How to Create a Great Gift for Practically Nothing

Are you always rushing around looking for just the right gift for that friend or relative who doesn't really need more trinkets, books, hankies, or perfume? If you have a free hour or two this week, you can create a unique, one-of-a-kind present that is just right for your recipient, no matter what his or her tastes may be.

When my girls were in Brownie Scouts many years ago, the Mother's Day project was ice cream container wastebaskets. Since I had two daughters in that troop, I ended up with two wastebaskets that I still use daily and wouldn't trade for a small fortune. (A large one, maybe, but it would have to be very large.) You don't need any special talent to transform discarded ice cream containers into beautiful wastebaskets your family and friends will enjoy for years to come. In fact, they turn out so well, you will probably want one for every room of your own home.

SUPPLIES YOU WILL NEED:

Empty ice cream containers.

Old newspapers.

Plastic gloves.

Spray paint. (Or left-over paint and paint brush.)

Old calendars or magazines .

Glue.

Clear Spray Varnish.

The first and most difficult step in this project is securing the used ice cream containers. Years ago, they were dumped unceremoniously in the back alley to await the Friday trash collection. Today they are valued by most crafters and you have to be very crafty yourself to beat everyone else to the containers. Some ice cream stores already have a waiting list, so get your name on early. (It sometimes helps if you are already a frequent customer.) You might even offer to buy the containers at a reasonable price. A factor that makes securing the containers even more difficult is that some stores have started using re-usable plastic containers so you are out of luck there. Anyway, get started early to secure the number of containers you plan to turn into wastebaskets.

While you are waiting for your containers to be available, look for old calendar pictures that suit the person you plan to give the container or containers to. Are they cat lovers? Choose the most adorable cat picture you can find. Are they into flying or driving vintage autos? There are lots of calendars sporting pictures of all kinds of vintage airplanes and cars these days. (Pictures should measure approximately 9x12 inches. After the turn of the year, most stores are practically giving away their outdated calendars, or try your local Dollar store. One dollar will buy you a calendar with enough pictures to make a dozen wastebaskets, but try to select something that the person who receives the wastebasket will immediately recognize as a tribute to their particular interests.

When the ice cream containers arrive, wash them thoroughly and let them dry overnight. Then, line them up on newspaper (preferably outside or in a garage) and spray them inside and out with a paint that would go well with the décor of the room the basket will probably end up being used in. Use quick drying paint, but you might want to let them sit overnight to be sure. (Left-over paint applied with a brush works just as well, but takes a little more time.) Use plastic gloves for this part of the project and again when you shellac the wastebasket.

The next day, glue the picture you have chosen to the side of the basket. Use a quick drying glue and carefully smooth out any wrinkles that develop. You can make a border for the picture of colored paper or use narrow strips of black tape to outline the picture if you wish, but it really isn't necessary.

Finally, spray shellac over the finished wastebasket to protect it and give it a shine. The shellac will also make the basket easier to clean.

Your wastebasket now looks like an expensive custom-made gift. It really wasn't all that expensive, but it is custom-made - by you, and I guarantee the person who receives it will love it and think of you every time he uses it. For those extra-special people on your list, tuck a plastic bag filled with nuts or homemade goodies into their baskets before wrapping them as an extra surprise.