DIY Gifts for Everyone!

I like to make as many gifts as I can, for Christmas and birthdays. Usually I use my family and friends as guinea pigs for new designs ;-) Other times I'll see something I haven't made before that's just perfect for them, and I'll try my hand at it. Sometimes I add it to my shop, sometimes I don't. 

I've made lots of craft friends through the years, and since money is still tight for most people, I know more and more people that are making gifts. So, I figured I would round up some tutorials! You'll find something here for everyone on your list. Some may require special talents, like sewing, and others anyone could do, but the focus is items that won't take long as time is running out! Some you may have the supplies on hand, and others you may have to go buy them, but I'm trying to keep it to inexpensive supplies.

For: Babies
Foam Block - Sew Fun
The fabric pattern makes these like wood blocks, but any fabric could be used!

For: Kids
Homemade Playdough - Tried and True
What kid doesn't like playdough?! And you can make any color you want!

For: Kids
Stuffed Turtles - Make It and Love It
I LOVE her blog and her tutorials, so easy to follow. The great thing about these turtles is you can use any fabric to make them look like whatever you want!

For: Kids
Sock Owl - Whimsy Loft
Aww!! She uses a knee sock, but only uses a little bit. I'm wondering if even an ankle sock would work... Use for good condition socks missing a mate??

For: Ladies
Rosy Ring - Smile Monsters
So cute! And very simple! It doesn't say, but you can get ring blanks from any craft store, and possibly the craft section of Walmart. I've never seen one that fancy though, so don't get your hopes up.

For: Ladies
Knotted Headband - Sugar Bee Crafts
I've seen lots of tee shirt repurposing, but I really like this one! Must be the nautical vibe :) Everyone's got tee shirts laying around!!

For: Gents
Tie Key Chain - Greenbean's Crafterole
How cute is this! You can pick up a tie at Goodwill or similar store if you don't want to cut up an old tie that he might want to wear again :)

For: Gents
Guinness BBQ Sauce - The Black Peppercorn
What guy doesn't like BBQ sauce? I think you can get Guinness cans in a 4 pack (don't quote me on that) but this only calls for 1 cup. If you don't have a taste for it, you can pass the cans along to him with the BBQ sauce, or you can look up some other yummy recipes to use it with! I've heard of Guinness Beef Stew, Guinness Bread, Guinness Cake... And they don't taste like beer, so you can either add them to your gift, or keep them for yourself ;-)

For: Everyone
Paper Christmas Tree "Boxes" - Pink Suede Shoe
Ok, these are actually intended to be an advent calendar, but let's look past that... You can make them for anyone and fill with candy, snacks, little toys, knick knacks... all kinds of things!

For: Everyone
Pottery Barn Inspired Advent Calendar - The Feminist Housewife
Also intended to be an advent calendar... But! If you make just one bar, it would be great to go on or by a desk, or a kid's area, for pens & pencils, markers, scissors, glue sticks... You can get the buckets in all kinds of different colors to make it fun!

For: Everyone
Rootbeer Reindeer - Life of a Modern Mom
These made me laugh, so I had to include them! Doesn't have much for a tutorial, but how much do you really need? Can be any bottled soda (or other drink...)!



I hope this gave you some great ideas and you can get crackin' on finishing up your presents!

PAIL and Breast Cancer Awareness Giveaway

October, in addition to my birth month, is also PAIL (Pregnancy & Infant Loss) and Breast Cancer Awareness Months. Today, the 15th, is National PAIL Awareness Day. So to honor the both of these, I've decided to do a giveaway, so that those effected can have something close to their heart.

You may enter for both pieces, but may only win one.
Each winner will pay $3.45 US shipping.
Running from the time posted until Tuesday, October 22, at 7:00pm MDT.
Winners will be posted on the kreative studios Facebook page.

To enter:
Comment on this blog post with either "PAIL" or "Breast Cancer."
To enter for both, post separate comments.
Winners will be chosen randomly.

Breast Cancer Necklace will be as is, or with an in stock initial charm added on.
PAIL Necklace can be clear crystals or pink and blue, with a choice of light pink (shown) or light blue faux-leather cord.

Birthday Bash Giveaway - October 13th: kreative studios

The vendor for the thirteenth and final day, on my birthday, is me, kreative studios. This donation is a red and tan bib necklace. Brand new for me, and I had so much fun making it. To match the bracelet, this is also in the almost-chain-maille style. It lays beautifully and I can't wait to have the time to make more designs like this. Items like these surely do take a fair bit of time though. The retail value is $50.

I think I've just about exhausted the topics I can write about for kreative studios and myself. I love new ideas so if you're picturing something in your head and are wondering if I can make it, please ask! I also have a secret fondness of trying to do knock offs of items by big name brands that charge far too much for cheap made in China stuff - so if there's an item by Anthropologie, Ambercrombie & Fitch or something like that (not another hand made artisan) that you want to challenge me with, send it my way ;-) AND I love trying to do 100% made in America items, so if you want something where all the materials are made in America, you can ask me about that, too :) 

Check out my Facebook Page for more about me and the answers to these questions:
1) Any comments on this type of game? Like it? Dislike it?
2) Do you like the name “Vendor Hunt” for this type of game/giveaway? Do you have any other ideas?

Here's what you'll win from me:

Like kreative studios' page and answer questions here:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Birthday Bash Giveaway - October 12th: kreative studios

The vendor for the twelfth day is me again, kreative studios! This donation is a red and tan bracelet with a cupcake charm. This is another new item to kreative studios - a little like chain maille but with beads, I forget exactly what to call it. But it's fun to make, though time consuming! The bracelet is adjustable and can fit many wrist sizes. The retail value is $26.

Against all advice for businesses, I've tried to build my business up as a one-stop place, that has something for everyone. Normally businesses are supposed to have a smaller focus, in order to figure out a target market and advertise to them. But I just can't limit myself to one type of item, one subject - just jewelry, just awareness items. There's so many people that focus on them already, that I figured it'd be easy to set myself apart by having lots of items. Well, it's not so easy, but I haven't been deterred just yet. I like being able to offer a little of everything. There are some things I won't do though, like character crochet hats. I just don't have the patience, plus I don't understand how people make any money for what they charge. Fabric blankets, also not quite my forte. I love trying new crafts, and even though I don't post everything for sale, I have a "Personal Projects" album on my page, so check it out for some of the other random items I've worked on!

Check out my Facebook Page for more about me and the answers to these questions:
1) What’s your favorite kreative studios item?
2) What new item/s would you like to see from kreative studios?

Here's what you'll win from me:

Like kreative studios' page and answer questions here:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Birthday Bash Giveaway - October 11th: kreative studios

The vendor for the 11th day is me, kreative studios! This piece of the donation is a pair of sterling silver crystal studs with matching earring dangles. These are NEW to kreative studios, and I personally have not seen them offered by anyone before, though that doesn't mean they're not out there. They're like dangling earrings, but instead of being attached to an earring themselves, they have a small loop to slide on an earring post, behind the stud and in front of your ear. That way, you can wear the stud alone, and mix and match the dangles with other studs. The retail value for both is $19.

To continue my saga, the next time I got bored, I picked up hand stamping. This is not a cheap thing to "pick up" but I'm so glad I did. I love being able to personalize items that much more, even if I'm not the best at it yet. I've made many hand stamping friends who I love chatting with, and love looking at their work, just drooling about how some day I might just be as good as them! They, however, do stamping and mostly only stamping. So by trade they have much more experience, which I have to frequently remind myself. Stamping is only a piece of my business, so it's not nearly as often a part of my to do list. Which is probably good, because of how easily I get bored and distracted! Because I'm not quite as good, I try to set my stamping apart with different designs, different sayings stamped, like quotes from my favorite underground cult show, in hopes the secret masses of adoring fans will bite, though normally they don't. But I still have hope! So keep watch to see what I come up with next!

Check out my Facebook Page for more about me and the answers to these questions:

1) What type of sales would you like to see at kreative studios?

2) What type of games would you like to see at kreative studios?

Here's what you'll win from me:

Like kreative studios' page and answer questions here:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Birthday Bash Giveaway - October 10th: Tiny Dancer's Tutu's Etc.

The vendor for the tenth day is Tiny Dancer's Tutu's Etc.! Starr donated a ribbon and tulle hair bow! On a lined bobby pin, it's big enough to make a statement but not too big! The simple colors will go with just about anything. The retail value is $5.

Starr is one of my friends from college - from the Dance Team! Her little babe caught the genes and has been dancing since birth, so they call her their Tiny Dancer. For her little dancer's first Bruins game, Starr made her a Bruins' themed tutu and everybody loved it so she started her business. She loves making tutus because they make little ones feel like the princesses they are! I know she's got more up her sleeve, so keep an eye on her page to see what she comes up with!

Check out her Facebook page for more about her and the answers to these questions:

1) What year did she start her Facebook page?

2) Name three items that Tiny Dancer’s Tutu’s Etc. offers.

Here's what you'll win from Starr:

Like Tiny Dancer's Tutu's Etc.'s page and answer questions here:


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Birthday Bash Giveaway - October 9th: Simply Chic Creations

The vendor for the ninth day is Simply Chic Creations! Cara donated two cupcake themed duct tape pens! These cute little pens with ink will be great to use for anything! The retail value for both is $3.

Cara can do some amazing things with duct tape. I have some kreative studios logo pens, sharpies and dry erase markers in a bunch of different flower styles and I love them! I also have a full color set in camo and coordinating colors! But she's recently gone under a name change (from Simply Rose Pens) to reflect that she has new interests and wants to make new items! I can fully understand wanting to be able to make more :) Check her out and see what she comes up with!


Check out her Facebook page for more about her and the answers to these questions:

1)What is your favorite duct tape print offered by Simply Chic Creations?

2)How many bracelet styles does Simply Chic Creations have?

Here's what you'll win from Cara:

Like Simply Chic Creations' page and answer questions here:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Birthday Bash Giveaway - October 8th: Natalie's 550 Bracelets

The vendor for the eighth day is Natalie's 550 Bracelets! Natalie donated an adjustable bracelet. With red and tan paracord, this bracelet would be great with many different outfits! The retail is $8.

Natalie has a HUGE variety of items and colors! I've never seen some of the designs she has anywhere else, like the bracelet she donated. She's so creative with designing new items. I love her new Hook and Anchor Bracelets, so be sure to check them out!

Check out her Facebook page for more about her, and to find the answers to these questions:
1) What year did Natalie's 550 Bracelets start?
2) What is your favorite item that you see on her page?

Here's what you'll win from Natalie:

Like Natalie's 550 Bracelets' page and answer questions here:


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Birthday Bash Giveaway - October 7th: Pipsqueaks bags, cases & more

For the seventh day, the vendor is Pipsqueaks bags, cases & more! Kerin donated two reusable snack bags! They're the "small" size, 3.75" X 6" - perfect for little snacks like pretzel sticks or grapes! Each bag is made of cotton material on the outside, food-safe rip stop nylon lining, double seamed, and velcro closing. The retail value for both is $8.

Kerin was my "next door neighbor!" Not really, but the town she lives in is next door to the town I used to live in, and all the schools were joined. She loves her business because she gets to work from home and be there for her kids and volunteer at their school. She gets to surround herself with many colors of fabric - her favorites are ones that have a retro feel to them. Her most popular items are the Kid's Travel Kits and the sandwich wraps, but she has so much more so be sure to look at them all!

Check out her Facebook page and find the answers to these questions:
1) What did she first start making?
2) Where is she located?

Here's what you'll win from Kerin:

Like Pipsqueaks bags, cases & more's page and answer questions here:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Birthday Bash Giveaway - October 6th: The Country Crab

The vendor for the sixth day is The Country Crab! Brandy donated a dishcloth and a hot pad. Both are made with 100% cotton and the hot pad is double layered for extra protection! The retail value for the dishcloth is $5 and for the hot pad $10.

Brandy is another local vendor from my home area, and is just a few towns away from my hometown! Crocheting was just a hobby for her at first. As she was cranking out some crochet Christmas presents, she thought 'hey, what if I sold these?' And The Country Crab was born! She's expanded greatly from her single starting product, and her favorite to make is Fingerless Gloves. As a Coast Guard wife and stay-at-home mom for two little boys, crocheting is a nice relaxation for her on her crazy days. Plus, like me, she can't sit still so it's great for occupying her time!

Check out her Facebook page for more about her, and the answer to these questions:
1) She went into business with one product, and she thought it was all she was going to make - what was it?
2) What is your favorite product you see on her page?

Here's what you'll win from Brandy:

Like The Country Crab's page and answer questions here:


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Birthday Bash Giveaway - October 5th: kreative studios

The fifth vendor for the Birthday Bash Giveaway is me, kreative studios, again! This piece of my donation is a scarf. It's a mix of dark red, tan, and dark tan, chunky and loose at the same time. It is SUPER long, so can be worn many ways - probably even as a belt! The retail value is $25.

I started my business in college, with knit and crocheted items - mostly hats. I was bored over my winter break junior year, and had my mom teach me how to decrease knitting to make a hat. From there I started making anything I could figure out. Some worked out well, others... Eventually I got bored, and needed to learn something new. So, I taught myself how to make jewelry. My first attempts were much like some of my new knitting techniques. The more I played, the better I got, though there's always more to learn! Stick around my page, because I have lots of new ideas up my sleeve :)

Check out my Facebook page for more about me, and the answer to these questions:

1) What is the 3 word phrase found a couple times in my about section?

2) What is my Storenvy website link?

Here's what you'll win from me:

Like kreative studios' page and answer questions here:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Birthday Bash Giveaway - October 4th: 'Ntoys

The fourth vendor for the Birthday Bash Giveaway is 'Ntoys! Nick donated a wooden cupcake puzzle. This wooden cupcake is decorative AND a puzzle! In 7 pieces, it's simple but sweet (just don't try to eat it!). 

I'm so happy to have 'Ntoys be a part of my giveaway because he's one of the businesses from back home in Maine! In Augusta, he's not too close to my hometown of Camden, but if we ever wanted to go to the "city" it was our closest option! Nick has always enjoyed woodworking, and when he decided to try his hand at a few toys, he liked the way they came out. He went to a few craft fairs with his toys and was frequently asked for trains and personalized items. This sparked his most popular item - Name Trains! They can fit as many letters or designs as wanted on cars in between the engine and caboose. The letters and designs are removable as well, so kids can easily learn to spell out their names by rearranging the letters. Nick loves the satisfaction he gets from happy customers and the joy the kids get out of his toys - his "better half" even calls him Santa! He can't pick a favorite of the toys he makes, so be sure to check out his page so you can see them all.

Check out his Facebook page for more about him, and the answer to these questions:

1) What year did 'Ntoys start?

2) What shape is in 'Ntoys' profile picture?

Here's what you'll win from Nick:

Like 'Ntoys' page and answer questions here:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Birthday Bash Giveaway - October 3rd: Good Golly Graphics

The third vendor for the Birthday Bash Giveaway is Good Golly Graphics! Amanda donated a red cupcake decal. This sweet little 5" cupcake love vinyl decal can be applied to any smooth solid surface, indoors or out! The retail value is $5.

Amanda is also one of my vendors local to me here in Colorado! Her first experience with graphic design was with her AutoCAD drafting class in high school, and kept up with graphic design classes as electives in college. She loves art and computers, so to be able to express her creativity with computer design software is the best of both worlds! Plus, she gets to work out of her home at her pace on her time, which is always a plus ;-) Her children and military inspired graphics are her most popular, but by far are not her only selection! Too many to pick a favorite, but she feels very honored to be able to create custom tribute decals for people in memory of their loved ones. 

Check out her Facebook page for more about her, and the answer to these questions:

1) When did Good Golly Graphics start?

2) How many sons does she have?

Here's what you'll win from Amanda:

Like Good Golly Graphics' page and answer questions here:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Birthday Bash Giveaway - October 2nd: Home Made by Christy

The second vendor to kick off the big Birthday Bash Giveaway is Home Made by Christy! She donated a Strawberry Shortcake Sugar Body Scrub. Her Sugar Body Scrub smells amazing and is great for your skin, too. It's made with all natural ingredients, and won't clog pores. The sugar works as an excellent exfoliant and makes your skin very soft. The retail value is $5.

Christy is one of my vendors that are local to me here in Colorado! Christy's been making her own home goods for over a year and loves it, so decided she'd give a go of making them as a business! Her Laundry Detergent is her favorite thing to make, which is good, because that's her best seller. Christy has many laundry products, like her laundry detergent, but also a powdered version AND a baby version! She has even more kinds of bath products - sugar body scrubs, one of which she was so kind to donate, hand scrubs, body washes, hand soaps... And her selection doesn't end there. She also has a few other things like air freshener, non-stick cooking spray, and all purpose cleaner! That's not even all of them, so be sure to check out her full product list :)

Check out her Facebook page for more about her, and the answer to these questions:

1) How many loads does the Extreme Stain Fighter last?
2) How many different scents are there for Laundry Detergent?

Here's what you'll win from Christy:

Like Home Made by Christy's page and answer questions here:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Birthday Bash Giveaway - October 1st: kreative studios

The first vendor to start the giveaway off is me, kreative studios! This piece of my donation is a red and tan Houndstooth Stripe Hat - brand new to kreative studios! 100% acrylic yarn, washable and perfect for these fall days. The retail value is $25.

If you don't know much about me, one of the biggest things is that I have crafting in my blood - not literally, but close enough! I grew up watching my mom knit, sew, scrapbook, and more. If she wanted to try to make something, she did, and I've adopted this. I learned to knit at a young age, and how to sew not long after that. I enjoyed nearly every craft, except polymer clay. I was never as good as my step-sister (though her and her talents have no relation to my mom), or even my brother, as his creations at least didn't break. I'm willing to try just about any craft, so "like" my page so you can see what I come up with!

Check out my Facebook page for more about me, and the answer to these questions:

1) What type of items did I start my business with?

2) What was the first new craft technique that I taught myself?

Here's what you'll win from me:

Like kreative studios' page and answer questions here:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

New Product: New Necklace Styles!

I've given up on trying to schedule new products into months... It just doesn't work! Too many things going on, too much to do. But, I will still be coming out with new products :)

This time, it's new necklace styles. Styles, as opposed to options, like last time. Last time I was adding colored ball chain, organza necklaces and braided faux-leather necklaces.

What I'm calling necklace styles is the necklace being beaded, half beaded/half chain, like a charm bracelet, etc.

Here's a list of the set styles:

- Beaded
- Half-Beaded
- Charmed
- Pinned
- Half-Pinned
- Charmed/pinned
- Charmed/beaded
- Pinned/beaded
- Beaded/pinned

But I'll go through them one by one with pictures. And, of course, you're not limited to this, we can always work out a completely custom item :)


Beaded: 

For a beaded necklace, the full length is beaded. It can have any pattern, any beads, pendant or no pendant, but the length of the necklace is made up from wire and beads.

Half-Beaded:

Half-Beaded necklaces are actually more 1/3, 1/3, 1/3... 1/3 chain, 1/3 beaded, and another 1/3 chain. It can have a pendant or not, and any beads. The chain is generally thin, like shown, but can also be a chunky style.












Charmed:
A charmed necklace is made with the same large aluminum chain that the charm bracelets are made with - but a whole necklace is made with it! The center section has bead dangles, about the length of an average bracelet. The necklace can just have bead drops, or it can also have charms! Charmed doesn't have a "Half-Charmed" version because the rest is already chain. ;-)

                                Pinned:

Pinned necklaces take much longer than other styles, so it does make the cost go up, but the looks is just so unique! Each bead is on it's own eye pin, and they are connected together by sturdy jump rings. Using jump rings reduces the time it takes, and makes the necklace very flowy! Great for extra long necklaces. The beads can be different, a few styles, or just one style.

Half-Pinned:

Like Half-Beaded, Half-Pinned is also about 1/3, 1/3, 1/3. The pinned section is constructed the same as a Pinned Necklace. Consider doing an extra long Half-Pinned Necklace with chunky chain instead of thin like pictured for a different kind of statement necklace!

Charmed/Pinned:

This style necklace has a charmed center about the length of a bracelet, that, like the Charmed Necklace, can have beads and charms or just beads. The length of the necklace is made up by pinned sections, styled like the previous two necklaces. Charmed Necklaces also take a long time, so the combination of the two does make it one of the pricier options.

Charmed/Beaded:

This necklace has a charmed center like the last one (about the size of a bracelet, can have beads and charms or just beads), but instead of the sides being pinned, they're beaded!

Pinned/Beaded:

To continue the combinations, this features a pinned center, with beaded sides like the last one.

Beaded/Pinned:

This is a reverse of the last one! You can tell the difference (this goes for all styles) because the first word is what the middle section is. This is Beaded/Pinned because it has a beaded center with pinned sides.

Phew! Long post! But mostly pictures so it wasn't too bad, right?  Prices on these will depend on which style, the beads used, charms added... Like most reasons the prices fluctuate :)

Belated February New Product: New Necklace Options (and New Chains!)

If you've been around my business for awhile, you know that I'm a big one for options. I've always had a couple necklace chains, tons of hand stamping blanks, about 50 Swarovski crystals, over 500 styles of charms… Options! Lots of options! Sometimes too much… And here's more ;-)

Organza Necklaces

These lovely necklaces have a strand of organza ribbon and a couple strands of cord. With a bunch of different colors and shades, surely you'll find something to accent the pendants you've chosen : ) These measure about 17"-19" including a 2" extender chain, closed with a lobster clasp. Add an Organza Necklace to your necklace here.

Braided Leather Necklace

These are faux leather, but still look very nice! These also have a ton of different colors to choose from. These measure 18"-20" including a 2" extender chain, closed with a lobster clasp. Add a Braided Leather Necklace to your necklace here.

Colored Aluminum Ball Chain

What these lack in color options, they make up for in awesomeness. Really, I wanted to have these just for more options, but I like them a lot more than I thought I would! They measure 27" in length, but can be cut shorter if need be. These ball chains are smaller than the basic silver ones, so I can't change the ball chain closure to a lobster clasp on these. Add a Colored Aluminum Ball Chain to your necklace here.

 

You can see more pictures here.

As a side note, I said awhile back that I didn't have many necklace chains in stock. To get the ones I plan to keep stocked, I have to place a large (read: expensive) order with the company, and need to rack up a bunch of orders to do that! Until then I have these great "temp" chains :) They are silver plated and 24" long. The chain is too small for the lobster clasp to be attached just anywhere, but I can cut them shorter for you if you ask - I can also add an extender chain if you ask.

Belated January New Product: Attached Charms

I have been wanting to do this forEVER (which I'm pretty sure I said in the last post too...), and I finally get to introduce... Attached charms!!!

It doesn't work with all charms - they have to be at least relatively flat. As you see on the flower above, they don't have to be completely solid either! I have a variety of mother of pearl beads (like shown above) and other beads to attach these too. I don't think I'll be able to list each one because they will most likely be limited time items, so you can tell me what you'd like and I can see what I have that works!

Initials can go on them too! Can be great as just a pendant on a necklace, just a little bit of spice instead of a regular 'ole charm ;-)

There is such a variety of charms that can be used! And I have hundreds of styles (literally!) to choose from. See (most) of the styles here. If you have any question about whether a charm will work or not, all you have to do is ask! One of my absolute favorite ones that I've done doesn't really look like it would work:

I love the simple look of it, it just looks elegant to me. It does look much better in person though...

These are not only limited to beads though! I have many that I have combined with my hand stamping!

It's hard to tell in the picture above, but the dog tags all say "wife" with each branch ribbon. I'm going to play more with stamping blanks attached to other stamping blanks, with one or both having words or designs. I have more ideas inspired by the heart at the top :)

For pricing, there won't be any set pricing. The price of the charm itself will be taken into consideration but the rest will depend on what it's attached to and what that item is made into. In some of the pictures, you might have noticed pieces of what they were made into... They will be out soon in future releases! I'm going to try to release them quickly, without having to send tons of emails :)