We all love giving gifts but most of us are also looking for ways to either save money or to not have to spend any at all. Fortunately, there are many different ways that anyone can create a desirable gift for little to no money. Country crafts are perfect for gift giving. Even the most creatively challenged can make a country craft that they would be proud to present to a friend or loved one. Below you will find a list of country crafts that you may consider making yourself. You may be surprised at just how good your crafts turned out and how willing you will be to give one of them as a gift.
• Baskets – Decorate an old basket with ribbon, or even use stain to change the color of the basket. You can make things like soap, candles, or backed goods to fill the basket with and give it as a gift. Personalize the contents of the basket for the person that you are giving the gift to.
• Towels – Many of the sewing machines that are being produced today have the ability to do some sort of embroidery automatically. You can buy some towels and embroider the towels with country stitchery or have them in country colors of green, brown and red. You may be surprised at just how easy it is to make something like a towel completely personalized.
• Quilts – Creating your own country quilt may seem intimidating to someone who does not consider themselves a sewer, but the process is actually very easy. There are many patters, colors and ideas you can use with country quilts. Start with what you think you may be able to handle. Quilting can be as simple as sewing in straight lines and tying knots. Work your way up to the more detailed quilts. Invite a friend over who can help you get started. Most quilting supply stores should have design kits that you can purchase to help you get started.
• Plaques and garlands – Plaques and garlands can be hung or strung on the wall and can make more of a contribution to the country ambience of your home than you may think. Garland can be created from twigs found right out in your backyard. Bundle them together and hang them on a door or use them to decorate your mantle. Simple plaques with personalized sayings can either be bought or made (depending on your budget and effort level) for very little money.
• Pillows – Pillows are simple to make and cost very little. You can give a simple pillow a country look by adding things like old buttons or antique safety pins. You can also make a star or heart shaped pillow instead of a traditional square. The materials that you use can also add to the country feel. Earth tones and simple or faded patterns (i.e. a floral pattern) give a pillow a more organic feel.
• Frames – Using timber or rough wood where you would normally use a generic type of mass produced wood can give any room a country feel. For example, try using timber picture frames or room dividers with a timber frame. Using fabric inserts is also a good way of making an ordinary piece look extraordinary. Frame some of your favorite country fabric pieces or cut out a portion of a room divider, cabinet, or closet door and replace that portion with a fabric-covered insert. You can give big box store furniture a completely new custom look by making a few small changes.
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