festive touch to any table. And, better yet, a set of them makes a perfect holiday gift.
A woolen beret makes a thoughtful gift and a warm, thoughtful gift, and never goes out of style.
There's more than one way to wear a pair of jeans. With a length of denim, the perfect tote bag is a few stitches away.
Making a planner costs far less than buying the finished product, and you can use surprising colors and details that you won't find in a store.
Turn glass candleholders into stylish accessories by dressing them in decorative fabric.
Sew a beautiful lace-inset table runner with a romantic, classic appeal following these step-by-step instructions.
A hand-knit scarf makes a thoughtful, heartfelt gift.
Handmade candles make a wonderful gift, especially when stamped with a monogram.
You need only four ingredients to make these moisturizing exfoliants. The base can be made from either Epsom salts or sugar, depending on whether you want a large or fine grain.
Make a pearl and ribbon necklace in her favorite color using this simple technique.
Knitted scarves are the perfect handmade gift: They're easy to make, one size fits all, and small imperfections give them charm.
The varied hues, stimulating textures, and refreshing scents of our mix-and-match soaps rejuvenate the senses and wash away winter doldrums.
Nothing soothes the soul like a good long soak, especially with a heady infusion of calming scents.
Large and small pieces of felted-wool sweaters can create a variety of attractive pouches: A hot-water-bottle cover, an eyeglass case, a tiny stocking, and even an MP3 player.
Give everyday -- and inexpensive -- note cards and envelopes some flair by trimming the edges with a decorative rotary cutter and a micro-hole punch.
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