FOR THE HOLIDAY PROCRASTINATORS...

If you're anything like me you dread holiday shopping and the crowded stores. Well for all the habitual holiday gifting procrastinators we got you covered. I teamed up with my dear friend Randi, lifestyle blogger of Papi Drinks Wine, and we came up with 3 last minute DIY gifts that are all under $15, and you can make in a day! These gifts were so easy to make that we were able to make 3 holiday desserts to pair with the gifts! So make your friends a gift that will look like you thought of them all year long, but between you and me, you made it on Christmas Eve. Secrets safe...

CONCRETE DIAMETER BOOKENDS/PAPER WEIGHTS

We started with the concrete diameters, because there is some lag time due to drying. You can start this gift and come back to it once you've completed the other gifts. Here is what you will need:

MATERIALS

TOOLS

  • Scissors
  • Mixing bowl
  • Paint sponge or brush
  • Cups
  • Ruler (optional)

Print the diameter template (you may need to re-format the paper so the design fits). Use the packing tape to cover the shape. You basically want to laminate the design to create a "water resistant" layer. Use the scissors to cut out the outlined shape.

Use a ruler to make folds along the dotted lines. Ensure the folds are creased really well to form the diamond shape. Use tape to hold the edges together. Place the pointed end of the diamond into a cup to keep the shape upright.

Add water to the cement mix according to the directions (my cement mix was the consistency of pancake batter). Pour concrete mix into the shape, fill it to the top, close the top and remove any excess cement. Let dry.

Allow the cement to dry for about 5hrs. Test the sides to see if it is completely dry. Once you are sure they are dry remove the paper mold and now it's time to paint. Enjoy and happy crafting!

We paired this gift with Mulled Wine. A delicious and fragrant holiday dessert that's easy to make. 1 orange, 1 apple, 4 cinnamon sticks, 10 whole cloves, 2 tsp of nutmeg. Bring all ingredients to a boil. Let it simmer then add red wine and you're ready for some hot goodness!

 

MINI NO-SEW ENVELOPE CLUTCH PURSE

This gift was fairly easy to make and requires no lag time, score! We used the large template. Here is what you will need:

MATERIALS:

TOOLS:

  • Fabric/sharp scissors
  • Leather hole punch, (or something sharp and pointy to create a hole)
  • Iron

INSTRUCTIONS: For the large template you will need two copies of the design (you may have to adjust the paper layout to fit the whole image). Tape the two pieces of paper together to form the pattern, it should look identical to the smaller template. Secure the pattern onto the fusible applique paper and cut to match the pattern. Repeat with the cotton lining and faux leather.

Remove the protective paper from the fusible applique on both sides and place the cotton lining (wrong side) on one side of the fusible paper and the faux leather (wrong side) on the other side of the fusible paper and iron and press (on the cotton side) to seal and secure all sides together.

Fold the two smaller sides towards each other. Fold the bottom side up. Mark the center where all edges meet together and hole punch/puncture fabric until you create a large enough hole for the brass stud screw. Place the screw piece through all pieces from the back side of the purse. Screw the top on. Fold the top piece over and mark where the stud screw meets and punch a hole. Place hole over the brass stud and Voila! You're done. (I placed mine under a few books to flatten the folds.) You now have a fantastic gift!

We paired this gift with some Spiked Eggnog. We used half a cup of cinnamon whiskey and 2 cups of eggnog and stirred. We topped it with whipped cream and crushed candy canes. This definitely got the party started!

NATURAL BRIGHTENING FACE MASK

You can literally give your friend the gift of beautiful skin, in under 15 minutes, and for less than $10. Here's how:

MATERIALS:

  • 1 Ripe avocado
  • 2 Tbsp of honey
  • 1/2 Cup of plain organic yogurt
  • 1 Tsp of fresh lemon juice
  • Mason Jar(s)
  • String
  • Paper bag

TOOLS:

  • Mixing bowl
  • Fork
  • Knife

INSTRUCTIONS: Place all ingredients into a mixing bowl and use a fork to whip/mix it all together. It took me about 5-10 minutes to mix it all together really well. After you mix it place it in small mason jars. For a more personalized touch you can take a brown paper bag cut it out into a shape, write the ingredients on one side and a special note to your friend on the other side. Punch a hole through it and use some string to tie around the jar and attach the note, and Voile! 

After we made the delicious smelling face mask we developed an appetite. We paired the brightening mask with sugar cookies that we dipped in melted dark chocolate and sprinkled with peppermint candy cane and shredded coconut. Delicious!

You've made 3 amazing gifts for your friends and all in one day! Now you're ready to act like you've been slaving over theses gifts for months! ;-) Happy Holidays!

 

Marshall Nash2 Comments