A Bigger View Article: Crafting the Perfect Holiday Gift

Thanks to Sissy and her guests, Karin Spraggs and Adrienne Wong of Superdeluxe in New York City, in this episode we've learned some unique ideas for creating homemade holiday gifts. Beyond the economical benefits of creating a gift from things you have around your home, there is a personal touch of giving someone in Your Big Life a unique present that you've created especially for them. Let's get A Bigger View of crafting the perfect holiday gift.

We'll start with instructions for creating a homemade gift that you didn't get to see in our episode, we'll move on to the instructions for the crafts we did show you and we'll wrap it up with instructions for wrapping your handmade crafts.

Karin Spraggs explains how to use old holiday cards and cardboard to make ornaments.

1. Cut a star out of the cardboard.
2. Cut interesting pieces out of your old holiday cards.
3. Make a design out of the pieces of the cards on the cardboard star and then glue the pieces into place.
4. After the glue dries, punch a hole at the top of the star.
5. Add some glue in the corners of the star and add glitter.
6. When completely dry, thread a ribbon thru the hole.
7. You have a personalized holiday ornament for someone in Your Big Life!

In our episode, Karin showed us how to make these two homemade gifts. Here are Karin's instructions for your reference:

Pomegranate/mistletoe ornament:

1. Measure and cut your ribbon.
2. Attach an eye screw to the pomegranate.
3. Wrap the ribbon around your pomegranate.
4. Tie the ribbon at the top.<
5. Tack the ribbon onto the pomegranate every inch with gold tacks. 
6. Tie the mistletoe to the eye screw.
7. Use that mistletoe to your advantage and find someone to kiss!

Votive candle holder/decoupage with wrapping paper:
Layout your wrapping paper and measure it.

1. Cut out your desired shape.
2. Glue the back of the wrapping paper.
3. Affix the wrapping paper to the glass.
4. Burnish or smooth out the glue and paper.
5. Cut off the excess paper.
6. Add a candle.
7. Wow your friends with this wonderful hand-crafted gift.

Adrienne Wong from Superdeluxe told us how to wrap our handmade crafts:

1. Find an ordinary shoebox. If it is the type with a fold over lid, cut off the lid. If it is the type with a separate lid, discard the lid.
2. Wrap the shoebox with the holiday wrapping paper of your choice.
3. Fill out the box with a few fresh fruits and vegetables and small pumpkins or gourds that you may have left over from Thanksgiving.
4. Place your candleholder, holiday card ornament and/or pomegranate/mistletoe ornament inside.
5. Fill in the spaces with tissue paper or tulle.
6. Use cellophane to wrap up the shoebox. Place the box on the cellophane and wrap it up bringing all four corners together.
7. If you are like us, you have a box of ribbons from past holidays and gifts stored somewhere in your home. Find a nice, beautiful ribbon (satin is a good option if you have some) and use it to tie the four corners of the cellophane.
8. Your handmade gifts are ready for presentation.

Send us your suggestions, ideas and instructions. Don't forget your photos! Email them to us at abiglife@nbcuni.com. Check out more ideas for holiday crafting on Sissy's Tips.

Check out our Your Big Life section to read Sissy's Big Blogs, view more photos from Sissy and more. Happy Holiday Crafting!

Next time you are in New York City, stop in and visit Karin, Adrienne and the rest of the helpful and talented team at Superdeluxe.

MSN shopping suggestions:
Craft Books/Videos
Wrapping Paper
Ribbons




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