Top Ten Gift Ideas for Crafters

Crafters are usually very ambitious people who will try any type of project at least once. That's why you don't have to worry about getting something they won't like-just get them something unique. Here are my top ten gift ideas for crafters.

Jewelry making kit

Jewelry kits make easy gifts because everything they need to make a project is contained in one package. This is the perfect gift for younger crafters or older ones that are crazy about beads. Eye D makes necklace and bracelet kits for under $5. It will make a great stocking stuffer for all ages.

Wooden projects

Craft stores such as Jo-Ann's or Michael's carry a line of unfinished wood projects. You can find birdhouses, shelving, plaques, boxes, and even small benches that come in their unfinished form. All the crafter need do is apply paint and a little imagination for a great wooden project piece. If you know they don't have any wood paints or varnish sealer than you can also add these items to your gift, depending on what you are willing to spend. The unfinished wooden piece will cost anywhere from $.50-$20, while the paints are usually $.99 for a single bottle of color.

Scrapbooking

Scrapbooks are big crafting hobbies as of late. It is easy to find scrapbooking materials at craft stores and even Wal-Mart. Purchase a scrapbook (looks somewhat like a photo album in bulk and size) and look around for some neat accessories. You can find scissors with special cutting edges for patterns, acid-free markers, or little scrapbook objects (e.g. little people or clothing).

Candy making

Even though candy making doesn't seem like a 'craft,' it takes a little crafting skill to go through with the project. Candy molds are usually plastic sheets that have imprinted shapes on them. You can find them for less than $5 at cake decorating stores or in the baking aisles of supermarkets. The candy can be purchased in similar stores and usually come in 'chips' of white or milk chocolate. These chips are melted down and placed in the molds to set the shape. Just buying the models and a bag of 'chips' will cost under $15 and make a great adventure for a crafter with a baking passion.

One stroke painting

One stroke painting is a technique that uses wide, flat brushes to achieve paintings (usually of flowers) with very few strokes. The brush is loaded with multiple colors to make a flower petal or vine when swept onto a canvas, wall, or item to create fast and beautiful designs. There is skill to this, but just about anyone can learn it. You can buy your crafter a book about this technique or a kit that gives you the basics for creating some simple designs. Either way, they are sure to have fun learning this modern method of home décor painting.

Fabric paint and T-shirt

Never underestimate the fun of making your own clothing. With the purchase of a $10 fabric paint kit, you need only to buy a blank t-shirt, bag, or hat for a great gift. Iron-on transfers come in a variety of sizes and styles and can be easily embellished with fabric paint. All together, including some iron-ons, this gift would cost you less than $25. How can you beat that?

Candle making kit

Candle making kits are wonderful gifts around the holidays when candlelight and warm scents are expected luxuries. A simple kit is around $25 at a craft store and comes with the molds and some wax cubes to get started. Even if your recipient knows nothing about making candles, these kits will be a great crash course.

Polymer clay

This may seem like a strange gift, but the uses for this clay are seemingly endless. It can be used to make jewelry, boxes, and figurines-just to name a few. Polymer clay is easy to shape and is set by simply putting it into a conventional oven. It comes in many different colors, including the fashionable marbleized look. You can even buy a set of different colors for as little as $15. If your recipient loves ceramics, pottery, or sculpture this is the gift for them.

Stained glass kit

Stained glass makes a great window ornament for a kitchen or dining room. You might be thinking about those cheap plastic ones at the mention of this kit, but there are actually real glass ornament kits for $10-15 at your local craft store. These kits include the stains, the glass form, wire, and full instructions to complete a dazzling stained glass plaque. And if you think they'd rather have something more Native American style, than try a dreamcatcher kit. It has a similar use and can be found in the same place in the craft store. They are fun, easy, and in your budget.

Leather Branding Tool

These range from $20-30, but are worth it for leather crafters. This tool will brand letters or designs into any leather project with perfect precision. They may be a little costlier than other crafting items, but they are unique and useful for leather lovers.