Happy Monday!
I know you have been on the edge of your seats since Christmas 2011 waiting for me to show you our 2012 DIY Family Gift Exchange.
I just know it.
As I’ve mentioned before, my extended family gets together each Christmas to eat, play games, and exchange gifts.
The kids have the normal “is it what I had on my Christmas list?” type of exchange, but the adults?
Not so much.
If you are over 20 in my family – now 18 due to Eryn’s rebel demands – you had better get your tools, glue and glitter out and get crackin’.
Why?
Because you must come up with a handmade creation to share with your beloved aunt, uncle, cousin, sibling, or invited guest.
“White Elephant” style without the “gag gift” concept.
These gifts are masterpieces and they certainly start with the moaning and groaning of some who do not consider themselves “crafty.”
But those same moaners and groaners always come up with some of the best ideas!
Today, I’ll share some of what was created and exchanged.
NOTE: My pictures are quick snapshots. They are not set up to be taken with the right light, the right backdrop, etc…. so don’t be critical
Wine Cork Wreath
Drilling holes at each end of the cork and stringing with small-gauge wire creates a beautiful wreath for any season!
Even more so for the wine enthusiast in your family.
My nephew-in-law even took the time to pattern the corks, using only a small number of the same cork and arranging them systematically.
He had to drink a lot of wine to pull that off.
He is a giver!
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Scripture Hurricane
Did you know that you don’t have to have one of those “special pens” to set your ink on glass or porcelain?
Nope!
Cassidy showed us how you can use a permanent Sharpie.
After you write on the surface, place on a cookie sheet at bake at 450° for 30 minutes -
- but you must put it in the oven before you preheat and let it heat up – and cool down – with the oven before you remove it!!
Your writing will be set and won’t smudge off. Hand-washing is still recommended though.
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Scrabble Ornaments & Wine Tags
Somebody’s (maybe my nephew’s?) Scrabble game is going to be missing quite a few pieces!
Their loss.
Our gain!
You’ll need a drill, glue, ribbon and some Scrabble pieces.
Don’t forget to do spell-check. LOL.
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Architectural Salvage Wood Caddy
You may recognize this since it is one of mine.
I provided a tutorial last summer and for this occasion, I filled it with shelled nuts and roasted nuts from our harvest last fall.
And of course, I had to throw in some Peanut M&M’s.
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Homemade Pancake and Hot Chocolate Ingredients
How delicious does this look?
My niece spent some time in the kitchen for this one.
I know, I know. You want the recipe.
I will get it from her and share it in the near future!
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Macrame Hanger – 2013 Style
My hand model was once again the chosen one to show how my sister went retro with this Macrame hanger.
Kind of like riding a bike. Once you learn how to do it, you never forget. (So she says.)
But this is not a plant hanger. That is sooo 70’s.
This is for an ice bucket and your favorite chillin’ drinks – to hang on your patio.
Why didn’t I think of that before?
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Redneck Wine Glasses
Have you seen these before?
The Red Solo Cups are porcelain/ceramic, not plastic.
Bring your own to the next party!
Thedirections to make these would be similar to how I made my cupcake pedestals. You can find the tutorial for those here.
In case you are wondering how we do the exchange…
To start…
All gifts are wrapped, but not tagged.
They are piled high in the middle of the room.
We draw numbers.
The first number picks first.
After that, you can either select a wrapped gift, or steal from someone else.
It can get ugly. Real ugly.
Just kidding. It doesn’t. We are all very well behaved.
It is Christmas after all!
Was Christmas.
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That’s it for today. To see the rest, you’ll have to check out Part Two!
Don’t miss it out on the fun – there is a lot of awesomeness still to come!!
Be inspired,
Linking to:
MONDAY
Cowgirl Up! at Crafty Texas Girls
Between Naps On The Porch – Metamorphosis Monday
Get Your Craft On – Today’s Creative Blog
Home Stories A To Z
Thrifty Decor Chick - First Monday of Every Month
TUESDAY
Tip Junkie
My Uncommon Slice Of Suburbia
Elizabeth & Co.
Coastal Charm: Nifty Thrifty Tuesday
WEDNESDAY
http://www.savvysouthernstyle.net/
Wow Us Wednesdays at Savvy Southern Style
THURSDAY
From My Front Porch To Yours
The Brambleberry Cottage
No Minimalist Here – Open House Party
My Repurposed Life
beyond the picket fence
Transformation Thursday at The Shabby Creek Cottage
36th avenue
The DIY Showoff
Be Different Act Normal
SUNDAY
Debbiedoo’s
Nifty Thrifty Things
Under The Table And Dreaming
Turning lifetime passion into livelihood. It's about time! I'm Shari. I am a 40-something wife, mother, corporate professional turned design stylist, avid sports fan, and usually exhausted 24/7 keeping up with it all. I love my family, my home, my work...and the chaos that comes with it. I also happen to adore my beagle, Scout. 
I’ll say it again this year…that is such a cool idea!! You all are truly clever with your gifts and I think that is so neat!
Wow!!! What an awesome idea. We do home made gifts as well. Luv some of your ideas..
Thanks for sharing.
Cheers, Gee
Those are some great ideas!! Especially love the outside hanging drink holder.
I’ve been looking for Scrabble games at thrift stores around here – I think everyone is scooping them up for diy projects. I can’t find one!
Love your diy gift exchange – the red neck glasses are a riot! At first glance, I thought the cork wreath was a necklace – maybe you could try it that way! Maybe start a trend – I think I hear Vogue calling Turnstyle Vogue now!
Kelly
How creative! What a great idea to do a homemade gift exchange! I love it!
What a great idea! I hope as my kids get older we can do an exchange like this. I hear of so many families where Christmas is a burden instead of a joy because of the expense and the expectations.
Thanks for visiting my blog and commenting. I can’t wait to poke around your blog a little more.
what great fun…thanks for sharing.
Great ideas! I really enjoy your post!
Happy 2013 and Besos from Argentina, Silvina
Fun ideas here and these days when it seems so many people have everything they want, I’m always looking for neat DIY gifts which are generally much appreciated.
One of my cousins does all of her shopping in one day just hitting the stores and buying whatever is on sale. How much more fun for everyone to create their gifts.
All very fabulous ideas! Thanx for sharing them at THT.
do you think you really never forget how to macrame? I did it forever, but even looking closely at it, I don’t think I remember.
what a great way to give gifts from the heart!
gail