Even 'non-crafty' types can give homemade gifts

Michelle McInerny demonstrates a homemade gift project.

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Story Published: Dec 23, 2009 at 10:19 AM PDT

By Denise Whitaker

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Every holiday season we get lists for the hottest toys or the greatest electronic gadgets. But we rarely see a list of the top homemade gifts.

Making gifts yourself can help you save money and make your gifts more memorable and meaningful.

It doesn't matter who's on your list - you can create something special to give.

Michelle McInerny says, "I enjoy getting homemade gifts myself. I know people put a lot of work into them and love, and I enjoy them."

Michelle is the store manager at the Lynnwood JoAnne Fabrics and an expert at guiding anyone, even 'non-crafty' types, to gifts you can create.

Michelle says, "A lot of people are making the fleece throws. The no-sew fleece throws." No sewing at all and a full kit is just $20.

If you don't think you have enough skill to do a project entirely on your own, don't worry about it because they have classes you can take.

There's also an entire kiosk full of free how-to guides, offering step-by-step instructions for a number of projects, including instructions on how to personalize a picture frame.

What better way to give someone a photograph from a special moment this year? All you need is a plain frame and some paper, ribbon or other scrapbooking embellishments.

Michelle says, "You had all the pink in here; you scored it from each corner and then folded it back." Then you just glue the paper’s edges to the frame. "So it's a very easy project, actually," Michelle says.

You can also use scrapbooking papers and embellishments to create gift bags in all shapes and sizes.

Or cut paper with shaped scissors and stamps - wrap around a glass jar or container - tie off with a ribbon and you've got a great candle holder or candy dish.

Here's another no-skill project - fill a glass ornament with paint, swirl it around - and you've got a one of a kind of design.

Need an activity for the kids? They can paint ornaments for a teacher, grandparent, favorite aunt or uncle or babysitter.

And to make a scarf for someone - all you need is a pair of scissors, a ruler and fabric.

Simple steps to great gifts that truly come straight from the heart.

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