The holidays are quickly approaching and our gift lists are no doubt growing, here are a few easy tutorials to help you scratch a few names off your list in an environmentally-friendly way that is as likely to please your friends and family as it is to please your wallet.
Terrarium Necklace
What’s better than to be able to carry a little of what you love with you? Learn how to make a little terrarium for your loved one, all you need is a small glass bottle with a stopper, a chain and some tiny plant bits.
http://clossette.com/small-bottle-for-terrarium-necklace/
Camera Wrap
There days, just about everyone owns some kind of digital camera but the cases available aren’t exactly designed for the chic or colorful. You can make your very own camera wrap using reclaimed fabric from just about anything including those old favorite jeans that don’t fit anymore or an interestingly patterned shirt or blanket picked up at a local thrift store. You might choose something particular to the recipient such as a favorite sports team’s colors. And that belt you can never seem to match with anything would make a wonderfully decorative strap.
http://www.designsponge.com/2011/10/diy-project-wool-camera-wrap.html
Necktie Camera Strap
For the corny photographer in your life try this necktie camera strap. Pick out a funky vintage tie for a pop of excitement.
http://www.ecouterre.com/recycle-a-necktie-into-a-camera-strap-diy-tutorial/
Compai Necklace Scarf
A stylish addition to any outfit, you can make out of any old t-shirt. Gifted to your fashionista friends, they’ll thank you for taking the hassle out of fashion.
http://www.ecouterre.com/make-compais-easy-necklace-scarf-from-an-old-t-shirt-diy-tutorial/
Recycled Zipper Bracelet
Check out this funky zipper bracelet, right on trend for the fashion forward individual in your life. Follow Tara St. James’ simple tutorial for your own gift giving plans.
http://www.ecouterre.com/make-tara-st-james-recycled-zipper-bracelet-diy-tutorial/
Vintage Suitcase Pet Bed
Everyone knows someone who treats their pet like royalty or at least like part of the family, and why not a chic little gift just for them? The pet-lover in your life would be ecstatic to be gifted this nifty half-suitcase bed.
http://www.readymade.com/projects/diy_vintage_suitcase_dog_bed
Recycled Leather Phone Case
If you have a loved one who cares desperately about their smartphone, then this is the gift for them. Useful and stylish, this easy to make case requires nothing more than an old purse from the thrift store (or maybe even your own closet).
http://www.ecouterre.com/make-remade-usas-recycled-leather-iphone-case-diy-tutorial/
Texting Gloves
Do you somebody who is permanently attached to their cell phone? When winter comes they just might be the easy gift to cross of your list with texting gloves. Gloves like these tend to cost $40 dollars or more but with this tutuorial, you can make them easily for just a few bucks.
http://www.ecouterre.com/make-your-own-texting-gloves-for-the-iphone-or-android-diy-tutorial/
Christmas Light Jewelry
Pulling out the Christmas lights every year inevitably leads to finding those blown out bulbs. Turn a negative into a positive by making a matching necklace and earring set with this festive little tutorial by Tiffany Threadgould.
http://www.ecouterre.com/upcycle-broken-christmas-lights-into-sparkly-holiday-accessories/
Terrarium Ornatment
How about a gift for the holidays that can be enjoyed all year round? A little garden-filled terrarium ornament. This is a surprisingly simply tutorial that looks fabulously intricate when completed.
Cork Recycle
Are you a wine eficionado? Do you know someone who is? Take advantage of that by upcycling the corks into a funky bathmat or message board. This tutorial will show you just how easy it is to get this designer-looking trend into your gift bags for pennies.
http://www.stumbleupon.com/su/1sj3KJ/inhabitat.com/greenholidaygiftguide/inhabitat-green-holiday-gift-guide-make-your-own-diy-gifts/terrarium-necklace-2/
Faux Pearl Necklace
Make this lovely costume jewelry out of cornstarch clay to excite the thespian or classicist in your family. This project is even fun and safe for kids if you want to get them involved, maybe even a little girls party plans could enjoy a glamorous take home gift.
http://www.instructables.com/id/Easy-Faux-Pearl-Necklace-Made-of-Cornstarch-Clay/
Recycled Paper Bead Bracelet
Magazines galore, out of date school books and junk mailers cluttering up your home? Put that paper to use with this fun and easy project idea. Follow these simple instructions to create a one-of-a-kind gift.
http://www.instructables.com/id/Make-a-RECYCLED-PAPER-BEAD-Bracelet/
Novel Wrapped Sketch Book
Does the crafty spirit in your life have a favorite book? Combine those loves in with this tutorial to create a classic novel wrapped sketch book where they can express their creativity.
http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=6496.0
I hope you’ve enjoyed these easy, fun, creative tutorials for how to make a heart-filled DIY gift thats both environmentally-friendly as well as guaranteed to bring smiles to your loved ones.