So here it is. That time of the year when there is cheer to be had, and cookies to be made, but also presents to be bought and cards to be written. For the procrastinators in the crowd, I’m here for you. This year we no longer have to luxury of going to Target the night before and purchasing a nice present what with all the supply chain issues. So today I come to you with 3 DIY christmas presents for the procrastinators. Whether you are running a wee bit late with your shopping or if you just want to make something handmade, this is for you.
1. Magazine bookmarks
One of my favorite things to make all year round is magazine bookmarks! I love to make these because of their simplicity and also because of the level of customization that you can reach with these.
Materials:
- Magazines
- Scissors
- Paper (for base of bookmarks)
- Gluestick
Optional:
- Washi tape
- Pretty paper
- Stickers
- Packing tape/ laminating machine
Step one: Cut out images.
Now take those scissors and cut out all the pieces that catch your eye. They don’t even have to be actual things, they have be just random snippets from ads or fashion layouts that you think look cool
Step two: Arrange the cutouts
Next, I like to arrange what I would like the final product to look like and take out things that I don’t like or that don’t fit with the idea I have in mind. Sometimes I just wing it though so that’s an option too!
Step three: Begin gluing the cutouts down
Step four: Add extras
I also like to add in some extras that I have at this time like washi tape and stickers.
Optional: Laminate
This is an optional step as well, but if you have the tools, I recommend laminating your bookmark to make sure it stays intact for the longest time afterwards. I actually don’t have a laminator so I just put clear packing tape over both sides of the bookmark to seal it up.
2. Book map poster/card
Do you know someone that loves a certain map in a book? I recommend this simple DIY so that they have their very own copy of that map to hang up and personalize.
Materials:
- Colorscape app
- Access to a printer
- Coloring utensils
Step one: Download the app Colorscape
Step two: open the app and take a picture of the app or upload the picture you already have
Step three: erase any unnecessary lines and extras
(found on the bottom left)
Step four: export the image when you are satisfied with it
Step five: Print it out and color it in or let them color it in!
3. Quote Sticker
The last and final DIY that I present to you is a quote sticker! This gift is perfect for anybody that has a quote from a book or a general quote that they love to live by.
Materials:
- Bowl
- Access to a printer
- Favorite quote
- Water
- Packing tape
- Parchment paper
Step one: Print out your favorite quote
I also love to change the font in different places to give the words special effects
Step two: Cut out the quote
Step three: Place the quote face down onto the sticky side of the tape
Rub to make sure there are no air bubbles
Step four: Place face up in a bowl of water for 20 minutes
Make sure that the paper side is fully submerged in the water
Step five: take the quote and gently peel off the paper. If it doesn’t come off, rub the paper until it does
Step 6: dry and then stick on parchment paper
Viola!
Enjoy!
I hope this helps you in your gifting endeavors, if you do make any of these, tag me on instagram (@ofbookandtale) so I can check it out!