When it comes to gift-giving, the latest trend is to try to create a unique and bespoke handmade gift. The best advice is to start as early as possible to avoid stress further down the line. That way, you have time to run back to the store if you run out of supplies, or you can have a backup plan if you have any crafty mishaps. It’s also easier and much more enjoyable to craft while not under pressure.
If you are short of time, minimise your ideas to something attainable in your spare time. You might also want to stick to something you’ve made before and know you can master it confidently; otherwise, you might be disappointed with the results.
Try to be honest with the time you think it will take you to make each item. A backup plan could consist of simply personalising a ready-made item you’ve already bought or reducing the number of details you want to add.
Try to use as many things as possible already lying around the house. Using household items for many gifts can be a great time-saver and even helps you stay within budget. Try quick embellishment techniques like stencils, applique, or embroidery to add a personal touch to aprons, napkins, towels, and fabric phone covers. You can also add easy-to-apply trims to plain items like baby bibs or pillowcases. When you need Knitting Kits to experiment with, go to //www.woolcouturecompany.com/collections/knitting-kits
If you’re staying up late at night with your fingers raw from work or getting short-tempered with your project, it’s time to call in a professional. You should also consider calling in a pro if it’s a craft you’ve never tried before and it’s just not going your way. If you still want to give a handmade gift and need more patience to get it done yourself, you can always check out local craft fairs for handmade gifts made by those who do it for a living.
Don’t think that handmade has to mean cheap. Often making your gifts at home doesn’t mean that they will cost less than what you can purchase from the store, particularly in the case of crafts such as knitting and crocheting. It may cost you more to buy materials than a completed item at the store. The purpose of giving handmade gifts is to provide something personal and individual to the person receiving the gift. You might not save money, but you will provide a significant gift.